Sometimes it’s not about the amount of people, a giant venue, or the expense of the day. Sometimes it’s simply about the joy of two people coming together to become one. Jessica and Manny didn’t want a big affair. They simply wanted to be married and have their closest family and friends surrounding them. Their day was quiet, sweet, and so so so special. Though they’re both rather camera shy, they were brave enough to trust me for some epic shots up on top of Highland Forest (and it totally paid off)!  Instead of your typical wedding reception, Jessica and Manny just did the things they loved, a little dancing, a little photo booth crazy, and a little Karaoke! It was such a lovely and quiet day, the perfect reflection of such a lovely and beautiful couple! Thank you so much Jessica and Manny, it was so wonderful to be part of your beautiful day!

xoxoxo,
Mabyn

Photo by Emily Elizabeth Photography

How did your fiance propose? After spending a whole day trying to get each of my parents alone to ask for my hand in marriage, he couldn’t wait any longer and proposed while we were pulled over on the side of the road. I though he “forgot something,” and he popped the question instead. 🙂 He’s horrible at keeping surprises a secret (which was also displayed at Christmas, my birthday, etc. lol)
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding (how did you pick the venue, colors, funny stories, etc..): Wedding planning stressed me out from day one, so it was low key from the beginning. My mom heard about Highland Forest and I fell in love with the view, intimate setting, and Melanie from Orchard Vali (the lodge’s caterer) was AMAZING I can’t rave about her enough. Our colors were gray, yellow, and ivory: he loves gray, I love white, and yellow is always a happy color. I’m a dork so I liked the number theme of 10-11-12 so that was actually the first thing decided. We’ve both done a lot of moving around separately (we were young when we met in college, so a lot of “soul searching still had to take place), and we loved the idea of finally getting to spend EVERY holiday together, with our wedding anniversary to start it all off.
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day? The releasing of the doves was a pretty cool moment- we love the symbolism and they looked beautiful too (even though it was FREEZING!)
Funniest memory from your wedding day? Manny’s little nephew, Noah, playing photographer throughout the day…he was so serious about his duties and it was really cute.
If you had to do it all over again would you change anything? Maybe less last minute planning (sure you’ve heard that one once or twice before!)
Any advice for future bride & grooms? It’s your day, do what’s in your heart.
What was your favorite part about working with Mabyn Ludke Photography? I like how laid back everything was, like I said the “wedding” concept has always overwhelmed me (we are both camera shy HA) but it was a good time, and I appreciate you working with us stiff boards 😉 Thank you again!

Dress Designer & Store Location: David’s Bridal//Jewelry: Kay Jeweler’s//Grooms Attire: Lord and Taylor//Ceremony Venue: Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest//Reception Venue: Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest//Caterer: Orchard Vali Caterer//Cake: 83 and Company