Botanical Garden Wedding full of love, cultural significance, and magic
Micah-Ann and Aaron were special to me from the moment they reached out about booking me as their wedding photographer. They eloped in Lafayette, Indiana, the same place where Kyle and I met and where we now reside again. Aaron grew up there and much of his family still resides in the area, so it was an easy way for them to incorporate family who wouldn't be able to travel for a larger ceremony by having their civil ceremony close to home. That Lafayette connection and photographer connection (Aaron and his dad are both photographers) created an immediate rapport between us that open the door for connection, excitement, and trust.
When Micah-Ann told me that the wedding would be at the Norfolk Botanical Garden I was able to instantly imagine their whole day. The vibes that Micah-Ann and Aaron bring to every interaction told me that their wedding would be fun, magical, and emotional. It was no surprise that Micah-Ann's wedding attire included cultural aspects like the bolero jacket over her dress and emotional pieces like her mother's veil and grandmother's ring. Additionally, her engagement ring is a claddagh ring and she wore a tartan sash to the reception that matched Aaron's kilt, bringing in their shared Celtic heritage!
Micah-Ann + Aaron wove their heritage into their wedding ceremony at the botanical gardens
After stunning first looks involving their entire bridal party (keep scrolling to see Micah-Ann "ice" the groomsmen) and then just the bride and groom, Micah-Ann and Aaron invited their guests to the butterfly garden for their wedding ceremony. The ceremony was meticulously planned to incorporate both Filipino traditions and Celtic traditions, as well as more modern-day traits like sharing handwritten vows. There was not a dry eye in the house when Micah-Ann and Aaron each read from their special journals, telling each other the things they loved, admired, and appreciated most about the other.
Micah-Ann + Aaron Explored the botanical gardens as we took Husband and Wife portraits
From the moment I first saw the botanical gardens I knew I wanted to photograph a wedding there. It was so beautiful and serene and picturesque. After doing their engagement session there, I was even more excited to photograph their botanical garden wedding - especially their husband and wife portraits after the ceremony! We were able to explore so many gorgeous settings for their portraits, from the butterfly garden to the twin oak trees and everything in between. And thanks to the expertise of the NBG staff, we were able to cruise around the gardens quickly and get tons of portraits in a variety of locations.
Congratulations to the masons!
Congratulations on your beautiful botanical garden wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Mason! Wishing you a lifetime of love, adventures, and magic! Thank you for trusting me to photograph your special day.
Creative Team
- Coordinator: Steph Saunders Events
- Venue: Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Hair: Sophie Bassi
- Makeup: Blush757
- Dress: Here and Now Bridal
- Veil: Bride's mother's, gently updated by a family friend
- Bridal Accessories: Seed and Soil Shop
- Groom and Groomsmen Kilts: Traditional Kilts
- Floral Design: Family friend
- DJ: Astro Event Company
- Caterer: East Beach
- Donuts: O's Donuts
- Photographers: Kayla Petrosky Photography and Amanda Berry Photography