I’ve adored Alex and Allison ever since the very first time we talked over coffee. Their love for each other beamed out of every pore, and I couldn’t wait to photograph them. You may remember them from their summer engagement session at Ault Park. Since then, our friendship has developed, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I must also add, these two are also talented creatives: Allison, an illustrator, and Alex, a landscape photographer.

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As lovers of the outdoors, they chose to hold their intimate wedding ceremony at Hocking Hills — Cedar Falls. And so, on the Wednesday morning of their wedding day, I met them, and their dear friends and family, at their cabin in the woods. Allison helped Alex get ready, but Allison was assisted by a friend, as Alex had not yet seen Allison in their dress. I loved their nontraditional outfits; Allison’s hiking boots were perfect, while patterns, bowties, and suspenders are always a favorite of mine.

Soon after, they saw one another for the first time. Alex’s reaction is one of my all time favorites. With smiles and tears, both from the couple and their loved ones, it was certainly one of the most emotional parts of the day. Then, we were off. With a short hike down to the riverbed, the ceremony began, with the golden sun shining down on them. Tears were aplenty during the vows, and their friends surprised them with personalized ring boxes. While we weren’t the only ones in the park that day, it felt as though we were. The river streamed beside us and leaves ruffled in the wind, but the world seemed stopped in that very moment. It was perfection.

After joyful hugs were shared by all, we ventured off for portraits. It was beautiful to see the place where Alex and Allison had traveled to, and fell in love with, many times before. Once again, these affectionate souls made my work easy, and we had so much fun creating these photographs. After awhile we found ourselves back at the cabin for a toast, but not before Allison gifted Alex an Adventure Book. Such a thoughtful wedding present as they embark on life together.

The following Sunday, Alex and Allison celebrated with a reception at MadTree for all of their friends and family. More toasts were shared, and a surprised first dance was planned by Alex for Allison, sang by a friend.

VENDORS
Ceremony: Hocking Hills, Cedar Falls | Reception: MadTree Brewing
Officiant: Mark Wiesner | Florals: Piepmeier Florist | Cake: Maribelle Cakery
Jewelry: Stout Woodworks | Stationery Designer: Allison Ranieri