Bellefontaine, Ohio | Tree Links | Haley & Tanner's Wedding

the love story | told by Haley

Tanner and I met in high school. He was a senior and I was a sophomore. We went to a very small school but somehow never really talked to one another. After the first time we hung out it was constant communication. We knew even at a young age we had found our forever love. We were able to experience high school, college, buying our first home, getting our first puppy, and so much more together. Now we are ready to commit our lives to being with each other. Our lives have been so blessed. I know our blessing will only continue with marriage.

I never thought Tanner would be able to surprise me but he proved me wrong. Every month or so  two of my friends and I plan a “girls day out”. Tanner took advantage of this day and without my knowledge got in contact with them to plan my proposal. So the girls and I planned a day in Easton shopping, nail salon, dinner, and all.  The two of them and Tanner were in contact all day making sure everything went as planned with me remaining in the dark. After we finished dinner we planned on taking a picture in front of the big Christmas tree. When went to take the photo my friends left my side I turned around to Tanner asking me to be his wife. It was by far the easiest question to answer in my life.

​Tanner has planned the entire honeymoon. It will be right after the wedding. He will be surprising me with the whole thing! It’s hard for us to keep anything from each other so I almost can’t believe I haven’t caved and begged for him to tell me. I do know we need our passports and to bring plenty of swim suits. I am looking forward to my unknown paradise more than anyone can imagine!

bridal prep

Haley & Tanner selected the beautiful Tree Links venue in Bellefontaine, Ohio. This venue used to be a golf course and has an amazing property for photos <3 Mother Nature decided to throw us a curve ball and make it rain on and off. You know, the kind you can't predict, whenever she feels a good sprinkle is in order. The ceremony was going to be held outside in front of a gorgeous grove of tall pines, but the couple decided to lean on the safe side and moved their ceremony indoors. 

Haley wore a Kenneth Winston gown from the Bridal Emporium. It was a satin gown with lace overlay, gorgeous cap sleeves and a stunning long lace train. She wore her impressively long hair in a loosely braid with flowers and a finger tip veil. Her flowers were light and airy and perfectly designed by her mother in law. 

ceremony

The sun decided to come out right before the ceremony and stay around just long enough to get pictures after. The ceremony was held inside the reception hall and  was short and sweet. The couple wrote their own vows and after they were read I don't think there was a dry eye in the building, including mine! 

bridal party

What a fun and beautiful group! After the ceremony we hopped in the golf carts and explored the property and after they patiently waited through the bridal portraits they all enjoyed a private cocktail "hour" (more like 15 minutes before Mother Nature decided that was enough) before heading back to the reception.

mr + mrs

I love these two! They are so easy to photograph and game for anything...like staying in the tall grass AFTER finding a tick in Haley's dress!!! EEEEEKK we made sure to go quickly and check her dress thoroughly after exiting the field.  Friends, that is just part of nature...in fact after we hopped back on the carts I looked down and found one sitting on top of my CAMERA!!

reception

The reception was full of fun and love. Tanner had 3 best men speeches, there was choreographed dances for the first dance, father-daughter, and mother-son dances and this crowd wasn't shy about bustin' a move, which us photographer love of course!! 

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Vendors:
​Planner: Aspen Jean Planning
Venue & Catering: Tree Links
Decorator: Joyous Occasions
Dress: Bridal Emporium
Bouquet: Audree Estes
Hair: Illy Swank Salon, Stylist Mary
Makeup: Josie Houge
DJ: Fox Event Group
Videographer: Everlasting Memories
Cake: Crystal Lisette Cakes
Invitations: Lindsy Warnecke