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Chloe & Jake
Colorful Fall Manor Wedding

Weddings

Chloe and Jake’s wedding!!!!!! This day was one of my favorite weddings of 2022. The couple and their family and friends were such a joy to photograph and there were so many sweet moments throughout the day. Jake is a super emotional guy (and so is his family!) which meant the happy tears were overflowing. From their first look which had me in tears to a ceremony that was moving and impactful– I was obsessed with every single part of the day.

Some highlights of the day:

The newspaper that Jake spent hours hand making Chloe which shows their story and full wedding details. Was such a fun memento for guests to read throughout the day.
Chloe’s tearful first look with her dad
The couple’s emotional first look on the lawn
Thrifted cups for every guest
The fall colors
A wedding ceremony that told the couples story
Brunch!
Chloe’s grandma’s fur coat

Review from the couple

“Leah Goetzel is the BEST photographer in the business. I waited a few months before we wrote this review because I wanted to do it justice, so here it is. Leah Goetzel was HANDS DOWN our best decision, and our favorite vendor on our wedding day. (I am literally tear-ing up writing this!!!).

If you are looking for a wedding photographer, PLEASE do yourself a favor and book Leah. She felt like a maid of honor, best friend, sister, and just was basically THE ideal vendor. She is honestly perfect. Also, as we were about to head out the door for the send off, she handed us a sneak peak of wedding photos that she had somehow printed?? We LOVED them and they immediately went up on our fridge.

Leah is THE BEST out there, and basically, you absolutely must hire her. Thank you for everything, Leah!!!”

To Chloe & Jake

Wowee. Where do I start?? Thank you both so much for trusting me to capture y’alls day. I know so much thought and care went into planning the day, so it was truly and honor to be a part of it. Y’all are both such sweet, intentional people and felt so at ease photographing you two. Whether we were blowing on the wind during engagement photos or hidden under your veil– it was so much fun third wheeling. Cannot wait to photograph all your life’s events! <3

-Leah

The Story

How did y’all meet?

“We met like all millennials do: on HINGE (a dating app, the classy one…for young professionals, obviously). It’s near the end of 2020. We matched on the app, exchanged a few messages (probably 3), and then Chloe decided Jake seemed nice but it was time to delete the app because she “didn’t have time.” She left Jake on read.

Fast forward five months, Chloe is having wine with her good friend Heather Lawler. Heather tells Chloe she needs to re-download the app, and go on one date.

Chloe and Heather go through her old messages, and decide Jake is the one that slipped away. Chloe messages Jake. He immediately responds. They go on a walk a few days later.

Chloe says she approved of his answers to all her questions about the world, culture, the church, and politics. Jake was struck by her intentionality, and thought to himself: I hope we go on some more dates…!!!

After 10 months of life together, they decided on forever. Jake got on his knee on Christmas Eve 2021, and she said yes!”

The Proposal

“Jake proposed on a sunrise hike on Christmas Eve! We have a few iPhone photos to prove it. We got coffee and croissants after. It was magic!”

Honeymoon Plans

“PUERTO RICO!!! We have no plans except to lay on the beach, get a massage, and then we have plans to snorkel one day! Maybe a hike or two, too??”

The Wedding Day

Getting Ready

Chloe and Jake had a Sunday brunch wedding, which meant a very early start to the morning! I arrived before the couple (and the sun!) because I wanted to get some photos of Chloe arriving. Everyone came fully ready (Chloe started hair and makeup at 3 am!!) except for being dressed. It was so sweet seeing her and her bestie tear up while getting into her dress. (There were a lot of tears this wedding). Once Chloe was fully ready she did first looks with her bridesmaids and dad. I love when people do first looks with their family and friends, they’re just such a sweet and fun moment.

First Look & Portraits

Chloe and Jake chose to do a first look. The couple specified they wanted it completely private with the exception of me photographing it. They also wanted a song playing so I had Girl in Calico by Tow’rs queued up and ready to go. It was such a sweet first look, Jake was in tears. I cannot imagine a better reaction from your partner on your wedding day.

Wedding Party & Family Photos

This was one of my biggest wedding parties of the year! I think there were 17 people in the wedding party!! After hanging with Chloe for an extended period of time though, I totally understand why she has so many friends. We kept wedding party photos fun and candid and short (it was misleadingly chilly!).

Ceremony

Almost ceremony time!! All the guests were able to select a thrifted mug and encouraged to grab coffee before heading outside for the ceremony. Chloe and Jake’s ceremony was performed by Jake’s uncle. I absolutely love when a couple chooses to have a family or friend do their ceremony, it just makes everything that much more sentimental.

Couples Photos

After ceremony we took a few more couples photos, the Manor house is just such a stunning backdrop. There are gorgeous photo spots all over! The main priority though was making couples photos short and sweet so Chloe and Jake could go mingle with guests and actually enjoy their day!

Reception

Reception was such a blast! After a delicious brunch and a few super sweet dances and toasts it was open dancing time! I was worried no one would be dancing since it was an early Sunday morning, but this crew tore it up! I absolutely loved the decor of this wedding, the colorful candles is definitely something I’m going to be stealing for my own wedding!