A Magical Backyard Wedding: Holly & John

Holly & John

Oxford, OH – June 11, 2022

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of capturing the magical backyard wedding celebration of Holly & John. When two artists get together, you can guarantee they are going to throw an amazing party. So it was no surprise that all day long each and every detail Holly & John chose made me swoon.

The day started with Holly and her bridesmaids getting ready at the The White Garden Inn and John and his groomsmen getting ready at Mary’s Hideaway. Highlights from The White Garden Inn were the vintage inspired third floor bathroom, the gorgeous gardens, and the wrap around porch where Holly has a first look with her dad. Highlights from Mary’s Hideaway include the stunning victorian furniture and crystal chandelier.

We all met at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for Holly and John’s first look, followed by portrait sessions with the wedding party. One of my favorite moments was when Holly and John gifted their little daughter Ivy a special necklace to memorialize the day.

The ceremony was bright and warm, featuring a live string music, a troupe of adorable flower girls and a ring bearer. Afterwards Holly and John exited the church under a shower of flower petals, and hopped into a white getaway Jeep that Holly’s grandfather had rebuilt.

The reception was hosted at Holly’s family farm. And to say it was beautiful is an absolute understatement. Holly’s dad planted patches of bright wildflowers around the reception area in preparation for the party, and the white tent nestled into the banks of Horseshoe Pond. Twinkle lights hung in the trees over a two more vintage jeeps whose beds had been outfitted with an abundant charcuterie spread. A lemonade stand, a vintage popcorn maker, a draft beer station, and a three piece band with a stand up bass kept everyone from the toddlers to the grownups fully entertained.

I felt like I was transported to a whimsical country fair in the French countryside.

We kicked off the night with a campaign tower, a toast from Holly’s dad, and a prayer from the minister. Then dinner was served. The tables looked magnificent with an array of mismatched vintage china and vibrant florals.

Later Holly and John cut into a gorgeous multi-tier wedding cake. It featured a ceramic likeness of the couple made by their friend and artist Logan Reynolds.

Before the sun went down, we took a moment to frolick in the beautiful green feilds around where Holly grew up, and then spent the rest of the evening dancing, thanks to DJ Chris Raubenstraw spinning real vinyl.

It was a party I will never forget! I am so happy for Holly and John, and I can’t wait to see how their family will continue to grow over the upcoming years.