On Saturday, I had the privilege of documenting Joel and Ainsley’s beautiful August wedding at the Owl’s Nest in North Webster, Indiana. The couple met and fell in love while they were both College Co-ops at Biomet. Now, these very sweet and somewhat nerdy dog parents are settled in Warsaw with a rich community of close friends, with whom they share rowdy game nights, Friendsgiving, and boating outings.

Joel and Ainsley’s wedding day was filled with colorful florals, and despite the dreary weather, the wedding was vibrant and full of life. Dynamic Floral of Syracuse fulfilled Ainsley’s garden party dream and filled the room with zinnias, snapdragons, and other gorgeous seasonal favorites.

This couple put their trust in me and worked with me calling an audible on the photo location on the day of the wedding when rain was threatening to be a major problem. We were able to stay dry and on schedule, and I’m really pleased with the results.

Thanks to all of the professionals who helped make this wedding so pretty and perfect:

• Ceremony and Reception – The Owl’s Nest: North Webster, IN
• Coordinator – Ashley Dillon
• Florist – Dynamic Floral Syracuse, IN
• Hair – Megan Likens North Webster, IN
• Makeup – Jenny Poe Warsaw, IN
• Rings – Bowers Jewelry Warsaw, IN
• Dress – Wendy’s Bridal Fort Wayne, IN
• Videographer Scott Brown Warsaw, IN
• Officiant – Dan Riehl – cousin of the groom
• Food – The Sleepy Owl Syracuse, IN
• Cake/Desserts – The Sleepy Owl Syracuse, IN
• Band – The Bradberries  Toledo, OH
• Special thanks to Ryan Gernand and Karen Hand of Epworth Forest Conference Center for allowing us to use their beautiful facility for rain-free photos!

 

Ainsley wanted to be comfortable, so she got Keds! This fun Kate Spade/Keds collaboration was great for a touch of glamor and a wedding day without foot pain.

Jenny Poe and Megan Likens did a fabulous job on Ainsley’s makeup and hair. She looked great all day, despite being out in the rain quite a bit.

Joel and Ainsley scheduled almost all of their photos before the ceremony so that the guests didn’t have any downtime between the ceremony and the reception. Here’s a look at their first moments together on their wedding day.

Sadly, one of Joel’s groomsmen – his best man, in fact – was not able to travel out for the wedding. (Thanks for nothing, Covid!) Patrick stepped up and did an awesome job filling in, but it’s always a bummer when a good friend can’t attend.

Joel’s IronMan socks were a Christmas gift from his mother-in-law!

I love, love, love the back of Ainsley’s dress!

After we finished up photos at the camp, we headed back to the Owl’s Nest. The rain cleared up enough for the couple to have their outdoor ceremony as planned. Joel broadcast the ceremony to out-of-state relatives via Zoom so they could attend digitally and still be included.

Instead of lighting a unity candle, Joel and Ainsley created unique blown glass pieces in their favorite colors, purple and blue, and gave them to their parents.

Sweet Ainsley wears her heart on her sleeve and I LOVED the moments where her feelings overcame her. She thinks she has an “ugly cry” but I could not disagree more. So beautiful!

Dan, I know you said you’re more of a eulogist than a matrimony specialist, but I attend a LOT of weddings, and I would like to suggest that you officiate more weddings.

When I got home after the wedding, one of the first things I did was tell my dad all about how Ainsley’s dad gave a speech to his “little booger”. It was such a “dad speech” if you know what I mean. I absolutely loved it!

The Bradberries were excellent and really kept the dance floor lively. 10/10 would recommend!

 

Joel’s parents won the Anniversary Dance and joyfully celebrated their win with some fancy dance moves.

Thank you Joel and Ainsley for choosing me. Working with you two was easy, and it was such a delight to make two new friends in the process. I wish you many years of health and happiness. Ziggy and I are very happy for you. Congratulations!