After a year of planning, the day Cassie and Dan had been dreaming of finally arrived. They were met with the most perfect September weather and those perfect overcast skies that give the most vibrant fall colors. Their Wabash Indiana wedding was perfectly set in the heart of where Cassie grew up. Surrounded by their family and friends, they pledged their lives and love to one another at Charley Creek Gardens before going to dance the night away at their Charley Creek Inn reception.
.jpg)
As a wedding photographer, it is absolutely important that I click and connect with my couples each year before we ever book their wedding. When it comes to your wedding day, you literally spend almost your entire day with your wedding photographer by your side, so it’s important to have that connection with one another to know your photographer will capture you at your very best on the most magical day of your life. Before their wedding, we were able to hang out for their engagement session at the botanical gardens in Fort Wayne, and it made it so much easier throughout the day because Cassie and Dan already were familiar with me and my posing that would make them look their best!
On the day of Cassie and Dan’s wedding, I had the biggest privilege to capture a couple who had become so dear to my heart through the entire wedding process. From the start, their priority was to be married to their best friend at the end of the day, and their second priority was to have amazing photos to remember the day. They were a dream to work with, because they were so open to my suggestions on tweaks to their timeline to make sure we got all the photos while still building in time for relaxation and enjoyment during the day.
We started the morning at Charley Creek Inn where Cassie and Dan prepared for the day in two of the most stunning suites I’ve been in. The inn is located in the heart of historic Wabash, and it was an amazing venue to work in. I snuck down to the lobby to shoot some detail portraits of Cassie’s bouquet, shoes, handbag, jewelry and rings.
Cassie toted the same handbag that her mother carried on her wedding day, so we made sure to incorporate that into many of the detail shots. Those embroidered floral flats were a showstopper, too, and perfectly coordinated with the gorgeous florals throughout the day.
They had their first look in the alleyway right outside the courtyard, where Dan choked back tears as Cassie pointed at him and told him they weren’t going to start crying and ruin her makeup. Laughing, Dan presented Cassie with the most stunning bracelet to wear on the wedding day – one that Cassie had dropped a few hints about wanting from Ellen’s Bridal in Wabash.
After the first look and some portraits in downtown Wabash, we headed down to Charley Creek Gardens – a beautiful garden where Cassie and Dan would be married later that day – for more portraits together.
As we finished up portrait time and the wedding party began to arrive, the clouds started forming to create the most stunning overcast day for the remainder of the day. Best part? No squinting through the photos or ceremony! Their wedding party was a total blast to be around, and they nailed the portrait time. As a total surprise to their family, Cassie’s cousin Sarah was granted leave from the Navy for the weekend to attend and be in the wedding. Seeing their family’s faces as she walked down the aisle was absolutely priceless!
With Cassie’s uncle officiating, the ceremony was just that much more special. Cassie and her dad Rick shared a beautiful moment right before the ceremony, and Cassie had to feel like the most beautiful woman as Dan began to cry at the sight of her coming down the aisle. As they walked back down the aisle after being officially married, Cassie and Dan shared in the sweetest, tear-filled moment realizing they were finally husband and wife!
After family portraits in front of the gorgeous arbor that Rick made, everyone headed over to the reception. They had decorated the reception hall so beautifully, and they had delicious cupcakes for their guests to enjoy. Their homemade honey favors were such a sweet touch for their fall wedding. And seriously, those florals? So stinking gorgeous!
During dinner, we were able to sneak Cassie and Dan to the rooftop for some “sunset” portraits with the super overcast skies. We still had fun and got some amazing photos… you wouldn’t even know it almost looked pitch black out there.
Back to the reception, and Cassie and Dan were able to get the party started. Cassie and Dan shared their first dance, before Cassie and her father Rick, then Dan and his mother Jane. Cassie and Dan cut their cake and their guests began to enjoy the delicious cupcakes, before Dan and Cassie surprised their guests on the dance floor. With their friends and family gathered around, they shared their rendition of the “Grease” medley as they danced their hearts out in the middle of the dance floor. It was one of the most hysterical, amazing dance floor openings I’ve seen at a reception! Cassie and Dan finished their evening with a floor full of friends and family dancing the night away together – all they could have asked for and more.
Cassie and Dan, thank you so much to you both for inviting me into this season of your life and to capture your beautiful wedding day. It has been such a blessing to walk alongside you as you navigated engagement and planned for this day and for your lifetime together. What an honor to be a part of this day with you and your families, and I know this is the beginning of a beautiful life for you two. Enjoy your honeymoon!
Autumn Howell Photography is a Fort Wayne wedding photographer, serving clients across central Indiana, including Kokomo, Noblesville, Indianapolis, and Bloomington. Learn more about booking me as your wedding photographer!
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Charley Creek Gardens; Wabash, Indiana
Wedding Reception Venue: Charley Creek Inn; Wabash, Indiana
Honeymoon Destination: Aruba
DJ: Paul Howard
Florist: Jennifer George
Cake Artist: Dream to Reality Cakes
Caterer: Charley Creek Inn
Makeup Artist: Kati Anne Blair
Hair Stylist: Pin-Up Curls
Wedding Dress: Ellen’s Bridal and Dress Boutique
