I'm so delighted to share Kate and George's beautiful backyard Ohio wedding with you today.  George and Kate met in Africa a little over a year ago.  Love found them when they were least expecting it, but unexpected gifts are often the very best kind, so they opened their hearts to each other and on a warm, sunny day this past July, they vowed they'd never find themselves on separate continents again.  

(Read more about how they fell in love HERE.)

Columbus Ohio Wedding Photographer The earrings were Kate's something borrowed, the vase was her something blue, the perfume was her something old, and the pearl necklace was her something new.  Ruby engagement ring bridal perfume A sweet note from the bride's sister Marilyn who poured so much of her creativity into George & Kate's day. gold shoes George picked out Kate's wedding shoes for her.  How sweet is that?!  He modeled back in Kenya and he loves to dress with 'swagger' (to put it in his own words) so it's not unusual for him to give Kate little tips on what to wear. pearls Maid of honor, sister, and the lender of Kate's something borrowed. top hat First Look! Kate chose an old train station in her hometown of Barnesville, Ohio as the location for their portraits.  She'd always loved the station so it felt right that their wedding portraits would be there.

Love this shot of Kate.  She carries herself with so much elegance. Pearls are always a good choice.

They hand painted beautiful little signs like this for different areas of the wedding.   Love this moment between Kate and her niece.

Loving the legit sun flare happening in the candid moment above.

The wedding took place at Kate's parents' home, and it made me realize all over again why I love backyard weddings.

Their ceremony was a beautiful blend of cultures.  They had their Kenyan names displayed on the backs of their chairs.  It was a simple and lovely way to honor George's culture. Their family members that were present surrounded them to play blessing over their marriage. They danced their way back down the aisle as the new Mr. & Mrs. Kasoa!

The theme and feel of the wedding was exactly as the bride intended: relaxed, casual, and fun.  Kate comes from a large family, and the whole affair felt like you'd simply been invited to spend the evening as a part of the camaraderie that exists within their family culture.  It was lovely.  They set out yard games, and guests mingled in the yard and enjoyed the beautiful evening until dinner began shortly before dusk.   Because of the way wedding days usually flow, I don't often get photos of a bride alone in the reception, so I l think this photo of Kate taking in all of the details that came together to make their reception beautiful is special.  Wedding days fly by so quickly.  I love that she had a chance to walk through before dinner began and really take it all in.

Sunset photos are always a favorite of mine.

In Kenyan weddings, there is a tradition of "dancing in" the bride and groom.  George and Kate were "danced in" by his relatives and friends, and it was sucha fun and unique moment within their day. I enjoyed that the clear tent allowed for the atmosphere of evening to be experienced in all of its pretty phases.  I especially liked the blue colors of dusk and the way it showed up in all of these photos that were taken before the evening turned dark.

There is something so very inviting about lights in the evening, about gatherings with friends under the stars, and celebrating love.  

They even set off a few fireworks before heading to the dance floor.

It was a perfect evening in all of the best ways. Congratulations Kate and George!  You two have such a beautiful love story, and it was an honor and a pleasure to photograph your day!

 

Special thanks to Mindy Danelle Photography for second shooting the day with me!

VIDEOGRAPHY | Black Red Media + Kate & George's Wedding Video

TENTS, CHAIRS, LINENS | Arise Tents and Events

The bride wanted to extend her gratitude to a few family members who used their gifts and talents so generously to make their day incredible:

Marilyn Yoder - sister of the bride 'for being the most amazing and creative planner!'

Katie Troyer - cousin of the bride who contributed all of the beautiful florals

Kristina Yoder - cousin of the bride and owner of Dream Day Wedding Services for coordinating the ceremony

Sarah & Ruth Mast - for the delicious food they made for the event