Katie and Jake radiated joy from every ounce of their being. On their family farm and surrounded by their friends and family, they commited to one another and celebrated until the cows came home! Their country wedding featured burgundy bridesmaids Azazie dresses and navy blue suits while Katie’s classic ball gown was absolutely breathtaking and paired perfectly with her cathedral length, lace-trimmed veil! I obvioulsy had way too much fun with that veil!!

Let me tell you all a story: After getting eaten alive by mosquitos during 3 minutes of portraits after the first look (which was at a pre-determined location, off-site from the wedding festivities) I decided this wasn’t good enough light to shoot in and bring back the whole wedding party AND family for photos back by the chapel from their engagement session⬈. So in true crazy Courtney fashion, I drove out from the lane that leads to the chapel, not knowing where to go and found GREAT light and a beautiful spot for portraits… but it was on someone else’s property… and on the side of the road… I thought to myself “Courtney, they’re all going to think your crazy”. But I had to.

As the entire family and wedding party followed behind me, I stopped Jake driving Katie around, “Do you think we could shoot right here on the side of the road?” His response: “We’re all in suits and she’s in a white dress, who’s going to kick us out?” The perfect response and one I almost assumed would come from Jake lol. I said to Katie, “please don’t think I’m crazy, I know your family will.” She said, calmly, “I trust you”. I responded, “I know you do but they don’t yet!” haha!!

SO THEN… as we’re shooting portraits (in someone else’s yard), the homeowners are heading out of their house and as they drive by, they stop to say hi and have no problem with us there! I yell out, “Thank you so much for letting us use your yard!!” And the next words out of his mouth were a true gift:

“We have a big willow tree over there, that’s where you should take pictures!”

OMG. I about died. THANK YOU, LORD FOR THESE SWEET COUNTRY PEOPLE. So we’re done with family and wedding party portraits, I look at my watch, and it’s 4:07 — ceremony is at 4:30 — I said OMG we have to get back! Katie and Jake BOTH replied, “noooo we have to go by the willow tree! We can be a little late, they can’t start without us.”

Sorry, Allie!! (wedding coordinator who probably was having a heart attack at 4:20 when there was no bride and groom. I know this because she called me during those portraits and I didn’t see the voicemail until Sunday afternoon) TO BE FAIR, that willow tree WAS EVERYTHING and I know Katie and Jake would agree! That’s when the most beautiful and epic portraits I have ever shot took place.

To the newlyweds, Mr and Mrs Smith,

Thank you for letting me capture this special season of your lives and thank you for trusting me with portraits on the side of the road. It was an absolute honor to serve you and celebrate alongside you. You both have become friends and I truly cherish that! Your friends and family accepted me as their own (and trusted me with portraits on the road side) and that is something I will never forget. I know you woke up in Hawaii today and are probably heading to the beach now but please enjoy my favorites as you relive your best day ever!

xo, Court

Katie custom-ordered buttons to be added to her gown that go all the way down the train of her dress and one of her buttons was from her grandmother’s wedding dress.

this could possibly be my most favorite portrait I’ve ever taken… Katie you are an absolutely stunning bride!!

Katie never stopped smiling. ALL DAY LONG!

Photography Courtney Rudicel Photography
Florist Weilands Flowers
Bridal Boutique Bridal Rack Indy
Gown Designer Pronovias
Bridesmaids Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen A Moment in Time Bridal
Hair Ashley Huntley
Makeup Rebecca Barber
Invitations Karly Underwood
Music Triad DJs