DJ & JeriLyn's Backyard Elopement | Covid-19 Wedding | Struthers, Ohio

Your whole life you dreamed up what your wedding day might look like, and then BAM. Covid - 19 hits and all those plans get changed, postponed, or for some.. cancelled all together. My heart breaks for every couple that’s faced with making that decision. Every email I get, every available date I have left, my brides are my #1. I want nothing more than for you to feel like I’m on your team, rooting for you and helping you feel seen and less alone during such an uncertain time.

JeriLyn and DJ planned their backyard elopement after they had to cancel their wedding in St. Thomas due to Covid-19. There were maybe 10-15 guests, all close family in attendance. And you know what? It was beautiful. It was intimate. It felt personal. I witnessed a marriage 18 years in the making that no pandemic could stop. That is such an incredible honor.

After I left that day I felt so encouraged. Both for me, as a wedding photographer, and all of the brides out there who have no idea what direction they should take moving forward. While everything in the world might be canceled, love isn’t. Maybe your plans have changed, or maybe having a smaller wedding was your plan all along… your story deserves to be told.

There are options available. I know a major theme in the wedding industry right now is “marry now, party later”, and I LOVE that idea so much! I also think it’s totally okay to do whatever YOU think is best for YOUR day and whatever that might look like. If you want a big wedding, I’m your #1 fan. If you want 5 people attending, I’m your #1 fan. I’m here to tell YOUR story. I’m here for you, I’m rooting for you, and I’m on your side.

I’ve recently developed new collections for smaller weddings in addition to my regular wedding day coverage. Please reach out if you might be interested and we can chat more over coffee and talk about your options. xo

Dress: Allure

Dress Shop: Jacqueline’s Bridal

Flower Girl/Daughter of the B&G’s Dress: Jacqueline’s Bridal &

Custom Bow by Amber Bonilla

Covid Masks: Amber Bonilla

Grooms Attire: Express

Florals: Sweet Arrangements

Cake: Classic Bakery

Make-up & Hair: Brittany Varga

Location: Hamiton Lake, Struthers, Ohio

Invitations: Mallory Chick

Rings: Custom A. Jaffe from Cirelli Jewelers