Caitlin and Eric said “I do” on a brisk November day at the Washington at Historic Yellow Springs wedding venue. Originally built around 1750, this building served as a colonial inn and tavern and is brimming with history.
We met Caitlin upstairs where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready. While the ladies from Emily Alice Salon finished up hair and makeup, we worked on shooting the details. Caitlin’s A-line gown featured a sweetheart neckline, whimsical lace and a crystal belt. After details, we asked Caitlin to get dressed. She looked stunning! She grabbed her bouquet, made entirely from wood, and we took some time for portraits. Then we headed downstairs to find Eric. He and his groomsmen were hanging out so we put them to work pinning boutonnieres. After a few portraits of Eric, we went to set up the couple’s first look. I choose the garden area outside the Washington that featured a large fountain in the middle. Caitlin walked up behind Eric and they both smiled from ear to ear when they saw each other. We went for a walk behind the house to check out the Ruins of the Revolutionary War Hospital. It was so cool to walk through these historic grounds and they also provided an awesome spot for photos. We then gathered the wedding party for photos as well. The girls all wore shades of pink and the guys wore custom suits. They were such a fun group to work with, which always makes my job easier. When I told Eric that my husband graduated with him, he quickly realized that all of the groomsmen knew my husband as well! It was so fun to hear them reminisce. Next, we took care of family formals before heading inside to get ready for the ceremony.
One of the bridesmaids officiated the ceremony which made it very personal. She spoke of how calm Caitlin was throughout wedding planning and how supportive Eric was. The couple said I do in front of family and friends and sealed it with a kiss! While everyone moved downstairs to cocktail hour, we took some time to photograph the dining room. The tables had the cutest pumpkins adorned with succulents from Twig Gardens as centerpieces. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors’ d’oeuvres from Catering by Rich while also getting the opportunity to check out the artifacts of the Washington. When it was time for dinner, Adam from Schaffer Sounds got the crowd excited for entrances. After parents and the wedding party came Caitlin and Eric who went right into their first dance, followed by parent dances. Before dinner, Caitlin’s father gave a toast where he reminded the young couple to always see the beauty around them. Toasts by the maid of honor and best man had the crowd laughing and crying. During dinner, DJ Adam asked each table to nominate a captain to represent their table. The captain’s job was to figure out what one song would get every person at their table to get up and dance and report back to him. I thought this was a great idea and it really did get everyone out there dancing after dinner. One of my favorite parts was when Caitlin’s mother and aunts surprised everyone with a choreographed dance to I Got the Feeling. This got the group even more excited.
I stole the couple away for a few moments to grab a night shot on the gorgeous porch at the Washington before we left. Caitlin and Eric are such a sweet and humble couple that were truly a joy to spend the day with. I hope they enjoy their photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Please enjoy the highlights and slideshow below.