Sometimes wedding plans change. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients who have changed their minds completely. Weddings easily get overwhelming and can snowball into a huge event very quickly. Some of my clients have found it’s easier to shift gears and essentially elope! I’ve had the extreme honor of being invited along on these “elopements,” I say elopements because there isn’t really a better way to describe them other than SUPER tiny wedding. Most of the time my clients will run away to some exotic location (and take me with them! WOOHOO!) but this time around things were a little different.

I met Amber & Dave and we instantly hit it off chatting about our love for photography and everything geeky! As they went into detail about their wedding day I instantly fell in love with their ideas. Originally their wedding date was slated for 2014, I was sure they were going to book me and I couldn’t wait to capture their day.

A few weeks went by and I received an email from Amber apologizing about not getting the contract or retainer to me and explaining that they had changed their plans to an elopement. I’ve had this happen to me before, and typically I will send back an email of understanding & well wishes. I did this for Amber as well, but something in me just had to ask if they by any small chance wanted me to document their elopement.  I’m so glad I followed my gut, because the results were nothing short of epic! In stead of a real elopement, Amber & Dave had chosen to do a very small & quick ceremony in just a month at her grandparents farm. They knew that I was in the process of moving to North Carolina and didn’t think I would have their date free. Lucky for them I did and lucky for me I asked because I would have missed this amazing day.

No, I didn’t shoot for 8 hours like I normally do, there wasn’t getting ready pictures, cake cuttings, or first dances. But, there was a beautiful couple madly in love, family & friends to witness and support them, and a shooting location that will take your breath away! That’s all I need to make it worth it! Amber & Dave’s ceremony was simple & heartfelt, you can just see the elation on their faces! After the ceremony we spent 2 hours exploring their grandparents farm. Can all of my weddings have a 2 hour couples session? Pretty please?!
I left that day not only with gorgeous photographs and a smile on my face, but with 2 new friends whom I adore! Thank you to Amber & Dave for not just choosing me, but for KEEPING me. It means so much!

XOXOXO,
Mabyn

How did your fiance propose?
I woke up one sweet May day to my hubby’s embrace and him telling me how “today is the first day of the rest of our lives”…So I was a bit confused (but also smitten) by these words. I clearly remember him shuffling around in his pants pocket and asking him “what do you got in there?” and him just brushing it off. We had been enjoying a beautiful afternoon on our porch and he asked me to come inside for a moment so he could show me something. I then came inside and he took my hand and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! We both cried in happiness. It was very sweet and a moment to remember!
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding:
The planning process changed a few times for us. At first we thought we would invite both our families & closest friends which would count for around 100 people. All of the venues I had wanted to book were already booked (a year in advance!) so I was a bit stressed out. Then I would be on pinterest for HOURS trying to organize decor & little details and what not. This is when I became overwhelmed and came to the realization that our special day didn’t need to be a hugely expensive and extravagant event. So we decided to have a very small, intimate ceremony with just our immediate family. About 20 people. We planned the entire thing in a month! I was delighted that I could have an October wedding like I had always wanted! We both just love to be surrounded by nature and autumn does this wonderfully. It turned out perfect, exactly what we had hoped for, small & intimate.
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day?
We both agree that seeing each other at the altar, in that moment when we knew our entire lives were just beginning was the most memorable moment.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
I had to go commando due to lack of proper undergarments! Every pair I tried on were totally visible!! No WAY was I going to have my undies show in pictures hahaha.
If you had to do it all over again would you change anything?
Not a thing. Our wedding was unconventional but the only thing that mattered to us was the fact that we were committing to one another for life in front of the Lord and our closest family.
Any advice for future bride & grooms?
If you want a small wedding, always keep in the front of your mind that a wedding is about the commitment. It’s certainly not about pleasing other people. Do exactly what it is that makes YOU happy.
What was your favorite part about working with Mabyn Ludke Photography?
Mabyn is a gem. The whole time we were shooting it felt like we were just hanging out with a good friend. We were both comfortable and relaxed with her, and we went away feeling like we really did make a friend that day! She’s just an awesome person. Did we mention that she is awesome?

Hair: Bride//Makeup Artist: Bride//Dress Designer & Store Location: Vintage bought from Daughters of Simone on Etsy//Jewelry: Bride’s grandmother’s pearls//Veil or Hair accessories: Handmade flower crown by the bride//Shoes: BAREFOOT!//Ceremony Venue: Temperance Hill Farm, Cazenovia, NY//Reception Venue: Temperance Hill Farm, Cazenovia, NY//Florist: Whistlestop Florist in East Syracuse//Cake: Baked by Bride’s dad