Katy & Jan: Juniper Hill Farms Wedding

If the old sayings about what brings good luck are true, then Katy and Jan's marriage was blessed before it even happened: not only did it rain all morning the day of the wedding, but a bird graciously blessed Katy from above at the welcome dinner the night before (she took it in stride!).

Having planned their wedding for Memorial Day weekend to allow ample travel time for their 70 guests (the majority of which flew in from out of town), they started the weekend with a welcome dinner at Pine's Garden & Market on Saturday night. It was the perfect evening for an open air celebration, with comfortable spring temperatures and a clear sky fading to gold. After a dinner catered by Taco Zone and multiple speeches, Katy and Jan took some time to do a few portraits among the greenhouses, flowers, and plants.

When I arrived at Katy's family farm (Juniper Hill Farms) the next day, it was quiet and calm. The morning rain had subsided by then, but between the wet ground and the farm being up on a hill that lends itself to wind, the decision to have the ceremony indoors or outdoors was still up in the air. There was still plenty of time to decide before guests arrived, so I found Katy in the house finishing getting ready. Jan and his family were on their way, and once he arrived it would be time for their first look.

I picked a spot on the north side of the giant, beautiful red barn where the reception would be held. Jan got into position, facing away from the house so that Katy could make her descent (and any wind would be pushing her hair away from her face). Turning to see his soon-to-be-wife, Jan broke out into a warm smile and they came together for an even warmer hug.

Both sides of the family had already gathered and were dressed, so they got to work fastening boutonnieres. We moved to the west facing side of the barn where the building created a wind break, and moved through probably the most efficient family session I have ever shot at a wedding before.

At a previous visit to the farm, I met with Nancy (Katy's mom) who suggested that the tomato greenhouse could be a really cool spot for some photos, and boy was she right. I loved the idea, and Katy and Jan must have too because we found ourselves trekking down the hill and stepping into the steamy hoophouse. Tucked in a row of tomato plants that reached toward the sky, it was an amazing spot for photos with millions of little yellow blossoms, and tomatoes ripening in shades of gold, orange, and red.

A working farm is a pretty phenomenal location for a wedding, especially photo-wise. There was no lack of interesting details or backdrops, and at one point the couple declared they should re-enact Grant Wood's American Gothic. Katy's brother, Scotty, appeared with multiple pitchfork options, and I had to concentrate to stop laughing so that they could keep their serious demeanors.

Guests would be arriving soon, and it was time to make the final decision. With some gentle encouragement from Jan's sister-in-law Haley, it was decided to have the ceremony under the giant Sycamore tree, and the families sprang into action carrying armloads of chairs down the hill from the barn. Scotty quickly figured out it would be faster to grab a four-wheeler and drive the trailer of chairs down, which is exactly what he did. Everything was set just as a big yellow school bus arrived, bringing guests from the satellite pickup site.

Once the guests had made it to their seats, it was time to start. Katy and Jan waited inside the barn with Nancy, who would be officiating the wedding. Each walked down to thunderous applause and cheers and made their way to the altar for a beautiful ceremony full of laughter, anecdotes, and warmth.

Katy and Jan walked back down the aisle to "Soulful Strut" while guests cheered, and everyone made their way back up the hill to the barn for an extended cocktail hour and walking hors d'oeuvres from Merchants. Katy and Jan made their entrance, visited with guests, and took photos with friends before everyone headed into the barn where tables were set for dinner. Katy's dad, Scott, welcomed everyone with a speech, and then everyone tucked into salads, wine, and a variety of artisanal pizzas made with farm ingredients and fired in the giant pizza oven on the stone patio.

A series of toasts came next; first, Katy's brothers Scotty and Connor had the party laughing, while Jan's brother Joris expressed his fond memories of growing up with an incredible big brother. Jan's father, Bart, rounded out the toasts, and then it was time for cutting the cake. Jan expertly carved out a slice and placed it on a plate, before realizing that they were lacking forks. Without hesitation, Katy bent down and took a bite out of the top of the slice while Jan laughed in surprise.

The evening continued with a group photo on the dance floor, and with the DJ setting up his lights and equipment on the patio, guests danced as the sun went down. Others milled around inside the barn eating cake, while the smell of fresh popcorn floated through the air. It was a day to remember, and a wonderful reminder that we get to choose the people we love to create our community; Katy and Jan have created a beautiful one for themselves.

Welcome dinner venue: Pine's Garden & Market

Catering: Taco Zone

Wedding venue: Juniper Hill Farms

Cake: https://wheatfieldsbakery.com/

Catering: Merchants, Juniper Hill Farms