Julia and Roy are such a joyous couple. Always smiling, always friendly. It was a JOY working with them on their October wedding day. And it just so happens that the word JOY was part of their wedding decor. Did you know that when you combine the names Julia and Roy you get JOY!? So neat, right? And really, so incredibly fitting for this couple…as you’ll probably see in their smiles and laughs throughout this post. 🙂

When I found out that Julia and Roy were marrying in a forest, I was excited! If you’ve been following me over the past couple of years and have seen the “Adventures” page of my recently revamped website, you know that I love weddings like this. Churches and ballrooms are nice for weddings, but what really gets me excited are adventures! Weddings that are different and unique…like a wedding in a forest! Julia and Roy both work for the state parks in Garrett County, MD so New Germany State Park was clearly an appropriate location. 

I loved working with this couple, with these details, in this season and at this location. A nice little JFP adventure that I hope you’ll enjoy! 

Julia wore these TOMS heels! So cool!

And Julia’s bouquet!?! Made from natural elements like wood…a perfect compliment to their wedding in the woods! She got it from Etsy. 🙂

A favorite ring shot from my weddings last year. Such a unique band. 🙂

Julia’s dad looking in as she got her finishing touches ready…

After I hung out with Julia and her family at a rental home near the lake, I met Roy at a small cabin at New Germany State Park…

A new favorite detail shot! 

Smiles from Roy ALL DAY LONG!

Julia and Roy love their dog Rosie. She even made an appearance during their engagement session and was invited to hang out for the ceremony and cocktail hour. A dog at a wedding in the woods? Very fitting!

The ceremony and cocktail hour spot!

The first hint of JOY… 🙂

The fireplace inside the park pavilion was decorated so beautifully! I especially loved the burning fire. 🙂

The tree on the right served as their “unity candle” during the ceremony. Julia and Roy collected water from streams from their childhood and watered the plant with the water.

Drymill Road. I first met this bluegrass band at a wedding a few years ago! Then I recommended them to one of my 2014 brides and was pleasantly surprised to see them yet again! 

More JOY! Julia + Roy = JOY! 🙂

Guests signed rocks for the “guest book”…

 

A sweet capture from my second shooter, Melissa!

Another capture by Melissa. I love when the sun “bursts” through the trees!

Watering their unity tree using water from streams from their childhood…so different and so neat!

Rosie greeted them immediately! 🙂

We had PLENTY of time for portraits! And Julia and Roy were happy to smile anytime I asked. So thankful for couples like them! Thank you, guys! 🙂

These two were soooo good at bride-groom portraits! They had no problem snuggling up in the front of the camera! I think they remembered what I taught them at their engagement session last year. 😉

I LOVED using this yellow tree as a backdrop!

A favorite from the day. 🙂

So joyous, these two…

Julia’s smile and style looked so great against the fall-filled forest…

A little more sun before the cocktail hour was over. I always feel so lucky to capture this beautiful glow!

Another favorite! They’re so good at this!

So glad I spotted this location on our way to the reception!

Their reception was held at the park’s lake house and this view was just steps out the door…

Thank you, Julia and Roy, for getting married in a forest. What a fun, unique and beautiful adventure! And thank you for being so friendly, so joyous and so wonderful in front of the camera. I hope we can work together again in the future! 🙂