Jessica + Paul

Have you ever wondered how to get those “effortless emotion filled photos? It’s simple really, all you have to do is just have fun! Trust us, we know how stressful a wedding day can be, but one thing we can’t “stress” enough is how important it is to just let go and be present. Wedding days go by in a blink of the eye, and why would you want to look back on the day with memories of what went “wrong” when you can focus on the most important thing…your marriage to the person you love more than anything else! Jessica and Paul’s wedding this past Friday was the epitome of all of this, and Tom and I were thrilled to capture their day for them! Yes, it rained, yes Jessica got some mud on her wedding dress before the ceremony even started, but guess what? They just laughed through it and stayed smiling throughout the entire day! Actually, even better, they stayed laughing the whole day, we’ve never laughed so much as we did with them!

Jessica and Paul’s morning was just as incredible as the rest of the day, so I’ll start there! I met up with the bride to be and her bridesmaids up north at Jessica’s childhood home, a beautiful place tucked away in the woods and a home to some animal friends as well! I was lucky to spend my morning with not one, not two, but three doggies AND three horses as well! I had my fingers crossed that Jessica might be up for some photos with the horses, and because she was such a chill bride, she agreed no questions asked! Even when the horses seemed to think her wedding dress was some kind of a treat, she just laughed as she told me how they are just big puppies! I wasn’t the only one who got to hang out with animals in the morning! Tom got to spend some time with a boa constrictor, a hamster, and a bird! We were both super excited to meet all the family pets, big and small!

On our drive over to Orchard Grove Farms for the first look, we hit a crazy rainstorm and thought it was going to last for a while, but as we pulled up to the barn, the rain had stopped and the sun was out! Mother nature had perfectly timed herself so we could capture Jessica and Paul’s silly and heartwarming first look. The timing also gave us so much free time for a portrait session, that turned into one of my very favorite moments from their day! Paul was full of jokes and knew exactly what to say to make Jess smile, they have a really wonderful chemistry with each other. We also loved seeing what an amazing trio Jessica, Paul and his son Aiden made. Aiden had been anticipating their wedding for a long time and was most excited for the dance floor. But even during the first look, he couldn’t hold back his excitement as he gave them both huge hugs between every other photo!

Jessica and Paul’s ceremony was held outside in front of the pond. We loved that one of their friends officiated the wedding, he spoke such beautiful words about how weddings are not just about the festivities, but about promising love and your commitment to stay focused on each other and growing in love. As they sealed their vows with a kiss, a shower of rice rained down on them and they were officially husband and wife! From there everyone headed to the barn for dinner and dancing, where a delicious buffet was served, and a DJ had music going getting the party started for the live band, Falling From One, that followed later in the night! After rocking out till sundown, Jessica and Paul made their way out with a sparkler exit!

Congratulations Paul and Jessica! We couldn’t have been happier to spend such a special day with you! Wishing you the happiest marriage!