Carissa + Maddie

Jan 6

April is nothing if not unpredictable, and in the days leading up to Carissa and Maddie’s Monday elopement, we were watching the skies with held breath. Tornado warnings flashed across our screens, and the wind whispered uncertainty, but fate had other plans. Instead of storm clouds, the day arrived cloaked in sunlight, as if nature itself had chosen to bless their love.

Carissa and Maddie arrived hand in hand that golden evening, full of calm joy and quiet excitement. Carissa moved with intention, placing each detail. Florals draped across chairs, a lovingly made spread of homemade dishes (what else would you expect when two chefs marry?). The Couple’s Cabin buzzed with warmth as they got ready side by side, their sisters helping with delicate touches while little nieces twirled and giggled around their feet.

When it came time for the ceremony, the flower girls were the first to steal hearts, toddling down the aisle with the help of their parents. Maddie followed, linked arm-in-arm with her sister, then Carissa with hers; two parallel stories about to be joined.

The ceremony itself held a rare kind of beauty. Carissa and Maddie chose a handfasting ritual. But not just any handfasting. Each guest received a sealed envelope, and within it, a ribbon inscribed with tender words. One by one, these ribbons were woven into the ceremony, connecting each loved one to the vows being made. The result was a tapestry of shared intention, a visible thread of community and love binding them together.

After the ceremony, we flowed seamlessly into family portraits but with a twist. Carissa and Maddie had planned a gift for their guests: each family received a mini photo session of their own. It was such a generous way to say thank you. Not just with words, but with memories.

Then came toasts and clinking glasses. Every guest held a thrifted glass marked with a handmade charm of their name, and to my delight, a special one waited just for Iris Aisle. These two thought of everything, and everyone.

The cake was sliced, laughter echoed through the conservatory, and as the evening stretched golden and slow, we wandered into the woods, chasing pockets of light and documenting their love in the hush of the trees.

As dusk fell, Carissa and Maddie returned to the cabin where their day began. Now married, wrapped in stillness, and ready to savor it all.