Jacob & Danielle {Hillsboro Ohio Wedding Photography}

The sweetness and tenderness of this wedding - it’s truly indescribable. When we arrived at the bride & groom’s house for bridal prep that day,  I knew their home was the perfect metaphor for their wedding day: filled with loved ones, bustling with excited energy, and full of the kind of love that feels like sitting around a bonfire on a summer night.  As all the girls rushed around getting ready, nothing stood out to me more than Danielle’s energy. While she was a bit nervous, I could tell the excitement and readiness to marry the love of her life was the overwhelming emotion. Surrounded by all the best girls in her life, the final details were taken care of: lashes were curled, buttons were fastened, and lipstick was applied. She was ready to see her groom. 

The day’s festivities couldn’t have taken place at a more perfect location. The home of Jacob’s parents where they’ve celebrated holidays, sat around bonfires, and grown closer with the family and friends that now surrounded them was the perfect backdrop for this intimate, heartfelt day. Their first look took place on the dock of their gorgeous pond, and Danielle’s nervousness melted away when she saw her groom.

After speeding through photos to beat a looming storm that ended up passing by us, ceremony time came. Even though I was likely one of the few people in attendance who hadn’t previously spent time at this property and with this family, it all somehow felt like home. There was a special sense of closeness to every moment that passed, from the tear-jerking written vows to the moment when they were pronounced husband and wife and the smiles couldn’t be wiped from each face present.

My favorite moment of the entire day was right after the ceremony when i walked over to the hugging bridal party just in time to hear Jacob say to his groomsmen, “This is it. This is the happiest moment of my life.”

The rest of the night continued in that same happiness. The reception was a whirlwind of speeches, good food, and even better dancing. The joy was palpable. The love was visible. And the Happily Ever After had begun. <3

Mr. & Mrs. Bice, THANK YOU for allowing us to be a part of your day. I can’t think of a couple who deserves a beautiful life together more than the two of you <3 

do small things with great love

Lauren