We had THE craziest day this past Saturday at Jacob and Kara’s wedding. I’ve never seen the weather change so much, and a bride and groom be so calm still. These two knew at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter rain or shine, they will be married! I absolutely loved working with this couple. They really are the most down to earth people I think I’ve ever met. It rained on their ceremony, and they still rolled with it!

We started the day getting ready at the reception location in the bridal suite. Kara and her girls enjoyed mimosas and pastries while the stylists worked on hair and makeup. I was able to shoot some amazing shots of their rings, (How gorgeous is her ring though…) and other details before getting ready photos! Jacob wrote her a card to read before walking down the aisle… It took everything in her power to not cry. The guys, and the rest of the family mingled in the reception area with plenty of sandwiches and other snacks!

After Kara put her dress and jewelry on, she and her dad shared a sweet first look together. I always love allotting time for the daddy daughter first look. It is just the coolest to watch! After that, we went outside to take some bridal portraits of Kara before her first look with Jacob. After shooting her, and that amazing bouquet from Flo’s Floral and Gift Shop, we hid her away inside. We brought Jacob outside to set him in position, then brought Kara outside for their first look. She called his name to turn around, and he just ran to her. Just wait til you see how cute they are united! I could just feel the weight of expectations lift off of their shoulders after the first look.

We went on with the Bride and Grooms portraits, to the bridal party portraits. These guys had matching socks, and the girls held chalkboard signs of how they met the Bride. I thought this was so cute!

Next, we went on to the ceremony. It was sunny one second, and then started to rain about 5 minutes in. They headed under the gazebo to exchange vows, and rings, and then shared their first kiss as a married couple! I have to say, I kind of loved running through the rain with them and the bridal party and guests after the ceremony. They have so much good luck coming their way!

Their reception was so much fun from the get go. Wait until you see the dancing photos! First off, Kara’s sister is so funny. She had enough of that darn bridesmaid dress, and had one of her aunts cut it off. Once that was taken care of, Kara and Jacob shared a lovely first dance together, and then Kara and her dad came out. She knew it would be too sentimental for a slow dance, so they went with an upbeat salsa. Her sister, brother in law, and new husband came out with maracas and sombreros. Ha Larious. Jacob and his Mother danced to one of my favorite Mother Son Songs. Rascall Flatts – My Wish. It is so hard not to tear up for these. They did the traditional bouquet and garter toss, and dollar dance. I always love shooting that! Ill tell you what though, it is HARD work for the Bride.

We ended the night with a photo outside by the gazebo. I wanted to try something untraditional rather than the “gazebo shot”! I am so glad we went out, the sky cleared up, and the light was gorgeous.

Jake and Kara, you guys handled this weather like absolute champs. I am so honored to have been your photographer for your wedding day. I just love that you don’t stress about the minor things. I think this says a lot about how your marriage will be! I absolutely loved working with you two, and your loving family. They are hilarious. You are surrounded by so much love and support it is amazing. Thank you guys so much for having me. You two are so blessed, and I know you will have such an amazing life together.

XOXO Jaclyn

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: JACLYN ANDERSON | J.JAE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: THE BARN AT LIGONIER VALLEY

CATERING: CARSON’S CATERING

GOWN: MB BRIDE, GREENSBURG PA

TUXEDOS: MODERN TUX, GREENSBURG PA

DJ: TOM BARNES | DJ TOOTH

FLORALS: FLO’S FLORAL, HOMER CITY, PA

CAKE: VIOLA’S BAKERY

HAIR AND MAKEUP: JOELLYN MORGAN, JENNIFER LABELLA

Categories: Uncategorized, WeddingsTags: Barn Wedding, gazebo, outside ceremony, rainy day wedding, succulents, wine