Elaina and Alex have been planning a Spring Wedding for over one year. Aside from working hard on building their first home together from the ground up, they wanted to plan a wedding weekend that was memorable and personable for their friends and family. Every detail was considered, from the venue location to the food and desserts.
Wedding Rehearsal
Recently, I added complimentary rehearsal coverage for every wedding package booked with me. My couple (and myself) have found this to be a great addition to the experience. I get to meet the family and friends, introduce myself to as many guests as possible, and capture some really fun moments. Whether it’s details of the venue, photos of the guests, or even a mini-engagement shoot for the couple, it’s a great way to have some fun and start of the wedding weekend!
I was in love when I first saw the venue for their spring wedding. One of my favorite trees is a willow tree. The gardens were blooming, and the views and sounds were so peaceful. I loved getting to see where they were going to get ready and meet the farm cats! All moments that were fun to capture really ties together the story and the experience.
Elaina was showing off a beautiful white jumpsuit. Alex looked sharp in his attire, and everyone was filled with joy and love! We were excited during the rehearsal and could not wait to see these two get married!
Elaina and Alex
Elaina and Alex met while attending university. Alex saw Elaina from across the bar and was so eager to talk to her and get her information. But never did. Then, one day, in a random hallway at an engineering building, they physically ran into each other! Alex took that as a sign and FINALLY got her information. The rest is history!
Now, years after graduation and working 9 to 5 jobs, they quit their jobs and started a life together, building their own home and small business. This business is known as Mason Dixon Acres. Where they educate people on creating a homestead from the ground up. From YouTube channels to Instagram, they share their knowledge and real-life experiences. One day during filming, Alex asked Elaina to marry him. She said yes of course, and was totally shocked and speechless. To see that video, you can check it out here on their Youtube Channel.
Spring Wedding
Elaina and Alex had a vision for their spring wedding: to implement their favorite things into this day. For example, they had plants from the florist’s gardens on the wedding arch. This is the same arch built from fallen trees in the couple’s backyard after a tornado came through. Alex built this arch from scratch and will repurpose it in their garden and home. What better way to wake up every day and remember your wedding than to see this arch in your yard?
The spring weather and the venue also gave beautiful natural decor. The gardens were in bloom, and roses and peonies filled the whole wedding venue. Alex and Elaina took advantage of the full blooms and the weather and had their ceremony between two willow trees. In the background was a lake with a fountain. In the distance, there were cows and horses in the pasture. It really was the perfect location for this wedding and especially for this couple!
Aside from the ceremony under the willow trees, we also did a first look close to the pound, giving shade for such a perfect moment. Alex was gleaming with love when he saw his bride, Elaina, in her beautiful dress for the first time that day. He could not keep her eyes off her! As for the ceremony, when she walked down that aisle, you could still see Alex light up. A true example of how a first look will not take away the excitement from seeing your spouse walk down that aisle!
Wedding Reception
Every detail was created and meant to tell a story. Even for the reception, the table decor had a meaning to it. For example, half-dollar coins were placed at each setting. This is so guest can throw them at the couple during their money dance. Plus, this coin was meant for a family tradition when the bride’s grandfather would pick up the half-dollar coin at every money dance ever done at the weddings for this family. Peonies were the centerpieces for this wedding reception, showing that just the most “simple” centerpiece can be beautiful.
One final thing these two did to continue the wedding of their dreams was perform a choreographed dance! This was the best one I have ever seen! It started slow but went into a remix filled with their favorite songs. From the classics to the present, there were at least five (I lost count) different songs and dance moves along with it. I was impressed and had to give them a big round of applause! They had a standing ovation from their guests as well. Truly, this was nothing like I have ever seen.
Spring Wedding for Elaina and Alex
This wedding weekend is one I will never forget. Since the day these two chose me to photograph the whole weekend, I was ready to go! I always kept myself updated on their journey and followed them on social media, and I loved seeing every detail come together. Their hard work in planning this whole wedding weekend was well worth it. Elaina and Alex, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I truly am so grateful to have served you two, your friends, and your family. I wish you the best, and I am so excited to continue following you along on your journey as newlyweds, homestead owners, and builders.
Destinations with Dana
Hey there! My name is Dana, and I am a destination wedding photographer. Since 2018, I have been serving couples who get married on the East Coast, California, and selected parts of Europe. I love what I do with my whole heart, and one of my greatest joys is photographing the beautiful, real, and joyful moments that occur on a wedding day.
