If you follow our blog, you probably know that Ben and I were married at Zukas Hilltop Barn in Spencer. I loved our wedding day more than you could know. Literally, the first words out of my mouth the next morning to my very new hubby was, “let’s do that again in 20 years.” Visions of a recommitment ceremony just like the original one. We’ve had the pleasure of coming back many times to Zukas (thanks to being a preferred photographer at Zukas, thank you Alison!) to photograph some of the most wonderful, kind-hearted couples. And every time I reminded of just why we selected this beautiful barn as our wedding venue.
Ashley & Cal’s April wedding day was beautiful before we even entered the long drive to Zukas. With blue skies, white puffy clouds and green grass emerging from its winter hibernation.
Ashley loves the rustic appeal of Zukas Hilltop Barn, and made it her own with swiss dots and sparkly accents throughout the day, like her Badgley Mischka shoes.
Ashley and I are total kindred spirits, and I bet part of that is that we’re both big sister to two cool little sisters. How sweet is the sister picture below on the right?
One of the things that had me most excited about Ashley & Cal’s wedding was how geniunely excited Ashley was for me to meet Cal. I can’t tell you how many times she said “I can’t wait for you to meet him!” Cal (and his groomsmen!) had a lot to live up to, and his was exactly as described. Charming and funny, with a smile to light up a room all day long. Though he may have “caught” that from me…he won me over by telling me that my smile is contagious. Still smiling about that one, thanks Cal! 😉 Ben got to hang with him and the guys first…
The Zukas bridal suite overlooks the entrance to the farm, which means the bride and her ladies get to see everyone coming in!
Two MOH benefit: an extra finger to help tie the perfect bow!
One of the things that drew Ashley to our studio was our bright, airy style. The sun played nice and gave us the perfect light to create some relaxed portraits of this incredibly gorgeous bride before her ceremony.
I love Ben’s portrait of Cal & his groomsmen.
Zukas offers a indoor ceremony room separate from the reception area, which is where Ashley & Cal were married.
Cal and his new mother-in-law:
I L-O-V-E portraits with grandparents. The pictures we have with Ben’s grandmother at our wedding are the only “nice” pictures we have of her, and I cherish them. Everyone says Ashley is a spitting image of her beautiful grandmother, what a wonderful compliment!
These two have an awesome support system – all of the girls are sisters (from her 2 sisters, Cal’s sister & her BFF “sister”) and the guys are pretty much like brothers. Even if Cal’s best man totally outted him as being the brains behind their shenanigans growing up!
The wedding party move on the left is “The Santa Claus”…I’m still not sure what this means, but it was fun!
Just as everyone else disappeared into cocktail hour to give Ashley & Cal some time alone, the clouds parted to let the sun shine through.
How cool is Zukas’ checkerboard dance floor? When in Rome…
I love love love every single one of the portraits we created together. Now on to the reception, with succulent favors-slash-place-cards and soft peach and white centerpieces in adorable swiss dot vases. Here are some of my favorite moments of their celebration.
Ashley & Cal, it was such an honor to be with you on your wedding day. Thank you for including us in one of the most important days of your lives.
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