I stepped out of my car on Nate and Mary’s wedding day and immediately felt as though I had been transported into a fairytale. I swear, I wouldn’t have even been surprised if a squirrel had run up to me and started chatting. Juliane James Place is the perfect venue if you want a cozy and intimate wooded wedding. Nestled in the trees were the cutest little cabins, an alter with beautiful black church benches, and the sweetest tent warmly lit by string lights. And of course the overcast and slightly rainy day only made it feel all that much cozier. That’s what we call, pure woodland wedding magic.

Now, I have set the scene and it was obviously perfect… But when I say that Mary and Nate could have gotten married wearing paper bags in a Walmart parking lot and it still would have been so dang cool… I mean it. Because at the heart of it all, it wasn’t just about the dreamy setting—it was about the way they intentionally shaped their day to reflect what mattered most to them.

First Looks, Sweet Moments, and Why You Should Steal Their Idea

Listen, I will always be the photographer who tells you to do whatever the heck YOU want on your wedding day. If that means saving the first look for when you’re walking down the aisle in front of all your guests—yes, yes, a thousand times YES. However, let me tell you why I was totally obsessed with how Mary and Nate did things.

These two were all about soaking up every moment together and making sure they never had to dip out of their own party. The plan, you ask? A first look before the ceremony, followed by knocking out all their “formal” photos in advance. (And when I say “formal,” I don’t mean stiff or boring—trust me, we had a blast!) Once the ceremony music started, my only job was to capture the magic in front of me. And folks, it was so sweet.

Now, let’s talk about my favorite part: After their grand “just married” exit down the aisle, they kept on walking. And no, not to take more photos or to be swarmed by guests—these two went straight to the venue’s cabin for a little post-ceremony celebration. No planners, no bridal party, no cameras. Just the two of them, taking it all in.

Weddings are beautiful and wild and full of people—but at the end of the day, the whole reason you’re there is to marry your person. So, do yourselves a favor: steal this move. Build in a little time just for you and your new spouse. You’ll thank me later.

The Trusty Camcorder: A Love Story

Okay, my friends, I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up wedding videography at least once in my collection of blogs. I love video. Photos are amazing (obviously), but video has this incredible ability to transport you right back into the moment—something a still frame just can’t do.

So, yes. If you can, hire a videographer. They are amazing, they work hard, and they will hand you the sweetest memories. Buuuut… I also know that budgets are real and wedding dollars disappear quick. Enter: Mary and her trusty camcorder.

Y’all, there is nothing more nostalgic than camcorder footage. We’re talking peak ‘90s home-movie goodness. Mary, absolute legend that she is, carried a camcorder around during cocktail hour, capturing candid, hilarious, joy-filled moments herself. And let me tell you—her friends and fam were living for it. People are way more likely to react and have fun with a camera when it’s in the hands of someone they love. (No shade to videographers—I, too, am just a stranger with a camera to most wedding guests!)

Bonus: You can pass that bad boy around for guests to record messages for you. Hand it off to your cousins, let your friends take over for a bit, and leave it out during the reception for guests to record messages for you. Even more woodland wedding magic captured from a totally unique perspective.

The One Photo You Should Definitely Get

I am all about keeping the wedding-day shot list short and sweet—no need to pile on extra to-dos when you’ve already got a packed schedule. However, if there’s one shot I think every couple should consider, it’s the big group photo.

Why?

1. It’s an epic keepsake—you, surrounded by all your favorite people.
2. It’s a sneaky way to transition your guests from one part of the night to the next.

Nate and Mary knew what was up. They used this trick to smoothly move their guests from cocktail hour to the reception. We set them up right in the path everyone would be walking, made a quick announcement to gather the crew, snapped the shot, and boom—suddenly, guests were on the move to dinner.

This move also works wonders for filling your dance floor. Just after your first dance, have the DJ or band invite everyone in for a big group photo. The second it’s done, hit ‘em with an absolute banger—and just like that, the party has officially begun. I promise, 60% of the time, it works every time.

And there you have it. Mary and Nate’s big day was a perfect blend of intentional moments and being fully present, all wrapped up in cozy woodland wedding magic.

So, take notes. Steal ideas. And, above all, make sure your day feels 100% like YOU.

Now, who’s bringing the camcorder?

The Team of Wedding Superheros:

Venue: Juliane James Place

Dress: Vow’d Weddings

Groom’s Suit: Milbern Clothing Co.

DJ: Instant Request DJ

Caterer: Unique Dining Catering