It’s not too often that you get two wonderful people coming together to celebrate their love while also almost making everything for their big day!  You want to talk about DIY, these two nailed just about every part of that!  From signs, to their ring box, and even cupcake toppers, these two made it all!  Not to mention, they picked just about the most perfect day, and such a beautiful location to get married.

A backyard wedding, right on the shore line of Deep Creek Lake, MD.  Sun streaming, friend’s laughing, and brides smiling.  It couldn’t have been a more perfect day.  As opposed to getting walked down the aisle by their fathers, these bride’s opted for ‘first looks’ with their dads.  As they ascended down the stairs, each of their father’s beamed.  Hugs, kisses, and tears were all exchanged before the ceremony began.

The bridal party were all decked out in blue dresses with lovely sunflower accent bouquets. Walking down the aisle, the brides rocked custom Converses that said ‘2gether’ and ‘4ever.’   How fantastic is that?! There was a wonderful moment when Jodi was waiting for Mary as she walked down the aisle, and as she looked up and saw her bride, the love shining in both their eyes was beautiful.

There were a lot of unique wedding traditions during their ceremony.  Jodi’s mom did a beautiful Polish wedding blessing as guests passed around their rings to bless the couple and think positive thoughts of love for their marriage. The bride’s each wrote their own vows and as they read them to each other, guests looked on with tears of happiness in many of their eyes. Rings and a kiss were exchanged before these two lovely brides walked down the aisle for the first time as a married couple.

Speeches, dinner, and dances followed the ceremony with lots of hugs and laughs exchanged between.  People loved the s’more bar and camp fire as kids spent time swimming in the lake and walking along the shore. As the sun began to set, these brides stunned in an evening photo session.  Jodi even changed into a fantastic tuxedo t-shirt. Isn’t that just awesome sauce? As I was packing up to leave, I left with hugs, congrats, and a smile on my face.  This is how Mary and Jodi’s whole day was, and I can’t imagine that any of their guests left without joy in their heart.  What an honor it was to photograph these two and their wedding day.  There aren’t too many couples who genuinely light up the place when they’re together.  These two brides lit up the whole wedding and this was clear to everyone in attendance.  I hope that this joy is obvious in the photos below, and you can see the love  these two have for each other.  So without further ado, Mary and Jodi’s wedding:

Vendors:

Photography and writing by:

Alysha Yoder Photography

(b) www.alyshayoderphotoblog.com  www.alyshayoderphoto.com

(e) alyshayoderphoto@yahoo.com (p) 610.762.7810

Venue:  Over the Rainbow in Deep Creek Lake, MD

Cupcakes: Mountain Flour Bakery

Cake: Kelly the Cake Lady

DJ: 1st Dance DJs

Flowers: Farmhouse Fete

Caterer: Archie’s BarbeQue