Great Cacapon Cabin Wedding – Dana & Tim

West Virginia Wedding Photographer | Karly Forsyth

Dana & Tim tied the knot on the wrap-around porch of a brand new cabin they built from the ground up. A labor of love nestled on the highest hill surrounded by nothing but God’s country. I stepped out of my car to the most epic scenery overlooking the mountains, snagged a quick insta story video to prove this place was real and headed on in.

I was met with a room full of bustling, smiling faces ready to get these two married. I was directed to the bedroom where I found Dana pacing nervously, her heels clicking back and forth on the wooden plank floor. Fifteen years together and she can’t wait to see him for the first look. These are my kinda people.

Tim read Dana’s heart-felt letter alone in the dining room and then pulled a shiny pin with his Father’s face from a small white box. He smiled gently, pinned it closest to his heart and headed out for their first look.

A Case For The First Look: I always reassure my brides nerves are a good thing! And a first look helps shake them out. I love that Dana and Tim shared a first look because they were able to release some of that nervous energy before the ceremony. A common misconception is that a first look might take away from seeing your bride walk down the aisle. But after photographing 50+ weddings, I’ve never found that to be the case. A first look provides an opportunity that walking down the aisle doesn’t. It gives you the alone time you deserve to truly feel your feelings, enjoy the realness of the moment and see each other without the pressure of a crowd of people staring at you waiting for a reaction. PLUS, you get extra portrait time. And everyone loves extra bride and groom portraits, especially me.

Trust me, there were still tears. Right, Tim? 😉

I digress. Back to you, Dana and Tim.

Dana was fully prepared to walk down the aisle solo. Unbeknownst to her, Tim’s sons, Colton and Levi, were waiting for her. As she turned the corner of the cabin headed for the aisle, they reached out for her hands and escorted her down to Tim. These are seriously some of my favorite images. My eyes watered behind my camera taking them and I may have teared up again editing them. Literally the sweetest boys, kind and gentle. Protect them at all costs.

Dana gushed to me just how lucky she felt to have Tim, Colton and Levi. And I have a feeling Tim would say, “Ditto”. 🙂 It was such a joy to photograph a couple with such tangible love. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Souders!

P.S. We captured all of this goodness in TWO hours. Can you believe that?!

If you loved this blog, check out another recent West Virginia wedding of mine. My couples are the sweetest! Oh, and see more of that handsome dude, Levi, from his senior pictures here.

Need a West Virginia Wedding or family photographer? I’d love to help! Contact me here. 🙂