It was not what one would consider a beautiful spring day–the winds were extreme (!!), the temperatures frigid, and the sky completely overcast–but inside Walker Homestead, it was beautiful and warm with lots of pastels and punches of richer colors, like the bridesmaids, who all wore different colors that turned out to be so perfect together, and, of course, the wooden tables and my favorite mis-matched collection of china dishes.

The wind was definitely our biggest hurdle. (I checked later and it was in the 30mph range.) Because of the direction and force of the wind, we were limited for outdoor spaces. Not only did it take hair and dresses and flowers, but it was also bitterly cold. So, yeah, photographically, not a great look and not comfortable for anyone either. I walked around the entire venue checking to see if there were any wind breaks anywhere. The beautiful vineyard and rolling fields were brutal so those were out. The tree line wasn’t against the wind so that provided more of a wind tunnel than a wind block. The light inside the venue is wonderful, but there were enough tables and things that there wasn’t a clear space in there unless we did some major upheaval.

So I did what one does and got creative. The best (read: only) outdoor space that had a bit of wind block was at the entrance to the venue where there is a small corner section (that was what was providing the wind break) so, with permission, we took down the sign, moved the bureau, and wiped down the walls. Tiffany (Studio Bloom) had made two gorgeous arrangements of flowers for the ceremony and we moved those to this area to give it a pop of color and blend it with the overall wedding scheme. I cannot emphasize enough: this space saved the day. It was still cold and breezy, but it was manageable in this spot and we were very close to the doors to pop inside for warming breaks. I stood in the parking lot (the bushes in the foreground are between the parking lot and venue walkway) and we used every inch of this area to its maximum potential.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Venue: Walker Homestead

Florals: Studio Bloom

Hair & Makeup: Aurora Blush

Bridal Gown: Embody Bridal

Jewelry: Hand’s Jewelers

Live Watercolor Paintings: Fruited Paint

DJ: Davin Titus

Late Night Snacks: Marco’s Grilled Cheese

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Piper, you absolute goddess.

When I say that, despite the weather that day, the reception felt like a gorgeous spring day, this is what I mean.

If you want to absolutely wow your guests, this is how you do it: you hire a watercolor artist to do live paintings during the reception. Kaylee (Fruited Paint) is an amazing artist and her set up is simple for guests, portable, and quick. I cannot tell you how delighted guests were to participate in this. These were their instructions:

• Take a photo (with your date, your family, the couple…)
• Send the photo via airdrop or text to Kaylee
• Be patient! 

I don’t have the count right now, but I’m definitely going to ask her how many she ended up painting. The process was so fun to watch and this is definitely a party favor any guest would love.

There was a moment when the sun came out (a surprise to us all!) and so I told Piper and AJ that we were going to see if we could get some photos outside with the vineyard and hills in the background. We all knew the wind was going to be cruel, but I told them not to worry about hair or dress or anything at that point. Just walk toward the vineyard, lean in for a kiss and a twirl, and walk back to me. It took less than three minutes.

The biggest of congratulations to Piper and AJ!!! April 4th marked 7 years since they had officially started dating and now it is also their wedding anniversary.