For the most part, I photograph weddings for people with whom I would never have met if not for the work I do. I love that about what I do and love that it allows me to meet so many different types of people. But sometimes, I have the honor of photographing weddings for people I knew even before I ever picked up my first real camera- for people with whom I spent many years talking about what we wanted to do when we grew up and never once thinking that thing for me would be wedding photography. I have actually known of Johanna since our early years of elementary school, but we became good friends in ninth grade. That was back when I was still using my cheap 35mm film camera to photograph fun times with friends- using a flash at all times because I didn’t know not to, and asking my parents to get the film developed and printed on their next Costco run (ohhh man…).
Not only have I known this beautiful bride for the better part of my whole life, but I also like to think that I played a role in her falling in love with Marshall… though they have a relationship that is just so amazing I know they were meant to be together regardless of what role I may have played. It was about six years ago and I was teaching part-time at a local college. Johanna had enrolled in my class since it happened to be a class she needed for her major- the fact that we were friends was a fun bonus. The first night of class, Johanna waited for me to pack up my things so that we could walk out to our cars together. Marshall was also enrolled in the class and being the nice guy he was took a moment to say goodbye before he left the classroom for the night. As he walked out the door I just had this feeling and looked at Johanna and said, “You should like him.” She laughed it off a bit, but I think deep down she felt the same way… A week or two later a bunch of us decided to go out after class- we invited Marshall and, really, the rest is history!
Here are some of my favorite images from their ranch wedding. The amount of effort they put into the details of this wedding and making sure this party uniquely reflect them was incredible. All the hard work paid off and the day was beautiful and so fun!
With the wedding being on a ranch, Johanna opted for boots over the not-so-practical heel. Loved.
And Marshall and the guys opted for Western-style shirts and Trend Suspenders. So perfectly them. 
Last-minute touch-ups.
Just before heading out to say her vows… 
The cocktail hour was totally relaxed with people sitting on blankets on the grass, listening to blue grass music and munching on kettle corn and other snacks they had set out in picnic baskets.
A lot of the details, like this customized milk bottle adorned with the groom’s (and now bride’s) last name, were created by Johanna’s cousin who has her own Etsy shop here. She can pretty much customize anything!
The wedding party.
This nail and string piece of their last name was one of my favorite elements… so cool and could definitely find a place in their home to be displayed forever.
Johanna shares with me a love of photography and has grown quite a fabulous collection of antique cameras, which she incorporated into the decor throughout the wedding. The camera below belonged to this woman- Marshall’s grandmother- who gave the camera to Johanna a few years back. Grandma was surprised and so happy to see that the camera was being displayed on the cake table. I just love this kind of personal touch to wedding style! And I love that my assistant Ally was able to capture this… 
Johanna had talked to me about loving the idea of dancing under these lights… I think she made her vision a reality here.
With the newlyweds!
The four of us… Me, Ashley, Johanna and Steph. We have shared so much of life together and no matter how little I get to see them or the direction life takes each of us, these girls will always be a huge part of my story and I love them all dearly.
Congratulations, Johanna & Marshall! I love you guys so much and am so happy to have been there to witness you officially joining your lives together. XO
how fun is this wedding!? Love it all and especially love the chill cocktail hour with the blankets and picnic style. That’s so chill and fun!
What a gorgeous bride and the entire wedding is beautiful! I love the cake, it’s simple but stunning! And I love her dress…I wore the same one at my wedding and fall in love with it every time I see it <3 Lovely work as always, Heather! Congrats to the bride and groom!