From wedding to micro wedding to elopement to minimony, Dara and Griffin decided to have an intimate ceremony close to home at Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast in Leonard. It was the perfect getaway, nearby but tucked away for a beautiful outdoor setting. Like many couples this year, they planned a large celebration with their friends and family. They will still be having a larger celebration next year, but this year they decided to elope and invite their parents and grandmas.
Dara and Griffin are some of the kindest, funniest, chillest people I know. I was ecstatic and honored to document them on their day! When I arrived it had been raining on and off all day. Normally I am nervous as couples are usually a bit tenser with unpredictable weather, but knowing Dara and Griffin, I knew they would just go with the flow and would happily say I do regardless of the weather. I came prepared with my clear umbrella and rain cover for my camera but luckily the rain subsided just when we needed it to.
When I arrived at Maple Cove, Dara and Griffin were getting ready in separate rooms in the August House. They were extremely relaxed and would make drinks for one another and chat through the door. It was so cute to witness! I love when my couples invite me into the intimacy of their relationship and I'm truly honored that my couples trust me and allow me into that space. Dara even asked me to button her stunning dress from Beloved Bridal and it was a first! Normally I’m photographing all the buttons being done up. But it was so fun and I felt like hanging out with old best friends.
Once they were ready, Dara and Griffin read their vows that they wrote for each other in private before their first look. They had their first look on the front porch of the August House as the rain drizzled. They laughed, wiped some tears away, and were filled with joy to see one another. The relaxation of the day and their intimacy showed on up on camera because they were comfortable and just focused on each other! Dara helped Griffin put on his boutonniere and then we were off to take photographs around the beautiful property. Maple Cove has beautiful trees, an old silo, and lots of tall grass to roam through. It was truly the best location to capture Dara and Griffin. They are both laid-back, no fuss kind of people so it fit them perfectly!
They were married under a beautiful tree and truly enjoyed the intimate ceremony as they both don't like being the center of attention. Their grandmas were the witnesses and it was the sweetest thing ever! Dara’s boss officiated the ceremony and it was absolutely beautiful. After the ceremony, they celebrated with some champagne and cut their cake! Before they headed out to dinner Dara changed into her casual outfit which was the cutest with her Mrs. Kinder jean jacket!
Before I left, I snapped some polaroids. I love to do it for all of my couples but there are times when I get caught up taking photographs that it slips my mind. After I took their polaroids, Griffin commented that he still has their engagement polaroids in his wallet. I love that even the simplest photographs are cherished and it's extremely meaningful to me. I don’t take it lightly when couples trust me and I love knowing that they value those images.
As I packed up, Dara commented that she was sad because it's over. But it’s not because we still have their celebration next year! I cannot wait to document Dara and Griffin again surrounded by all their family and friends.
So cheers to you Dara and Griffin! You survived wedding planning during a pandemic and will have a beautiful, crazy story to tell of your wedding day!
All my love,
VENDORS:
Wedding Rings | Lavdas Jewelers
Wedding Invitations | Etsy
Florist | Love in Bloom
Hair and Makeup | Rachel Carter
Cake | Love & Buttercream
Are you curious about the different types of intimate ceremonies? Do you want to know the difference between each type? Check out this blog to learn more!
If you liked this minimony at Maple Cove, check out this backyard minimony in Leonard!
Considering eloping or planning your wedding? Reach out and let's plan your adventure!
