The Wedding of Ian & Kali

When it comes to weddings, couples are always on the lookout for unique and memorable venues that perfectly reflect their personalities and love stories. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the serene beauty of a countryside setting, surrounded by rolling hills, open skies, and the gentle presence of adorable highland cows. Last November, we had the pleasure of attending a one-of-a-kind wedding at picturesque Rivercrest Farm in Dover, OH to celebrate the wedding of Ian and Kali. When she initially booked with us, Kali told me about the venue she'd chosen and that the highland cows were the main reason.

The Decor:

As the crisp November air wrapped itself around the farm, the bride and groom, embraced the rustic elegance of their chosen venue. The farm's barn, adorned with strings of twinkling lights, crystal chandeliers, and elegant drapery, set the stage for their heartfelt union. The juxtaposition of nature's beauty with the rustic charm of the farm created an enchanting ambiance that captivated everyone present, especially when combined with Kali and Ian's unique style. I loved the different textures they used to decorate the venue, from feathers to little disco balls, the greenery, and the mismatched chinaware. It was perfect.

Nature's Palette:

The autumnal backdrop played a starring role in this wedding's color palette. Deep shades of burgundy, burnt orange, and earthy greens beautifully complemented the surrounding landscape. The bride's bouquet was a DIY project that featured a mix of flowers that captured the essence of the season and the farm's natural beauty.

Getting Ready:

Ian and Kali got ready on site, with Kali and her bridesmaids in the loft and Ian and his groomsmen down in the groom's suite. Kali took time to enjoy her morning getting ready by making TitTok videos with her girls. She looked gorgeous in her Stephanie Leigh Bridal gown and I adored the bridesmaids' mismatched dresses. Ian and his groomsmen were looking sharp in their matching suits from Rondinelli Tuxedo Company.

After getting ready, Kali shared a first look with her dad that was like straight out of a movie. As she descended the stairs, her dad turned around to take in Kali in her completed wedding day look. It was such a precious moment shared between father and daughter as he prepared to give her away.

Ceremony:

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the rolling hills, Ian and Kali exchanged their vows in front of a beautiful outdoor fireplace adorned with flowers and candles. The ceremony's simplicity and sincerity resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the true essence of love. As the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Steel Valley Pipes & Drums lead the recessional with the sound of their rich bagpipes. This was especially important to the couple because Ian's dad was a part of the band.

Portraits

After the ceremony, we spent the cocktail hour with the couple's family and wedding party taking group portraits. Then, as we waited for the guide to take us up to see the highland cows, my second shooter and I spent some time taking portraits of Ian and Kali against the different backdrops of the venue, offering a variety of beautiful fall textures.

As the sun began to lower, our guide arrived with an SUV to take us up the hill and to the highland cows. We started to casually document Kali and Ian's interactions with the fluffy cows as the sun painted the hills in molten gold. It was magical.

Reception:

As night fell, the barn came alive with music, laughter, and dancing. The newlyweds shared their first dance under a ceiling of twinkling lights, surrounded by their loved ones. The barn's rustic wooden floors echoed with joyous footsteps, as guests celebrated this union with heartwarming toasts and spontaneous dance-offs. D and R Audio & Entertainment kept the dance floor packed all night.

A November wedding on a cow farm might seem unconventional at first, but the magical blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and heartfelt celebrations created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Congratulations and blessings to Ian and Kali!