This wedding will go down as one of the most early booked weddings I’ve ever secured. Stacey and Mike met with me back in October 2015 to book their date – they were planning ahead for good reason. Stacey, being the rockin’ entrepreneur that she is, wanted to focus on finishing the major details to her wedding day plans while building up her blooming fitness business, and was incredibly organized at doing both at the same time. Having already done photos of Stacey and her family in the past, I was really happy to hear that she and Mike wanted me as the one to document their big day.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, being nearly 9 hours driving distance away, was a gorgeous and perfect setting for this union. What made it more awesome was that the families had the entire estate to themselves, making it a really nice getaway for lots of people! I absolutely LOVED Stacey’s gorgeous two-piece wedding dress as well as her teal colors in her hair. And, if I can be totally honest, I didn’t bat an eye when this badass bride dropped an f-bomb in her wedding vows.
Everything was awesome – from the no-stress pace of the day to the one thing we couldn’t control: the weather. Stacey’s mom, Laurie, did such a fantastic job with her decorating influences and really tied the travel theme of the wedding so beautifully together. Thank you so much to Stacey and Mike, and your amazing families, for the honor of allowing me to document this special day!
Describe your planning process!
Stacey & Mike: We wanted a small, intimate gathering with great food. I wanted to elope and Mike wanted a wedding so compromising on it being small with the people we really wanted there was the best option. We both have a love of wine and decided that a winery was the best option for us. We chose Burrowing Owl in particular because most of our guests could stay on the property and the restaurant was right there so no one was drinking and driving and we didn’t have to be running all over the place when we don’t know the area the best.
What was your favorite part of the day?
Stacey & Mike: Our favorite parts were making sure that we had lots of time for everything so no part felt rushed. At one point during the day we snuck off and just laid down and watched bad tv on netflix. We got to netflix and sorta chill on our wedding day which I think sums us up pretty good. At the end of Stacey’s vows we did a shot of jack which was pretty great. I feel like the day was everything we had put so much time into and it was truly a unique experience that summed us up.
What is your greatest advice for wedding planning?
Stacey & Mike: Don’t tell anyone what you are planning until you are set – unless you want the advice. We were given lots of unsolicited, hurtful at times advice and we shouldn’t have left that door open at all.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Burrowing Owl Winery // Officiant: Ted Cronmiller // Bride’s attire: Laura George // Groom’s attire: Harry Rosen Armani // Florist: Polka Dot Door // Stationary: Plush Invitations