Emma & Austin’s Intimate Hocking Hills Lodge Wedding
Emma and Austin traveled from North Carolina to the Hocking Hills for their October wedding, drawn to its nature setting, top-tier staff, and central location for guests.
From our first call, we bonded over a love of film photography.
I was thrilled when Emma asked to incorporate that artistic, analog aesthetic into her coverage.
New River Gorge: Adventure Engagement Session
Before the wedding, Emma and Austin needed engagement photos for their announcements. We met halfway at New River Gorge in West Virginia.
How We Found the Perfect First Look Location
Emma & Austin opted to start their wedding day with a First Look, skipping the getting-ready coverage entirely. Our original plan was to have a first look at Upper Falls, but knowing their need for privacy and anticipating heavy visitor traffic, I recommended a location shift during our last check-in call before the wedding. This was the right call: driving past the park on their wedding day, I saw hundreds of cars parked illegally alongside the road.
A small, random patch of forest near the lodge with beautiful, soft light ended up being the perfect spot for their first look and private vows.
Leaning into the Light: Documentary Aesthetic
After their private vows, we continued with couples photos. While a newer photographer might cringe at the harsh angles of midday light, I decided to lean into it. Emma loves the documentary film aesthetic—the unique angles, candid moments, movement, and light flares—so we embraced the challenge as an artistic opportunity.
Instant Memories
While there, I pulled out my Polaroid camera so Emma and Austin could snap a few fun photos of each other.
Prioritizing Connection on a Wedding Day
Following the ceremony, Emma and Austin had a private dinner for two in the reception space before joining their guests for the end of the cocktail hour, ensuring they had an uninterrupted moment together. The evening concluded with a final portrait session at the scenic Whispering Cave trailhead.
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Published Worldwide, Nationally Recognized
My work has garnered global attention, appearing in esteemed publications such as Dancing With Her, WeddingDay, and Wandering Weddings. I have also been honored with several prestigious state and national photojournalism awards.
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