Vintage Country Vineyard Inspired Wedding

There’s a great story behind today’s vintage country wedding shoot. And it’s an educational one for anyone planning a wedding. For most of us, money doesn’t grow on trees, especially when we’re young and just starting out. So be sure to read Alison and Zach’s story at the end of this post.

For the reason mentioned above, many people have to or want to skimp on their wedding. That’s just the way it is. And that’s fine, you have to do what you have to do. But be sure to hire the best photographer you can afford so you don’t regret not getting the wedding images you wanted like today’s couple.

In a nutshell, these two didn’t get the wedding images they hoped for. But lucky for them Jackie Santana Photography was planning a styled shoot and all stars aligned to get them a new set of images. Behold…here they are below!

Photographer: Jackie Santana Photography // Equipment Rentals: A Classic Party Rental // Floral Designer: Accent Floral Design // Hair Stylist:Ashley Huse Hair Make-Up // Apparel: Bella’s Beloved Brides // Cinema and Video: Deliberate Media, LLC // Invitation Designer: Final Frontier Digital Services // Event Venue: Prairie Guest House // Equipment Rentals: Violet Vintage // Submitted via Two Bright Lights

From photographer Jackie Santana

When Alison approached me with regards to her up coming 3 year wedding anniversary I knew exactly where she was coming from. She told me a story about two lovers in their early twenties, so full of love they just wanted to be together. They did what they could with what money they had and were married on May 28th, 2011. It was a beautiful day, with beautiful people, and beautiful memories. It just wasn’t the day she had always dreamed of. Her friend photographed the day and although she has the memories documented forever, they’re not the photos she was hoping to have of her day. “At the time our friend was all we could afford, and he did okay, but since he was a friend and knew everyone there I think he kind of forgot to be a photographer in the festive moments. I just don’t have any shots of just us,” Alison told me. I had the same situation when I was married. A couple of college students on a crazy small budget and just wanted to be married. I understood the sacrifices she made with her wedding just to be with the person she loved. Because of this I sympathized with her.

Conveniently, I had been in talks about doing a styled shoot at a new venue in Fishers, IN that needed photos to showcase their place. When I mentioned Prairie Guest House to Alison she said, “It’s perfect! This is the exact type of place I was originally wanting to have my wedding at!” After that, we began to collaborate together to come up with a design that met the needs of the new venue that graciously let us use their location and fit with a style that Alison and Zach felt comfortable hanging photos of in their house. After many late night talks we designed what we liked calling, “Vintage Country Vineyard.” “I wanted everything to be very organic. Lots of flowers and touches of vintage,” said Alison. Even down to the cake, which was a DIY naked cake. Everything felt very real.

In efforts to make Alison and Zach’s styled shoot feel as much like their real day as possible we brought in her real life maid of honor Megan and her fiance, Greg as a bridal party.

“Megan stood by my side on my actual day, said Alison. “I couldn’t dream of a styled wedding shoot without her there! The wedding may have been staged but the emotions were not. A lot of the photos feature Zach and I in moments where we were really caught up in our own love. These moments weren’t set up by the photographer, they were us. There were a couple of times I actually forgot that this was all staged and it felt like our real wedding day. I’m so excited that we finally have photos to display in our house!”

With details such as custom “B” and “G” cork letters for the sweetheart table chairs, a cocktail hour seating area, a vintage door altar with wreaths, wine barrels, wine crates and an appetizer table this is a vineyard wedding with a personal touch. Many of the details were ideas of Alison’s that were designed and brought to life by myself and the venue. Who doesn’t love a good glass of wine on their wedding day?!

In the end we accomplished many goals with this photo shoot. Showcasing an up and coming venue in Fishers, IN, allowing some new vendors get their work out to the public, and most importantly; giving a couple very much in love the best anniversary present ever.

Thanks for stopping by!