A Joy-Filled Wedding Day with Golden Hour Portraits
A Celebration Built on Emotion and Ease
Stephen and Lauren’s wedding day was the perfect blend of heartfelt moments, laughter, and an easygoing energy that made everything feel natural from start to finish. With an incredible vendor team and a timeline built around intention, the day unfolded in a way that felt relaxed, meaningful, and genuinely fun to photograph.
Getting Ready in Beautiful Natural Light
The day began with Lauren getting ready at her parents’ home—a space that was an absolute dream to photograph. The room where she put on her dress was filled with soft, natural light, making it easy to move freely and capture moments as they naturally happened.
Some of my favorite images come from these unscripted moments. As Lauren was getting ready, her mom peeked through the edge of the French doors—an organic, fleeting moment that added so much emotion and storytelling to the day.
A Ceremony Filled with Light and Movement
Once everyone was ready, we headed to Saint Sebastian Church for the ceremony. One of the standout moments of the day happened even before Lauren walked down the aisle—capturing her and her bridesmaids walking up the church steps together.
Having time built into the schedule allowed for movement, creativity, and unique angles without rushing. Inside, the church was beautifully detailed and filled with ambient light, which allowed the ceremony to remain the focus without distraction.
Exploring Portrait Locations with Intention
Following the ceremony, the day transitioned seamlessly into portraits. This was my first time photographing at TPC River Highlands, and it quickly became clear how much variety the landscape offers.
Using golf carts to explore the property allowed us to find locations that felt open, natural, and timeless. We waited until the sun lowered in the sky—when the light becomes softer and more flattering—and spent time near the bridge and pond, both of which provided a calm, elegant backdrop.
Why Rolling Landscapes Create Strong Portraits
One of the hidden benefits of wide, open landscapes is the ability to frame couples against the sky. By getting low and using the rolling hills as a backdrop, the eye naturally draws toward the couple—creating images that feel clean, balanced, and emotional without distraction. To read more about my approach to photography check out this article.
A Wedding Day That Felt Effortless
Stephen and Lauren’s wedding was a reminder of how powerful a well-paced day can be. With space to breathe, time to move intentionally, and room for real moments to unfold, the result was a celebration that felt authentic and joyful from beginning to end.
These are the kinds of days that allow couples to truly be present—and that’s where the most meaningful images live. Let’s connect and see how we can bring your wedding day magic to life.
