Elizabeth and Dan's Rustic Summer Wedding at The Barn and Gazebo in Salem, Ohio
Where do I even begin with Elizabeth and Dan?! It's obvious to even a complete stranger how radiant and joyful these two are when they're together. Their happy, positive, go with the flow attitudes made working with them completely effortless, especially when it was 90+ degrees at their wedding on Saturday at The Barn & Gazebo in Salem, Ohio. They powered through like champs and never once questioned all the weird stuff I asked of them!
We started the day at The Holiday Inn in Salem, Ohio, where the girls were getting ready. The vibe was so easy going that I knew the entire day was going to be one giant celebration! We hung out while the amazing Amanda from Roots Salon Spa & Wellness worked her hair and makeup magic. While the girls were staying cool in the hotel, the guys were putting their finishing touches on the venue and getting dressed.
I sound like a broken record when talking about first looks, but if you are considering doing one, they’re so special! I knew the day was going to be emotional regardless, but knowing Dan was going to get some time in private with his bride-to-be made my heart so happy. On a wedding day, the bride and groom rarely get the chance to take a moment to themselves. The first look allowed them to do that. Plus, witnessing Dan’s reaction to seeing just how beautiful Elizabeth looked was EVERYTHING. And I mean EV-ERY-THING! From then on out, I spent a majority of my day all happy teary eyed behind my camera :P Can you blame me though? There were happy tears around every corner that day, and it was so beautiful to witness!
The evening ceremony took place in the gazebo, followed by a big ole’ party in the barn! The heat didn’t stop everyone from having a great time and getting down on the dance floor. Fortunately, Elizabeth and Dan took a break from the party and let me steal them away for a few more photos! I love sunset photos and am forever grateful for the couples that are totally down for them. But Elizabeth and Dan? I’m extra grateful for them because they went along with all of the insane things I asked them to do throughout the day :P Beyond that, I’m just so happy that they got to spend their entire day surrounded by people who love them and wanted to celebrate their union! Congratulations you two!
Vendors
Venue: The Barn & Gazebo
Hair & Makeup: Amanda at Roots Salon Spa & Wellness
Florals: Michelle McDonald
Stationery: Zazzle
Wedding Gown: Oleg Cassini from David’s Bridal
Groom attire: Rondinelli Tuxedo Company
Catering: Culinary Creations by Chris and Nancy Schenk
DJ: Ohio DJ Pros
Second Photographer: Christie Leigh Photo
Elizabeth wanted to do a First Look with her dad, which I LOVE! Every part of the day was just sprinkled with tears of joy. How sweet it is to know that so many people were THAT happy to be a part of this day!
Then, of course, the First Look with Elizabeth and Dan happened. More happy tears and probably one of the best first look reactions I've seen to date!
Elizabeth also wrote notes for Dan, her dad, her mom and her Maid of Honor to read prior to the ceremony. Dan wrote one for Elizabeth also. And then, MORE happy tears! All that crying and no one's make up budged (because Amanda is a wizard or a socerer or SOMETHING).
Then the ceremony! It was short and sweet and very much personal. Not to mention the big surprise exit with aviators and Motley Crue music.
