Backyard Outdoor Wedding in Goshen, Indiana | Olivia + Connor

August 2025 – Vintage Meadows Wedding

Olivia and Connor’s wedding day was one to remember. On Connor’s family property Vintage Meadows, the Schrock family worked together for months to construct the perfect outdoor open-air pavilion to host their son’s wedding day. And it truly turned out absolutely stunning. As a Wedding Photographer in Indiana, finding outdoor spaces to host friends and family for a large gathering can prove to be difficult. Especially one with meaning. Connor and Olivia turned their family’s farm into an outdoor haven with deep family heritage, as they stepped into marriage together.

The Details + The Morning

The morning started with detail photos, with deep meaning. The lady’s flower bouquets were handcrafted by family members, a thrifted ceramic egg shaped ring box held rings from Newcomer & Sons, pieces of the bride’s mother’s dress were tied onto the bride’s shoes from JJ’s house, wax stamps on envelopes, floral lined invitation suites from Anns Bridal Bargains, and an assortment of handpicked china plates, eclectic candles, and drinking glasses placed on reception tables. My favorite details were miniature crocheted heart magnets that the bride, Olivia, made as wedding favors, and a metal welded rose handcrafted by the groom, Connor, which held history to their relationship. Every single detail was expertly touched.

Getting ready was a breeze. The sister of the bride’s busy doing hairstyles, pinning flower pieces into everyone’s hair, and hair-spraying flyaways to prep for the heat of the August day. Olivia’s craftiness continued to show up so often in every element, as she gifted each bridesmaid and her mom an embroidered vintage handkerchief to wipe away the tears (and sweat ha!). As the bridesmaid’s saw the bride in her full look for the first time, excitement filled the air. Even the flower girl (bride’s niece) was deeply excited to be ‘matching’ with her Aunt Olivia, as she held out her dress to compare.

On the other end of the farm, the groomsmen got ready with ease, with a simple outfit from Perry Ellis, colorful boutonnieres and tan suit jackets and suspenders. They lounged for most of the morning after setting up.

The bridesmaid’s also decorated the getaway Jeep with extra ribbons to match the color scheme of the day for the sparkler send off.

The Afternoon

Olivia’s dad saw his daughter for the first time that morning, and was taken aback at her beauty. They embraced, laughed, and chatted briefly before the next event of the day.

Another special first look occurred by the wood’s edge, between the bride and groom! My favorite moments were the tender hugs, brief portraits, and frolicking through the tall grass hand in hand. Olivia’s dress from David’s Bridal was perfect in the summer sun, with embellishments, a gorgeous train, and lace.

Before the ceremony began, the family and bridal party enjoyed Cardinal Coffee latte’s in the summer heat during some down time. Olivia had her signature iced latte, and the grandparents admired their family during family photo time, sitting in the shade.

Next, bridal party pictures were lighthearted and located by the forest’s edge, on top of a unique rock pattern. I could not contain myself when we staggered each bridal party member on the rocks, the artistry was the best. Bridesmaid’s frolicked through the meadow, bouquets in the air, twirling under the blue skies with their best friends. It was a stunning sight! Groomsmen took a simpler approach, underneath the trees. Both sets of portraits matched the personalities of each group perfectly, something I aim to do at every wedding day (read more about my wedding day values here as a wedding photographer in Indiana).

The Ceremony

Underneath a handmade heart shaped arch from Olivia’s dad, butterflies and florals were hit with late afternoon sun spots. Connor’s family mowed lines of grass to frame the aisle, with colorful wildflowers stuck in the ground. The forest framed the space, it felt magical. A thrifted oil lamp was to be used as the unity, with two candlesticks on either side of the lamp that both mother’s would light together.

As far as love stories go, Olivia and Connor have been faithfully anticipating this day to start the next chapter of their story book. Their history from high school sweethearts to joining in marriage is beautiful and rare. Truly, their ceremony felt just right, as they lit their union oil lamp together, exchanged vows, had family pray over their future, and kissed under the arch. My favorite memory of the entire day, was the pure giddiness of Olivia and Connor as they ran hand in hand down the aisle. Immediately at the end of the aisle, tears of joy and hugs were shared with one another and family. What a moment!

Reception

As you look out at the family style dinner tables, colorful garden party details await. A few of my favorite touches included colorful twisted candlesticks, mix matched colored glassware, floral china plates, the six foot long guest cake decorated with flowers and gold leaf flakes, and the white drapery that tied the space together. But, no decor could be as beautiful as witnessing every chair full with loved ones. Continual laughter and clapping erupted from the reception all night long. Even an auction from a grandpa happened to release the table who donated the most to the honeymoon fund! Now that, is a classic midwestern wedding move.

The cake was cut, and Connor licked frosting off of Olivia’s nose! Hugs were shared, chatting with the people they love most.

Special dances filled the outdoor dance floor, with a surprise choreographed dance with the bride and her dad. The bride’s family sure laughed at this wonderful surprise.

And finally, the dance floor opened with the bouquet toss, a special game for the men, and a group photo.

Golden Hour Portraits

We returned to the meadow before the sun set that day, Olivia and Connor were full of joy and it was evident in every photo. They curled up together around the wild clover, hugged under the sunset, and ran through the tall grass.

Dance Floor + Send-Off

Nothing could stop this dance floor! These friends and family know how to HIT that dance floor, busting a move to square dances, cozy slow dances, and of course the classic dance floor bops. Desserts and Mennonite champagne was served, and enjoyed on the floor under the Edison bulb light. Olivia and Connor ended the night with a sparkler send off, straight to their getaway Jeep!