A Whitetail Woods Wedding– doesn’t that just sound so romantic? Not only is it alliterative (three w’s in a row!), but it makes me feel as though deer should be prancing in meadows with golden light spilling over the prairie. Kate & Justin’s wedding felt like that– joyful, authentic, and filled with sunflowers. These two literally conscripted family members to grow the sunflowers used in all of their decor (way to go, families!!)
The New Plan
Katie & Justin originally planned to tie the knot at the Grand in downtown Northfield. When the pandemic struck, they dialogued through the rough realities of weddings in the midst of all the regulations. When they called me to tell me their new plan, all I could say was this: you two are so courageous! While their choice came with many hard realities, it also came with so many beautiful things to say yes to. Yes to choosing when they will be married, and not letting the pandemic push their date back. Yes to an outdoor ceremony and reception. Yes to creating something entirely new and leaning on loved ones to accomplish it (with an epic playbook!)
A Whitetail Woods Wedding filled with personality
This venue so perfectly suited Katie & Justin, because they both love the outdoors! As avid fishers, it made me smile to see us using the beautiful grounds for such stunning portraits! So many unique touches came together to show their personalities. (Also, I love the puns of each of theses!) They gave their guests “snackle-boxes,” invited attendees to sign a guest log (an actual wooden round!), they kept their cuisine low key and local. Martha’s Eats & Treats, thank you so much for that delicious pie! Katie’s wedding shoes (and something blue): new fishing shoes!
Family Heirlooms
Katie & Justin displayed a lot of their family tree at the reception table. One of the most unique portraits I’ve ever taken is a recreation of Katie’s grandparents wedding photograph- scroll to find it (I placed it out of chronological order to make it easy on you!) I think replicating this pose brought out the most laughs from the family! This same grandmother from the photograph wore the diamond with which Justin proposed! A beautiful white gold setting which I photographed as much as I could. Katie told me how as a 9 year old she longed to wear it – and with Justin her dream finally came true! Justin’s cufflinks were also an heirloom belonging to his grandfather. So many other Lavasseur traditions reigned– such as red socks and suspenders!
Katie & Justin,
I love your humor. I love your spunk and can-do attitudes, and the way you enjoy each other and hold on to the most important things in each moment. May your marriage be as stunningly full of good tears and smiles as your wedding day. May you track each other’s hearts like sunflowers track the light. I can’t wait to see you in the wild!
Joyfully,
Jennifer
The Creative Team
Venue: Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Empire Shelter
Bride’s Dress: Weddings by Deb
Florist: Judy’s Floral Design
Groom’s Attire: Custom tailored from Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Peony & Laces Shop
Sunflower Seed Favors: Watch Love Grow
Photographer: Jennifer Sanders Photography
add a comment
+ COMMENTS