Sometimes you don’t really need a fancy, top of the line, extravagant wedding venue. Sometimes you just need a creative vision and some elbow grease.

Whitney and Jacob’s day was family and friend focused to the nth degree. Because Whitney’s dad’s health had taken a turn, they opted to move their date up a whole year. It was truly a family affair. Everything had a touch of childhood memories – from the truck Whitney arrived in to the signage in the barn doubling as decor. And you just know how that sentimental stuff tugs at my freaking heart strings. Something I’d never experienced before was the pastor asking everyone during the ceremony to take a few minutes and just hug and greet people.. picture all of W + J’s loved ones – childhood friends, Washington DC friends, their college pals, co-workers, cousins and aunt and uncles – just hugging each other. They may have never met but they had at least one thing in common – their love for the bride and groom. CRYING. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this was a wedding full of thought, care, and intimate details that made it so unique.

Getting to photograph such a huge day in Whitney and Jacob’s lives where little Whitney was once running about as a 6 year old – it doesn’t get much better than that. I photographed the details on the kitchen counter giving it a lived in feeling along with the calendar with real life activities. It was a celebration of love, heritage, and the start of a new chapter in a place that held so many precious moments. Be still my heart.

A wedding is truly about the community that surrounds you, the history you come from, and the memories you’re building together – sure sounds like something to celebrate!

Photographer – Carissa Scott