Enjoy!

It’s hard to know where to begin with Jordan and Bianca’s summer wedding at the Cabins on Strawberry Hill. Not because there was a lack of meaningful moments—but because the entire day was full of them.

It was the kind of wedding that felt less like a production and more like a heartfelt gathering: family from around the world, laughter echoing under the pine trees, personal touches tucked into every part of the day, and a deep sense of presence between two people who love not only each other, but everyone around them.

The whole day felt like them: connected, heartfelt, and vibrant. It wasn’t about perfection or extravagance. It was about presence. About meaning. About creating something beautiful without needing to go over-the-top.

They leaned into what mattered most: being surrounded by the people they love in a place that means something to them. From the Romanian circle dance to the charm with Bianca’s grandma’s photo tied to her bouquet… from faux florals that looked anything but, to spontaneous cheers and teary hugs, it was honest-to-goodness celebration at its finest.

Bride and Groom Prep

In two separate but side-by-side cabins, Jordan and Bianca got ready surrounded by their closest people—laughter echoing through walls, details coming together, deep breaths and happy nerves settling in. Bianca’s room was full of energy and emotion, a beautiful kind of chaos that comes with ten bridesmaids and one bathroom (they pulled it off with grace!). Jordan, steady and calm, prepped with quiet confidence. From tying ties to fastening the sweet gifted cuff links from Bianca, every moment was laced with meaning.

Bridal First Looks and Moments

We usually do bridesmaid first looks in the cabins, but when there are 10 bridesmaids plus mom and your godmother, you go outside. And I LOVED the vibe and energy of it. It was perfect!!

Bianca shared a touching portion of the day with her Mom and sister as they read letters and played songs to each other. It was so sweet and was such a beautiful way to really honor the love and legacy of the day.

I always love a Father Daughter First Look. Even the tough dads get a bit misty, and it’s the best!

Bride and Groom First Look

For me personally, this wedding carried extra emotional weight. The night before, I stood at the funeral of a past couple—friends who tragically passed away in a plane crash. I was surrounded by photos I’d taken of their engagement, wedding, and family. Less than 24 hours later, I stood again with this beautiful couple at the beginning of their marriage journey.

Life and loss. Grief and joy. The sacredness of this work is never lost on me—but Bianca’s compassion that morning was something I’ll never forget. She gave me a hug. She asked if I was okay. And when she stood quietly before her first look, bouquet in hand and eyes misting over at the photo of her grandma Rose tied to the ribbon, I had the honor of repeating her words back to her: “It’s okay to be human on your wedding day.”

That Pinky Promise…it was adorable!!

Little did guests realize…while they were walking down the center lane to the ceremony site, we were just on the other side of the cabin getting a few quick portraits of Jordan and Bianca after their sweet exchange of vows. I love this moment for the couple to be together, to calm nerves and get extra excited for the ceremony, and to take a deep breath of love and reassurance.

Summer Wedding at Cabins on Strawberry Hill: The Ceremony

They stood under the tall pines surrounded by family and friends from all over the world, and you could just feel how much love was in that space. Their officiant was incredible—funny when she needed to be, serious when it mattered, and totally dialed in.

One line she said really stuck with me: “It’s not about finding the right person—it’s about being the right person.” Marriage is not about losing yourself in the other, but showing up fully, giving your all, and building something real together. That’s exactly what this ceremony felt like: real, rooted, and overflowing with love.

This next moment…when Bianca comes around the corner and see’s Jordan and all of her guests for the first time, this is one of my favorites!!

Look at that excitement!! It was perfect!

Wedding Party

We’d originally planned to do wedding party photos before the ceremony, but with everyone getting ready in one cabin (and sharing one bathroom!), things naturally ran a little behind. Everyone rolled with it so graciously when we changed up the timeline to keep the various first looks in place before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we pivoted, powered through family photos, the full wedding party, and the marriage license signing—and somehow made up 40 minutes of time. We ended up only five minutes behind. I was so impressed by their good nature and how they showed up ready to help make the day flow. Total MVPs. It was clear they weren’t just here for the photos—they were here for the people. And I loved getting to watch how each person played a part in holding space for Jordan and Bianca to soak it all in.

Summer Wedding at Cabins on Strawberry Hill: The Reception Space

Grandpa reading Jordan and Bianca’s wedding newspaper was adorable. I couldn’t NOT take a photo while we waited for the Grand Entrance to start.

I love when a Grand Entrance goes right into the first dance. The energy is high, everyone’s already gathered, and the light is so pretty!!

Sunset Portraits

Right after dinner (which—side note—was delicious), we snuck away for some golden hour magic.
I checked in with Jordan to see how they were feeling about sunset portraits, and he was so sweet and relaxed: “We’re good! We’re full for now but we’ll be back to snack later.” We asked a friend to grab their sweet pup Mila, and then slipped into the forest just behind the cabins. The light? Absolutely everything I’d hoped for. They were so at ease with each other, totally game for anything, and just radiated that “we’re really married now” kind of joy. It was calm and connected and beautiful—one of those sessions that fills your creative cup right to the top.

Once we got their fun photos with Mila, and she went back to the air conditioned cabin, we focused on Bianca and Jordan together and it was magic.

Wedding Reception Events

Bianca and Jordan met on Hinge almost four years ago, and as the Maid of Honor so beautifully put it, Jordan doesn’t dim Bianca’s light—he elevates it (thus elevating them together and strengthening their connection). You could feel that truth woven through everything.

Bianca, with her grounded joy and take-charge sparkle. Jordan, with his steady, quiet strength, supporting and uplifting her in ways that spoke volumes—especially the small, unnoticed ones. (Like gathering guests for a sweet video message compilation while she danced the night away—one of my favorite behind-the-scenes memories.)

After the laughter and tears from the toasts had settled, it was time for the parent dances.
Sweet, heartfelt, and full of pride, these moments always get me—and this time was no different.

With the formal dances wrapped up, it was time to lighten the mood—and the shoe game was the perfect way to do it. These two had everyone laughing with their answers, and it was such a fun way to show off their dynamic.

And of course the bouquet toss!

I always tell couples—if a tradition doesn’t fit, cut it or make it your own.
Jordan and Bianca took that to heart in the best way. Instead of a traditional cake cutting, they had a table full of pies and a Romanian dessert I still need to track down the name of (from my memory that night and googling around I think it might be Cremsnit, but I’m not 100% sure on that). It had these impossibly thin, flaky layers and a custard-like top… and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. People dug into it IMMEDIATELY and I never got a good picture of an individual piece, because it was just that good. Whatever it was, it was delicious—and such a perfect reflection of their roots, their people, and the cozy, welcoming vibe they created all day long.

Open Dancing

We kicked off open dancing with the big group photo—a tradition I love for getting everyone on the dance floor right from the start. My second shooter climbed up on the fence to grab the shot (because let’s be honest… if I tried that, we’d be telling the story of the time I fell off a bar and knocked over bottles of alcohol… only this time I’d probably end up with a broken arm—when I couldn’t find a steady way up the fence, she scaled it without hesitation 😅). From there, the party took off. There was joy, there was movement, there was an incredible Romanian circle dance that pulled in guests from all generations—and it was just one of those dance floors you didn’t want to leave. The best kind of ending to a day so full of heart.

As the last songs played and the lights twinkled above the dance floor, it hit me again just how much care and intention these two poured into their day. Not in a flashy or over-the-top way—but in the kind that lingers. The kind that reminds you what really matters.

The people.
The memories.
The love that shows up in big moments and in quiet background ones.

From the first email to the final hug, it was an absolute joy to walk alongside Jordan and Bianca through this season. The trust they offered, the space they held, the way they welcomed me into it all—I don’t take that lightly. It’s what allows me to do what I do: witness, support, and quietly help the day flow with intention and care.

I could write for days (and if you’ve read my blog before, you know I sometimes do), but I’ll let the photos and words rest and to do their job of settling in hearts. Because the story they tell? It’s one of love, legacy, and joy worth revisiting again and again.

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Jordan & Bianca —
Thank you. For your trust, your kindness, your presence, and your wholeheartedness. Thank you for checking on me in the middle of your big day. For dancing in the golden light. For caring more about your people than about perfection. You two are a gift to each other—and to everyone around you. I’m so lucky I got to be there to witness the start of this new chapter. I can’t wait to see the life you build together.

Cabins on Strawberry Hill Vendors and Creative Team

VENUE: The Cabins on Strawberry Hill
PLANNER:  Cedar and Sage Weddings
HMUA: Boss Beauty
DRESS BOUTIQUE: David’s Bridal
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Mr Formal
FLORIST: Something Borrowed Blooms
WEDDING STATIONERY: Minted
OFFICIANT: Happily Ever Laughter
CAKE & DESSERTS: Rock Springs Cafe
CATERING: Casey’s Catering
DJ: Impact DJ’s
PHOTOGRAPHER: Marquette LaRee with Kate Mower as Second
VIDEOGRAPHER: John Houston Films
BARTENDER: Olive R Twist

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