Blake & Jayne // Woodland Wedding Preview

Last year, I officially decided to retire my wedding collections. I reflected on the last twelve years of photographing weddings - the first second shooting as a newbie 15 year old, who couldn’t even drive yet - with so much gratitude. I also knew in my heart that it was time to no longer take wedding inquiries, as I shifted to lifestyle/editorial work.

That is, until the spunky, red headed, modern day, eclectic Elizabeth Bennett (or Jane Eyre or Anne with an “E”), Jayne, got a big question and a ring on her finger. I’d already turned down weddings for the remainder of 2024, but you see, I took her senior portraits four years ago, so my gut instinct was,

“I have no idea what this wedding will entail, but it’s Jayne, so it’s an automatic ‘Yes’.”

Jayne reminds me of a book character. I think if I could blend two people, she’d be Max from Stranger Things and Rapunzel from Tangled. Oh, and some sort of ethereal, elvish, woodland creature. Anyway. She is an artist, soulfully deep thinker, could probably live outside or in a yurt or the Amazon rainforest barefoot, and be totally fine. She has this ease, calmness, and introspection about her; yet healthy dose of untamed, feisty audaciousness, and wickedly good sense of humor.

Even still, I initially texted back that I’d retired my wedding collections (Insert reasons x, y, and z), but was curious what their day would look like. I also was super curious about this boyfriend turned fiancé of hers, because if he was dating Jayne, he had to be pretty dang cool too.

Turns out? My instincts were spot on!

Upon hearing that it would be a small, intimate mountain wedding, “Capture the flag” was possibly on the books post ceremony, and knowing Jayne’s personality (the kind of bride who would probably go Earthing and find a lizard or snake as a friend in the woods), I enthusiastically agreed.

And let me tell you, this wedding did not disappoint.

There’s not really a right or wrong way to do weddings. I unsolicitedly always preached to my previous wedding couples that at the end of the day, cake topper missing, snag in the dress, or a little snafu in the day…as long as they felt relaxed and enjoyed the day and were married…that is what mattered most.

As soon as I trekked down the long, middle of nowheresville, dirt and gravel driveway to Blake & Jayne’s bachelor/bachelorette wedding cabin and stepped inside, I knew it was going to be a good day. It had literally down poured and stormed all week long, but that day the sun peeked out, clouds parted, and among what I call the “magnificent chaos” of all weddings, there was still a sense of ease and joy.

I walked down to the groomsmen’s man cave (complete with a pool table and chess), and was so pumped when I saw their array of colorful attire. I felt like I was in a 1970s version of an enchanted forest, but mostly, just really down to earth, good company.

“So, what inspired the wardrobe vibes?!” I asked.

“‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’!”

That’s when I officially knew I was with the right crowd. Blake and Jayne met at Appalachian State, where they both recently graduated as majors in Physics. I’ve always known Jayne as an artist (seriously, this woman can paint, draw, sketch, and create anything and it’s absolutely amazing), so I was curious as to how she and Blake first connected. I remember it was something along the lines of,

“Well, we were outside looking at the stars, and then had this really deep conversation about time and space…”

Blake & Jayne - forgive me if I am contextually butchering this part. Nonetheless, I loved the fact that they bonded over really soulful conversation. They each share the deepest, most beautiful Faith to top it, and overhearing everyone’s conversations and seeing their personal touches on the day (including but not limiting to a wizard bringing forth the rings) was pure gold.

I jokingly said I felt like I was in a room full of philosophers and poets. I am convinced every person who spoke was also a naturally born, public speaker. I was waiting for Sylvia Plath or Plato to pop out at any moment. It was awesome.

Blake & Jayne - it truly was a delight to spend the day with you, and I hope you enjoy this reflection/preview of your beautiful day!