We woke up early on a Wednesday, loaded up the car with our equipment and headed west to Ohio. We have made this same drive countless times over the last eight years. In the past the car was packed to the roof with camping gear for a weekend at our favorite festival spot. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. Out of all of the places we have been, these woods, this park will always be a favorite. Each year when we head back after a long winter, it always feels like home. So when an old friend reached out about documenting her wedding at the place so meaningful to all of us, my heart swelled with joy. 

Jeremy and Chanel met at Nelson Ledge’s nine years ago. They were from different states but their paths crossed this fateful weekend. Chanel was hula hooping at her campsite, when Jeremy walked up and began talking with her. She ended up showing him how to hula hoop, while a friend recorded the funny encounter. Chanel reminisced about how special it is that they have a video of the first five minutes of meeting each other. After that weekend they spent that summer meeting back up at countless festivals at the quarry. They fell deeply and quickly in love. You could say the rest is history!

In staying true to their passions and love story, in 2013 Jeremy proposed to Chanel at Hyperion Music and Art’s Festival. Chanel say’s “I’ll never forget being at Hyperion and getting called up on stage. Jeremy asked me to marry him in front of the whole festival right before Gramatik went on stage!! It was such a dream come true and caught me totally off guard!!”

Their summer festival wedding, had touches of blue and white with a natural geode theme. They chose to get married the day before the PYRO ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL started so that they could stay the weekend to celebrate with family and friends! They of course hoped for a sunny summer day, but the skies had other plans. Though it down poured most of the day, everyone kept such a positive attitude and really focused on how happy they were for Jeremy and Chanel. Everyone had tears of bliss before, during and after the ceremony as we were all so grateful to be a part of these two soul-mates uniting.

Just as the sun began to set, the clouds parted and the golden light draped over the trees and across the beach. We didn’t waste a minute as we all ran towards the beach to photograph these two insanely in love people! There was nothing but pure joy and excitement as Chanel twirled and embraced the warm light followed by Jeremy joining her with a huge embrace. They kissed, held one another and danced on the sand.

This period of the day is always magical at the quarry, as the fog rolls out from the woods and the trees begin to glow and reflect back onto the glimmering glass like water. Jp and I have witnessed this scene so many times over the years, but this time it was different. This already breathtaking landscape truly turned into something even more exceptional as I watched Jeremy and Chanel move across it. Two people we love, becoming one at a place we love, it could not have gotten any more meaningful.  

Venue: Nelson Ledge Quarry Park

Photography: Liz Capuano Photography / Second Shooter: John Paul Janicki

Cake: Cakes&Things + Nothing Bundt Cakes

Dress: David’s Bridal

DJ: Modern Era Weddings

Custom Wedding Bands: Darby and Cikity