Weddings

Ben + Carlyn

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Every wedding season we have a spell where we don’t realize it, but we’re in need of a pick-me-up. We always become aware of how much we needed this pick-me-up after it happens and that makes it that much sweeter. So Michael and I have been on the go a lot recently and if i’m being honest, it can be hard. Living at Hampton Inn after Hampton Inn is not a glamorous as it may sound. (We do however get free internet and breakfast which is pretty fabulous in my book!) Sometimes when we’re in a season like this, we don’t realize it but we get to a place where we are being challenged and inspired. Ben and Caryln’s wedding was just that. It was totally fresh and something NEW to shoot! I’ve never had a chance to shoot a gown from Anthropologie’s bridal line until their wedding day and just in case the gown wasn’t fun enough, the apartment that they rented for the girls to get ready is was INCREDIBLE!

Exposed brick, natural light, large golden mirrors…. it’s just a DREAM! Their whole day was a dream!! From the homegrown wild flowers that covered the reception to Ben’s reaction when he saw his bride for the first time… it was all priceless!! I could have photographed their wedding over and over again! There was such a sense of sincere joy that flooded their venue. Family and friends drove in by the dozens! It was a large event!!

They celebrated the beginning of their new life together at The Barn, which is a beautiful wedding venue that fits their personalities to a “T”! Ben loves outdoors, nature, etc and so it didn’t surprise me that their wedding reception took place right in the middle of a rustic barn! And this wasn’t just any ol’ barn… this barn had SO many different levels and nooks and crannies! I loved every minute of photographing this amazing day in the middle of Ohio!! I have come to find out that Ohio is actually quite gorgeous and I told Ben and Carlyn that if I was guaranteed to always work with couples like them, I would TOTALLY shoot in Ohio some more! I still can’t believe it’s over. It’s so sad to think that all of that gorgeous planning and decorating was coming to an end. However, I have a TON of my favorites to show you!!

Carlyn’s style was amazing!! 

yessssss Oh these two are such cuties!!!! This is Caryln’s grandma’s mirror!!  Oh Carlyn…. you’re stunning!  Look at her!!!!! What a dream! Her look was perfect!  Yep. The sweetest moment….. he was just in awe of not only her beauty but of the fact that it was their WEDDING!!
I honestly don’t remember what was so hilarious here …. but whatever it was, Michael captured it perfectly! There’s something about this one that I just love! 

Ceremony | The Barn & Gazebo
Reception |  The Barn & Gazebo
Florists | Farmhouse Blooms
Dress | Anthropologie
Bridesmaids | Macy’s
Videographer | MiMy Media
Invitations | Wedding Paper Divas

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

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