Jessica and Justin were married in one of the sweetest, romantic ceremonies I’ve witnessed, as their nearly 300 guests cozied up inside for their intimate fall wedding in Peru, Indiana as the rain poured from the sky outside. By the time they were officially husband and wife, the skies gave us a break and allowed for some beautiful lighting at the end of dinner for these two to sneak out for some evening portraits – my favorite!
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These two are one of the most laidback, relaxed couples I’ve worked with, which was great, because their wedding day definitely required flexibility and willingness to constantly adjust the timeline. They had originally planned to be married outside underneath the big trees, but they chose to move it indoors with the threat of rain during their ceremony. Outside or inside, they were able to make the most beautiful ceremony area, and it allowed for a super cozy, warm setting for their fall wedding.
I loved all the beautiful details throughout the day. During our wedding consultation, Jessica shared that they had been hunting for china at different antique shops for the better part of a year, so I was really excited to see how all the place settings came together for the day. I was grateful for a good chunk of time when I arrived to capture all their details because they truly made for stunning images.
Jessica was surrounded by her mom and bridesmaids – including her sisters – as she dressed and prepared to see Justin for the first time in her wedding dress that day. I loved watching her mom so joyful as she helped Jessica get into her dress, tucking a penny into her shoe, and finalizing Jessica’s outfit by placing her locket necklace around her neck with the photo of her father inside before she met Justin outside for their first look.
Our portraits time was cut drastically short with eerie dark clouds moving in quickly, so with just a few photos of Justin and Jessica, we hurried through the wedding party photos before we had to run inside to get out of the rain.
Jessica’s 8-year-old son Tanner walked her down the aisle to Justin, which was so beautiful to watch. Jessica, Justin, Tanner, and Owen participated in a family commitment before their family and friends, which was just so special to witness. With a kiss, they were pronounced husband and wife, and they were ready to celebrate their marriage with their guests!
The rain finished right as the ceremony wrapped up, so we were able to sneak the two out for some more portraits while their guests finished dinner, then they laughed and cried through the toasts by their mom, Jessica’s sisters, and Justin’s best friend. Justin and Jessica’s mom surprised her with the lighting of Chinese lanterns outside during the reception, which was such a cool part to capture.
I wrapped up my time with Jessica and Justin’s first dance, followed by Justin and his mom dancing, before they opened the dance floor to all their guests to party the rest of the beautiful fall night away.
Jessica and Justin, I am so grateful that you chose me to capture this beautiful start to the next chapter of your lives. I wish you both nothing but many years of joy and happiness as a couple and family. Enjoy your sneak peeks!
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: Western Howard Conservation Club; Peru, Indiana
Wedding Reception Venue: Western Howard Conservation Club; Peru, Indiana
DJ: DJ Mize
Cake Artist: Kim’s Katered Affair
Caterer: Kim’s Katered Affair
Wedding Dress: Ellen’s Bridal and Dress Boutique
