This beautiful winter wedding in Bucyrus, Ohio was one for the books! We prayed for snow on this day (for about a year actually), but instead we got a morning full of rain. But that didn’t stop anyone and thankfully we were able to sneak in some bridal party and bride and groom portraits in the afternoon, NOT in rain!

Makayla is my husband’s cousin, and since my husband and I have been together for 11 years, I have known her for a long time! I took her senior photos for her and some family photos over the years, so it felt like the perfect step to photograph her wedding!

The wedding was held at the beautiful location of Pickwick Place, with the ceremony being on the first floor and the reception on the second floor. What a BEAUTIFUL location! The edision lights hanging in the reception area and the wood work throughout, made the venue a great mix of “urban and rustic” all in one.

One of my favorite moments from this wedding was after the ceremony when Makayla’s mother (Jodi) gave the bride & groom the surprise of their life. Makayla’s great grandpa (who has long since passed away) had an old 1971 Chevrolet stepside pickup truck that hadn’t run in years. Unbeknown to Makayla, the truck was fixed up for the wedding! After the ceremony, Makayla and Jake walked through their guests (who were all throwing fake snow!) to where the truck had been pulled around to pick them up. Both of them were SO surprised, tears were shed and so many emotions were going through each of their heads. It was such an amazing moment, and one I am so glad that I was there to capture it!

If I can leave future brides with a tip, it’s this: as a bride, anything can be thrown your way. But this day is about you and your groom, not about anything else. Things are going to happen, for the good and bad, but just be prepared to tackle each “thing” to the best of your ability. God will give you the sign to do the right thing, so trust him. We will get through this, together. And don’t forget…I am here to help you in any way that I can!

Huge shout out to the following vendors that made this day possible:

My awesome second shooter: Jennifer Leigh

Venue: Pickwick Place • Bucyrus, Ohio

Bride’s and Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Twirl • Kenton, Ohio

Groomsmen Suites: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Belle Fleur

DJ: The Class Act by Bob Norris

Cake: Eston’s Bakery

Catering: Graze On

Wedding Invitation Suite: Perfect Pixels and Design by Diana (Me!) and bride

Hair and Make Up: Airbrush Beauty