It's a love story straight out of a country song...

Nikki and Nick were one of the couples that won my wedding giveaway back at the beginning of 2020. When I first met with them, Nikki expressed how much it meant to them that they won. They had gone through some hardships while planning their wedding and to know they had won a contest for free wedding photography was a silver lining for them. Upon hearing this, I knew that picking them to win was the right choice. 

Throughout the whole planning process, Nikki and Nick were a pleasure to work with. I could tell their relationship complimented each other nicely, and their go with the flow attitudes let me know that we were in for a fun, stress free wedding day. And they really did carry that energy into the wedding day.

On their wedding day, I met Nikki at Hartford Hill Winery after her and her bridesmaids finished their hair and makeup. We made our way inside of the venue and headed upstairs. After hanging up her dress to get a couple photos of it, I stepped downstairs to let Nikki get dressed. Nikki's bridesmaids helped her get into her dress and with all the finishing touches, boots and flowers included.

Upon walking outside of the the venue, we were greeted by an absolutely beautiful view. The ceremony was set to take place outside looking out over a picture perfect pond and country scenery. We walked around to the other side of the pond, where a large tree gave us the perfect amount of shad for Nikki's pre-formal portraits. If Nikki was nervous, she covered it well. She seemed so cool and relaxed, but I suppose it helps to be surrounded by the positive energy of her bridesmaids and family members. Her pre-formal portraits were full of laughs and special moments with her mom, dad, and grandmother. 

Nikki headed inside and it was time for Nick's pre-formal portraits. The sun was out in full force and shade was scarce, so we chose to do his in the same spot as Nikki's. The fellas showed up with drinks in hand. For them, the party had already begun. Nick seemed a little more nervous than Nikki was, but none the less, the guys were ready to have some fun. After wrapping up Nick's photos, it was time to prep for the ceremony!

Hartford Hill Winery really did a great job setting up for the outdoor ceremony. The owner had expressed to me this was the first outdoor wedding they had hosted since COVID and that the pergola was a new addition. Nikki looked stunning walking down the aisle toward Nick and I could see Nick welling up with emotion. After a ceremony full of laughs and smiles, Nikki and Nick sealed the deal with a kiss and walked back down the aisle as a married couple!

Now that all the nerves were out of the way, we jumped right into family photos and from the family photos right into bridal party photos. The bridal party was ready to have a good time, which always makes for fun photos. We did some near the pond, in front of a barn, and in front of the winery. After the bridal party photos, we moved into couples photos. This gave Nikki and Nick some time to breathe and relax before going into social mode at the cocktail hour and reception. Somehow, we were extremely efficient with our time and ended up having an extra 45 minutes or so before they planned to be done with photos, so we called over the bridal party for some more fun. At this point, everyone was tossing out fun photo ideas, so I went along with it and let them have their creative freedom. Honestly, the were some of my favorite photos too!

After we wrapped up with our second round of bridal party photos, Nick and the fellas lit up some cigars and poured some whiskey, Nikki caught up with some of her friends, and I headed to the reception venue to set up. The reception was at Yankee Lake Ballroom, which has a huge barn feeling to it inside. It was decorated beautifully, but due to the size of the venue, I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me trying to light such a large, dark space. 

The bridal party entered into the reception and made a tunnel to welcome in the newly weds. After everyone had entered it was time dinner, toasts, and cake cutting. As Nikki and Nick shared their first dance, their love and connection with each other really showed through. They were just enjoying the moment, surrounded by their family and friends, it was really beautiful to watch. Once the dance floor opened up, it was a full on party. Many of their guests filled the dance floor and jammed out to some classics hits. Before I left, we popped outside for a quick sunset shot and from there it was a wrap!

Nikki and Nick's day truly was straight out of a country love song.