Less than 12 days ago, I had the privilege of capturing Kaitlin & Joey’s gorgeous outdoor wedding at Country Strong in Goshen, Indiana. The weather kept playing tricks on us. For awhile there, it was 0% chance of rain, then the day before, it turned to 80% chance of thunderstorms. Luckily, on the day of, thanks to a little creativity with timing and a lot of prayer, we were able to have the ceremony outside, on time and no rain! The Big Guy was smiling down on us for sure.

I arrived at Country Strong early to set up the photo booth. The bridesmaids and families were already decorating the barn. I started photographing Kaitlin’s details on a wheelbarrow just outside the barn. Whenever I photograph details, I try and find a location that speaks to the theme of the wedding. For example, if the wedding’s theme was all white, it wouldn’t make any sense to choose a dark or moody background. I want my couple’s story and vision to flow seamlessly through their images.

Next it was off to the guy’s Saloon for pictures. Country Strong has a groom and bride suite, both on opposite ends of the property. It gives their photos individuality and also ensures that they don’t see each other on accident. The guys had blast dressing Joey, especially trying to put his shoes on.

These groomsmen were not shy when it came to photo ideas. I think the image of them all starring lovingly at Joey is my all time favorite groomsmen photo!

Joey had no problem putting on the charm for his individuals!

To the ladies we go! Kaitlin was just finishing up makeup when I came back. Chelsea of Makeup by Keria did a fabulous job! Her look was effortless and truly matched Kaitlin’s vision.

The small antique couch was such a cute place for photos! I wanted to steal it but I don’t think it would have fit in my car lol. The ladies all had matching robes that were monogramed with their initials. There wasn’t a lot of room but the girls had no problem getting squishy together! 🙂

Mom was there to zip Kaitlin into her dress and her two sisters (Allison and Rebekah), did the final touch of putting on the veil.

Kaitlin looked breathtaking.

Just before heading to the ceremony, the Pastor’s wife came in and prayed with the girls.

Ceremony time!

Family Formals!

Loved the bridal party… so much fun!!!

Sisters!

Creatives… wow! We were ahead of schedule so we got so much time to do Kaitlin & Joey’s bridal portraits.

So gorgeous!

The swing was harder to pull off than we thought. I think it’s because it’s on a hill so Joey was so much taller than Kaitlin when she was on the swing. But we still had fun. 🙂

Reception time… First Dance!

Bride and Dad – Groom and Mom

The wonderful speeches!

Cake time!

Shoe game… always funny!

Tosses!

Party time!

Last but certainly not least was the most epic night shot I’ve ever pulled off! Since there was no outside lights to give us a ‘setting’, I knew I had to add more light than usually. If I would have just lite Kaitlin & Joey, you wouldn’t have been able to see the barn and the image would’t have context. So I went with a two light set up but it needed something else. Just another white light on them would have been boring… let’s add color! Since pink is one of the wedding colors, I used a pink gel to change the color of the second light. I pointed it at the barn to illuminate it and also give a circular shape to the light. Then my assistant lite Kaitlin & Joey from the front and the rest is magic! We were able to get these two (image at beginning of post and this one) breathtaking images out of it. It took some time and creative thinking but WOW, so worth it!

To Kaitlin & Joey – I’m so glad we met for coffee last year in Elkhart. We may have had the smallest table but our instant connection was huge! I knew today would be perfect and I couldn’t wait to capture it! You both are perfect for one another and I can’t wait to see what amazing things God has in store for you in the future. All my love – S

See their full gallery here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue: Country Strong Events

Makeup: Makeup by Keria

Catering: Nelson’s

Suites: Louie’s Tux Shop

DJ: EA Pro Music

Photo Booth: Sarah Sage Photography LLC