Bentwood Inn Wedding in Jackson Hole Wyoming

The front porch of the Inn is perfectly framed with a lush garden, and decorated with classic western furniture, wagon wheels and other unique antiques from the region. The creek boardering the edge of the property was flowing beautifully due to the recent snow melt, and a pleasant breeze moved the surrounding cottonwood trees like a song. The ceremony was set with the aisle leading up to the base of three of these trees. It was like they were grown here as a trio for this very moment—it was the perfect spot.

Fairytale Wedding at Castle Farms

Megan planned her dream fairytale wedding from afar as she and Rainer live in Ohio and Castle Farms is located in Charlevoix (which is in Northwestern Michigan). Since their wedding was going to be at such a magically aesthetic place, it was only natural that the getting ready locations match the feeling—the Mushroom Houses were perfect. Both homes seemed to have come straight from the story of Snow White.

Outdoor Wedding in Yellow Springs Ohio

Seth & Hailey’s genuine hearts, devotion, and unbreakable bond made their wedding at Wirrig Pavilion in Yellow Springs, Ohio, a day no one in attendance will ever forget.

The forecast called for rain for the entire day, but until late afternoon there was nothing but sunshine. Seth & Hailey were able to have their first look and take bridal party portraits with us in the warmth of full afternoon sun. When we were finished with portraits, a thunderstorm rolled in and it poured; but the rain only stayed long enough to cool off the August heat. The skies cleared in time for their beautiful outdoor ceremony.

weddingseastlyn brightFebruary 25, 2021Summer, Rain, Ohio, Dayton, Outdoor, Traditional Wedding, WeddingComment

Backyard Fall Wedding in Cincinnati

Melanie always dreamed of getting married at her childhood home, but with the amount of people they knew that they wanted to include in the celebration, she never thought it would be possible. However, because of the pandemic and the need to cut the guest list short for everyone’s safety, her childhood dream actually became a reality.

Melanie & Josh held their lovely intimate ceremony next to her parent’s home on top of a hill that overlooks a stunning view of the lake. It was a pleasantly clear and warmer day for mid-October, so the sunset gave off a beautiful glow through the peak fall foliage that lined the driveway.

weddingseastlyn brightDecember 1, 2020Lytle Park HotelIntimate Wedding, Backyard, Fall, Autumn, Cincinnati, Ohio, Outdoor, Golden Hour, Traditional Wedding, WeddingComment

Acadia National Park Elopement

In the midday sun, with only their immediately family present, they exchanged vows and rings atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This Mt. Desert Island backdrop was an expansive view of the sea, other nearby islands and sailboats.

Afterward, for portraits we spent some time exploring the different overlooks and view points; and then made our way down to the coast to explore the otter cliffs. Lauren & Michael wore their hiking boots, and we scrambled across the rocks as the waves thundered loudly with each crash against the cliffside.

destination weddings, elopements, weddingseastlyn brightOctober 5, 2020Maine, National Park, New England, Outdoor, Coast, Mountain, Beach, Intimate Wedding, Summer, ElopementComment

10 Reasons to Plan an Elopement in Response to Covid-19

With so much remaining uncertainty, couples are not even given hope that their wedding can still happen next year. Like everything else pertaining to this virus, the surge of 2020 couples needing to re-book could not have been foreseen, and therefore, many venues and vendors are already completely booked with 2021 couples.

It’s a devastating mess.

Some couples will still want their dream, big weddings and are willing to wait to have them—that’s completely okay and we applaud your patience.

However, we also know there are many of you that may not want to wait another year or even longer to start your lives together. That’s okay too. We’re here to help. So, in this post, we’re giving you 10 reasons why we believe planning an elopement or intimate ceremony may be a beautiful option for you.

elopements, destination weddings, weddings, wedding inspirationeastlyn brightMay 7, 2020Wedding PlanningComment

13 Reception Table Ideas for Your Wedding

Looking for inspiration for your own unique celebration? We have you covered here—get ready for the dinner (or brunch) parties of your dreams.

We’ve gathered, from the weddings we’ve personally photographed, 14 reception table designs into one post! This lovely table settings collection ranges from simple elegance to wild greenhouse favorites to incredible one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Enjoy!

wedding inspiration, weddingseastlyn brightApril 16, 2020Wedding Planning, OutdoorComment

Beautiful at Home Wedding in Rural Indiana

The song of katydid greeted the morning, and fireflies lit up the humid June night like twinkling stars. From dawn to dusk nature surrounded the day. Open fields dotted in golden wisps, and winsome shade foliage, like giant hosta and fern, joined the narrative. At sunset, puffy clouds turned into a sky garden resembling pink peonies in fullest bloom.

Even the house, where everyone got ready, fit perfectly into the enchanting storybook like scene. It used to be a barn, but an artist remodeled it into a home plumb full of whimsy, adding creative elements, but leaving the rustic charm.

weddingseastlyn brightApril 1, 2020Outdoor, Indiana, Backyard, Tented, Sunset, Golden Hour, Summer, Farm, Farmhouse, Traditional Wedding, WeddingComment

THE JOURNAL

Real wedding and elopement stories, heartfelt moments, and location guides from Ohio, Jackson Hole, and beyond.