Jan 18, 2019

Sarah & Mike // Wedding At Dodd’s Hillcrest Orchards, Amherst, Ohio

As we get cozy for this major winter storm rolling in (not really, it’s a wedding weekend!), I wanted to share another amazing wedding story from this past year.

This next wedding was so much fun! We met Sarah and Mike this past summer and have been counting down the days ever since. They are both down-to-earth, super friendly, and so thoughtful (they even got us matching camera lens mugs!). I really felt like we were photographing for a family member rather than a couple we had just met a few months before. We clicked right away, and by the end of our meeting, I couldn’t believe how quickly the time had passed! Already, we were excitedly talking about the day and how much fun it was going to be. Additionally, Sarah and Mike’s planning was what all photographers secretly hope for in a fall wedding. I mean, what better place to have a fall wedding than a rustic farm/apple orchard?!

The day started out beautifully at the Hotel at Oberlin where both Sarah and Mike were getting ready. The campus of Oberlin College was absolutely perfect for a first look! I loved all the greenery! It was calm and romantic, a perfect vibe for their big moment. Afterward, we had more fun with taking bridal party portraits at a nearby gazebo! Everyone was so nice and all were excited to be a little goofy for some hilarious group photos.

After we finished Sarah and Mike’s taking bridal party portraits, we headed over to Hillcrest Fun Farm in Amherst, Ohio, where we got to ride around in a golf cart to some bride and groom portraits! My favorite part was when I photographed Sarah and Mike in the cornfield. Their faces were framed nicely through all the tall corn stalks as they slow danced and joked with one another! I also loved taking photos of their rings on top of some apples they picked while we were in the orchard; such a special way to show off their bling!

What I love about Hillcrest, is how beautiful every area of the farm truly is! While we took most of their portraits in the orchards and cornfield, their ceremony was tucked away in a breathtaking, woodsy area with a handmade arch (nice job, Mike and friends!) covered with colorful florals and succulents. The greenery, calming string music, and natural setting of the ceremony could not have been more perfect.

Afterward, we all headed into the reception area that featured an indoor and outdoor space where guests could sip their drinks and enjoy cocktail hour. Mother Nature also had a little gift in store for Sarah and Mike! The most colorful sunset I have ever seen made an appearance right before the dance floor open. We immediately ran outside for some more portraits! The light was unbelievable and I am so happy we got to capture that magical part of the evening.

Finally, I have to add, another fantastic part of the evening was when the food truck opened! Their chicken and waffle sliders were soooo delicious and it was a huge hit with all the guests. The line barely died down the entire evening :). This followed by apple cider donuts as the favor (I know, right???) was the perfect fall wedding treat!

Thanks so much for having us, Sarah and Mike!