Mandy and Landon's Neltner's Farm Wedding

Mandy and Landon were married a few weeks ago at one of my favorite places to work, Neltner's Farm.  It was a hot summer day and everything, especially Mandy's big smile was shining bright.  Mandy and Landon are carefree and fun.  He has a great sense of humor and she loves to laugh.  I can't think of a better way to spend their lives together.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to spend such a special day with the two of them.

Here are some of my favorites from the day.

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Courtney And Sam's Josephina Center Wedding

Last week I had the pleasure of traveling about 40 minutes into Kentucky to photograph Courtney and Sam's beautiful wedding at the Josephine Center.  It was a hot day, but that didn't stop us from having a blast.  Courtney blew my mind when she walked out in her off the rack dress that fit her like a glove.  Nothing inspires me more than love, and these two shared it freely with each other and everyone at their wedding.  I am grateful for the opportunity to spend such a special day with these beautiful people.  Thank you Courtney and Sam.

Also, thank you Dana Rogers for being an amazing second shooter for the day. Josephina wedding_1001Josephina wedding_1006 Josephina wedding_1007 Josephina wedding_1008 Josephina wedding_1009 Josephina wedding_1010 Josephina wedding_1011 Josephina wedding_1012 Josephina wedding_1013 Josephina wedding_1014Josephina wedding_1016 Josephina wedding_1017 Josephina wedding_1018 Josephina wedding_1019 Josephina wedding_1020 Josephina wedding_1021 Josephina wedding_1022 Josephina wedding_1023 Josephina wedding_1024 Josephina wedding_1025 Josephina wedding_1026 Josephina wedding_1027Josephina wedding_1030 Josephina wedding_1031Josephina wedding_1004Josephina wedding_1034 Josephina wedding_1035Josephina wedding_1054Josephina wedding_1037 Josephina wedding_1038 Josephina wedding_1039 Josephina wedding_1040Josephina wedding_1005Josephina wedding_1041 Josephina wedding_1042 Josephina wedding_1043 Josephina wedding_1044Josephina wedding_1048 Josephina wedding_1052Josephina wedding_1049 Josephina wedding_1050 Josephina wedding_1051

Jessica and Craig's Neltner's Farm Wedding

The weather this wedding season has been very temperamental to say the least.  The wonderful thing is, Mother Nature showed up with rain and disappeared, leaving glorious light at all of the right times.  Most couples would have freaked out having an outdoor, DIY farm wedding with rain.  Not Jessica and Craig, they stayed so calm and smiled the entire day.  I have never seen a bride who kept it together as well as Jessica did.  What was important to them was their love, spending time with family and friends, and that they were getting married.  I think the rain added a bit of uncontrolled chaos that made the day more memorable. It also gave me the opportunity to create some stunning portraits of Jessica while we waited in one of the barns for it to pass.  Looking back at the day, I bet Jessica and Craig would agree that they wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Neltner's Farm provided the perfect backdrop for Jessica and Craig's ultimate DIY intimate wedding.  The scenery is stunning.  It's here that I believe you get a glimpse of Kentucky at her finest.  The farm is surrounded by hills and gorgeous trees. Jessica and Craig worked very hard creating all of the signs, the altar, and decor.  Marti Heard Designs did a fantastic job, as usual with the floral designs and helped Jessica pull it all together. Everything had such a personal touch and was very creative.

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Sara and Jeremy's Wedding at The Barn at Cedar Grove

Alright so this is the longest blog post I have ever done, but I just can't help it.  This wedding is very personal for me.  Sara and Jeremy have been very good friends of mine for many years.  When I heard they got engaged I knew I had to be the one to photograph it.  Anyone who knows these two can tell you they are the kindest souls you will meet.   Being part of their wedding celebration was an honor.  All of their close friends and family headed around 3 hours to The Barn at Cedar Grove for their wedding.   We spent the weekend sharing stories about Sara and Jeremy while enjoying  a break from the city.  We drank, we danced, we sang, we laughed, we saw stars, we almost sunk a boat.  It was a spectacular wedding weekend.  The wedding had so many personal touches.  Sara made most of the decor.  She has been saving bottles for what seems like forever preparing.  Their good friend Rich officiated.  Music was provided by their friends Stuart and Maya.  Jeremy and his band The Tongue and Lips performed a special song for Sara and her dad.  Everything was full to the brim with heart.  I came home with the biggest smile on my face.  I am still smiling as I go through and relive the day through these pictures.  Thank you so much for your love and friendship Sara and Jeremy.  And thank you for letting me be the one to capture your wedding.  I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!

See Sara and Jeremy's super fun engagement session here and the behind the scenes video we made here. 

farmwedding1 (7)farmweddingfull_nikitagross_0125farmwedding (4)farmwedding (5)Sara found two dresses she liked on Etsy.  She worked with Ashley from Casablanca Vintage to create something that totally fit her style. farmwedding (9)Sara's Free People headpiece was the perfect accessory to such an awesome dress. full_nikitagross_0124farmwedding (6)farmwedding (8)Jeremy spent his time before the wedding rehearsing with his band. farmwedding (3)farmwedding (52)farmwedding (10)farmwedding (12)farmwedding (11)farmwedding (13)farmwedding (14)farmwedding (15)farmwedding (17)farmwedding (16)farmwedding (18)farmwedding (19)full_nikitagross_0126Sara's best friend/maid of honor, Emily made the fabric alter decor.  So pretty. farmwedding (20)full_nikitagross_0130farmwedding (21)farmwedding (22)farmwedding (23)farmwedding1 (8)farmwedding1 (6)farmwedding1farmwedding1 (4)full_nikitagross_0127farmwedding (24)farmwedding (25)Sara's friend Lauren designed this beautiful cake for the couple. farmwedding (26)farmwedding (27)farmwedding1 (9)farmwedding1 (1)farmwedding1 (3)farmwedding (28)Seriously though, Have you ever seen a bride play wiffle ball at their wedding?! farmwedding (29)farmwedding (30)farmwedding (31)farmwedding (32)farmwedding (33)farmwedding (35)farmwedding (34)Sara and Jeremy's friend Brent (pictures above left getting down) made this awesome marquee.farmwedding (37)farmwedding (38)farmwedding (39)Sara and Jeremy are both artists.  They gave me the freedom to do whatever I wanted with their pictures, so we made lots of art using Polaroids and my iPhone. farmwedding (40)farmwedding (42)farmwedding (45)farmwedding (47)farmwedding (48)farmwedding (50)More polaroids of a little bit of everything. farmwedding (36)This is an iPhone picture shot by my awesome assistant for the day, my boyfriend Chris.  It still blows my mind.  So dreamy! farmwedding (54)

Stephanie and Chris' Backyard Kentucky Wedding

I had the pleasure of celebrating Stephanie and Chris' wedding with them at a beautiful home in Ft. Thomas a few weeks ago.  Stephanie's best friend's family owns the house.  Stephanie said that since she was a little girl, she dreamed of one day getting married there.  The outdoor ceremony was laid back and intimate.  The setting was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, the food consisted of delicious Southern specialties (my favorite), the guests had a blast, and Stephanie and Chris smiled the entire day.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself, I really do have my dream job.  I am so thankful for people like Stephanie and Chris who allow me to do what I love everyday!

I also want to thank all of the awesome vendors who helped make Stephanie and Chris' day so special.  Elisa from Elegant Events was wonderful to work with and my favorite second shooter/right hand man, Andrew captured some really awesome images!

See Stephanie and Chris' engagement session here.

A very sweet father daughter moment. I am a huge fan of the girls wearing different dresses in the same color. I loved their DIY decor.

Valarie and Shawn's New Family

Valarie and Shawn were some of my very first wedding clients.  They had a pretty Bardstown, Kentucky wedding around 3 years ago.  I was thrilled when I found out  Valarie was expecting a little boy and wanted to do a maternity/newborn session.  Sweet little Elliot is a doll.  He slept the entire time I was at their home shooting.  Valarie was so gentle and loving with him.  She is going to be the best mom ever!  Thank you so much for including me in these precious moments of your life Valarie and Shawn.

 

Stephanie and Chris' Kentucky Engagement Session

I met Stephanie and Chris at their house on one of those rare warm winter days we had right before Christmas.  We took a few pictures with their sweet dog, Lola and then headed out Route 8 along the river in Kentucky.  It was nice getting to know them.  After about 5 minutes in the car I felt like I was hanging out with friends.  ;) They are getting married in a few months in a friend's backyard in Campbell County, my favorite kind of wedding.  Stephanie has so many neat ideas, I cant wait to see it all come together.  Thanks for the fun day Stephanie and Chris, cant wait until the wedding.    

Courteney and Drew's Circus Themed Wedding

Courteney and Drew were married at the beautiful Meadow View Farm in Union, Kentucky.  This circus themed wedding was full of creativity!  Courteney looked absolutely stunning, and it was a real pleasure watching Drew admire his new wife throughout the day.  This wedding was full of color,  laughter, and excitement, I loved it!  There were circus performers, a hot air balloon, rides, games, carnival food, and a ton of fun.  This is a lengthy post, but I just couldn't help myself so.  Enjoy!

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who helped make Courteney and Drew's wedding so special and unique!

    Venue: Meadow View Farms Wedding Coordinator: Your Wedding by Jen Tent: Advantage Tents Food: Be Creative Catering, Cappy's Caramel Corn Flowers and Event Design: Marti's Floral Design Invitations: Five Dot Design Videographer: Cinevita DJ: Jake the Ripper   Hot Air Balloon: Balloon Impressions Dress: Fabulous Bridal  Shoes: Toms  Photo Booth: Showtime Photobooth My Amazing assistant/second shooter: Andrew Ducker

Marti's Floral Design blew me away once again!  Look at these flowers!!!Kristen of Five Dot Design set the mood for the event with these super cool invitations.

Natasha and Hank's DIY Kentucky Farm Wedding

You might remember Natasha and Hank from their engagement session I photographed at the Southgate House last year.  I have  been looking forward to their wedding ever since. These two have amazing style.  I fell in love with all of the little details they came up with to make their day unique.  They wanted their wedding to feel relaxed and natural.  Every single aspect of this wedding was do-it-yourself.  Natasha created the bouquets and all of the centerpieces, her sister and other family members made all of the food, a good friend helped build the photo booth wall and all of the signs, guests drank beer out of mason jars and set up tents so the party could go on all night long.  It was casual, creative, and full of so much love.

On the way to the farm we stopped by the Leapin Lizard to get this image of Natasha and Hank in front of their gorgeous stained glass window.  Natasha fell in love with it at Love+Bash last month.

stained-glass-wedding-cincinnaticincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati wedding shoescincinnati-diy-weddingcincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati-wedding-photographerNatasha's mother giving the couple her blessing, so sweet!cincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati-wedding-photographercincinnati-diy-weddingkentucky-farm-wedding Natasha and Hank collected decor from local thrift stores to use on the tables.  The plates they used were all vintage finds they plan on donating back to the Goodwill. They bottled their own lemonade for favors.Natasha's sister did an amazing job on the cupcakes and desserts.kentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingAre you ready for the quickest ceremony ever...it was four minutes long.   kentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-wedding kentucky-farm-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-wedding kentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingThere is that yellow wall that I love to photograph.  It worked so well with the colors of their wedding.

cincinnati-alternative-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingHolga magic.

holga-wedding-photographyvintage-farm-weddingcincinnati-alternative-weddingAnother Holga image.  This one is a crazy double exposure collaboration image taken by Hank's little brother Alexander and me.  I love it!

holga-wedding-photographyThis one was taken with my 35mm film camera.  The film I used was expired in 1997. expired 35mm filmkentucky-farm-weddingkentucky-farm-weddingcincinnati-alternative-wedding