It was a perfect early fall day when I arrived at the Homestead Environmental Center for Claire and Toby’s gorgeous Fort Wayne outdoor wedding. The sun hid just behind a thin layer of clouds, and the leaves were just starting to turn from green to gold as Claire and Toby shared their first look and private vows in a clearing of trees just the two of them. We then wandering around the nature preserve shooting couple portraits, before walking sneakily towards the cabin for a surprise Claire arranged for Toby.

As we came around the corner, Toby was shocked to see his childhood car, a Ford Thunderbird, gleaming in the light. After selling the car, Claire tracked down the new owners and asked if they wouldn’t mind bringing it to their wedding for photos and a husband and wife drive down the lane. They were more than happy to oblige, and seeing the shock and pure joy on Toby’s face made it so worth it. They went for a short joyride together, then we shot stunning couple portraits with the Thunderbird. After couples portraits we shot family and group photos, and then they spent time getting tucked away before the ceremony and relaxing with loved ones.

Leaves fell gently from the trees and live music softly played as Claire walked down the forested aisle with her dad. Family and friends looked on with tears in their eyes and grins on their faces as Claire and Toby committed their lives to each other, surrounded by peaceful nature. The crowd cheered as they shared their first kiss, and then everyone headed up the trail and back to the cabin for drinks and dinner.

The rest of the evening was beautifully relaxed, with people playing cornhole, sitting around the bonfire, eating food at the picnic tables, or dancing and giggling with friends. As the sunlight faded, we shot a few more couple portraits with the campfire and twinkling fairy lights overhead. Claire and Toby then shared a lovely first dance, laughing and twirling under a canopy of stars winking at us through the trees. The evening wound down with lots of dancing, drinks, good food, and great company celebrating the love between Toby and Claire!

Claire and Toby, it was an honor to document these memories! It was the most beautiful, laid back, and intentional day, and it was such a joy to document all the love shared between you two and your lovely family and friends. I’m wishing you both a lifetime of more amazing memories created together!

xoxo Corinne

Are you interested in getting married at the Homestead Environmental Center and need a photographer? As wedding photographers specializing in intentional, laidback, Fort Wayne outdoor weddings, get in touch with us below for rates and availability! And be sure to check out Homestead’s contact page here for more info on booking the Environmental Center for your wedding.