We’ve had a strange spring this year wherein it could be 70 degrees one day and 30 the next. Coats got put away, then pulled back out. Maybe you’ll need rain boots? Maybe you’ll need sandals? Maybe shorts? Maybe winter hats. So in the week leading up to Tarrah and Jacob’s wedding, it was rainy and cold, but the forecast for Saturday had stayed surprisingly consistent, sunny and 60s. (I kept checking it every day.) So when Saturday morning dawned, sunny and beautiful, we all breathed a sigh of relief and rejoiced that it was a glorious day to get married indeed.

Tarrah and Jacob had their wedding at Bella Sala with the ceremony outside by the fountain and the reception directly inside, but perhaps the most fun and unique part of their day were the handmade outdoor games they set up during cocktail hour and the reception. Because the weather was so perfect, the patio doors just stayed open all night and their reception ended up being a perfect flow of inside to outside. Maybe dance a while, then go play a round of human-size checkers, then dance some more, then grab a drink and sit on the lawn. It was, I think, exactly the relaxed, family atmosphere that they had hoped for.

This little one stole the show just a few times during the day.

Tarrah and Jacob chose to do a first look, which meant we could take all of their portraits, including bridal party and family, before the ceremony, freeing them up to enjoy their cocktail hour with their guests.

I loved getting to know these two in the months leading up to their wedding and we had so much fun last year during their engagement session. I knew their wedding day was going to be filled with laughter and jokes and fun; I wasn’t disappointed! Tarrah and Jacob have been together eleven years now, having met and started dating in high school. They both made comments that they knew the other was the one when they either a) couldn’t get rid of them or b) they put up each other’s quirks. But even if their love language is sarcasm, their underlying deep love and faithfulness to each other is evident when you watch them. If laughter is the best secret to love, these two will have love overflowing for the rest of their lives.

There was one, literally one, blooming tree and the light was hitting just right during cocktail hour so I dragged them (willingly, of course) aside for 5 minutes to grab these photos and I’m so glad we did!!! You’d laugh if you saw the set up; we had very little wiggle room. The catering van is directly out of frame on the left side and people were mingling on the patio directly behind to the right and right behind me was the parking lot, filled with cars. But those blooms though…

Golden hour…my favorite, favorite time of the day.

Photography: Emily Crall Photography
Venue: Bella Sala
Florals: Visions of Silk
Cupcake Artist: Molly’s Cupcakes
Caterer: Dostal Catering
Videographer & DJ: MDL Events
Makeup: Lindsey Coblentz
Hair: Country Hair Design
Bridal Gown: Venus Bridal from Hope’s Bridal
Maids’ Gowns: David’s Bridal
Suits: XOXO Bridal
Decor: Old Brick Manor