MEAGAN + MARCUS | JASPER HOUSE FARM WEDDING

It took me all of about 5 minutes at the engagement session to realize Meagan and Marcus were dream clients. Huge personalities, flexible and fun, ready to do anything. I suspected as much when we met the first time, but you never really know until the camera comes out. If you spend any time with this couple, it’s near impossible to miss how in love these two are, and I have long loved the analogy of a wedding being a celebratory barn-raising, building a new home together that lives in the other person. Personal connection to a location adds something at a session, or wedding, in a way that a found venue, even a gorgeous one, just can’t. It doesn’t diminish the need for great venues with no personal connection, this newer venue just so happens to be one of my favorites, but it never hurts. I’ve love shooting at Jasper House Farm, and Portland Bride & Groom loved it also, so when the couple told me it was his father’s property, and the groom’s childhood home… the stars aligned. Great couple, great location, personal connection.

So many emotions associated with this wedding. Marcus’ reaction at the first look, the tears and laughter during the vows, the surprise musical performance as family members slowly started standing up, randomly, in the audience, the geese flying over the ceremony as they went in for the first kiss, the heartfelt speeches. Even the cracking of the filberts under our feet was a reminder that we stood on ground tended with familial love and sweat. Going back through the wedding, I found so many things that felt special. Marcus told me the day of the wedding that he loved how places he grew up playing with his brother, now have memories attached to his wife, and their wedding. Not replacing the childhood memories, but adding to, and amplifying them. With the family dog roaming freely, cousins and friends camping in tents on the back 40, and the house always within sight, there was no mistaking that this was a family affair. They even made up a honeymoon suite slash tent to sleep under the stars (nicely decorated with toilet paper, thanks to the bridal party). I was so wrapped up in the fun that there’s even a rare sighting of me in one of the photographs.

The entire day can be summed up by their first dance. Meagan stretched out her arms, leaned back into Marcus and sunk into a private moment we all had the chance to participate in. I walked away from this wedding feeling honored to have been a part of it. SO, enjoy, and all the happiness in the world to Meagan and Marcus.

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Advice from the Bride: Remember that there is no planning the feelings or emotions that you, or your guests, will go through. So try to play it cool, but don’t you dare hold back that belting laughter, or the tears from starting to run. My husband’s vows killed me. I still cry when I think about them. Embrace and share these feelings with the people who will come to witness your love. I experienced extreme joy and utter amazement at the help and love from my friends and family. Look at the people around you, breathe, don’t worry, and enjoy every second.