Joelle + Mike | A Rustic Wedding at Peacock Ridge – North Lawrence, Ohio

Friends, I am so excited to share this one with you! I met Joelle at her sister Danielle’s wedding a couple years ago, so when Joelle reached out about wedding photos I was so excited! It’s always fun getting to work with a family more than once!

When Joelle told me her venue, I was elated. I’ve never shot at Peacock Ridge in North Lawrence, but i’ve heard nothing but amazing things. First and foremost, they have REAL PEACOCKS there!! You guys… real peacocks!

When we first arrived at Peacock Ridge for Joelle + Mike’s wedding, I was completely taken back by the gorgeous grand barn, the hills, and natural beauty of the property. I had seen photos, but nothing does this place justice like seeing it up close and in person. The family that built this venue truly thought of every detail in regards to a wedding day. They have a tiny little cottage for the girls to get ready, a grand barn for receptions, a pond with the prettiest little platform for ceremonies, and a cocktail hour patio with vintage mismatched furniture and hanging lights (ahhh so gorgeous!) I was so impressed!

We shot the details on one of the tables in the outdoor cocktail patio area and the peacocks were right behind us. If you’ve never seen a Peacock in real life, I should let you know they make the LOUDEST screeching noise. While we were shooting details, one of them fluffed up and made the noise and I think I about peed myself because I was not expecting it!!!

Though Joelle and Mike chose an epic and grand venue for their wedding, they opted to keep their guest list more on the small and intimate side. I really love the simplicity of smaller weddings.. it’s like a close family coming together for an event and nothing is rushed – everyone is so laid back! Another thing I loved about this wedding was the opportunities for portrait locations. Joelle is just the sweetest and gave me full creative freedom to choose any locations on the property for their photos. We had so many options from the pond with swans (so romantic) to an old piano that’s used as a photo prop. I had so much fun with these two! We took a little longer than expected with photos and they were so understanding and kind about it.

Though we had so many awesome portraits from the day, one of my absolute favorites would have to be the reception photo of Mike kissing Joelle’s belly. They are expecting a sweet baby boy later this year, so during their first dance I was so happy to capture this impromptu moment. Every aspect of this day was so special and I was honored to be there! Thank you two for trusting me with one of the most important days of your life! 🙂