Joleen Willis Photography

The story goes something like this: Lara had escaped from town to her childhood home, her cabin hidden by trees, approachable only by winter stream crossing, to have some time alone. She was taking a nap, not expecting any company at her hideout, when along came Matt. Now we're not talking the kind of home where people drive by, or people just stop in, this home is off the grid, accessible only by a dusty dirt road. So, seeing another someone was a surprise.
She went out to meet this someone, who happened to be Matt, Matt being someone who worked with private forest landowners, which Lara was. She asked some questions, questions a mountain girl such as herself already knew answers too, and Matt promptly volunteered answers, but not all of them to save some for the coffee date he wanted to take her on. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the story goes Lara vetoed coffee for a hike. And here we are, at their wedding day. THIS is the very spot they met:

This is just exactly how Lara had laid out her things for me to photograph. I didn't even touch them. I arrived early to the house to take pictures of details, while Lara hiked in from her hidden campsite in the forest.

I'm not sure if Lara ever got around to putting her boots on, as far as I know she spent the day barefoot.

Lara told me she never pictured herself in a traditional wedding gown, she figured it would have been something simple and cotton, but when she tried on this gown, she skipped. That's how she knew.

Lara's bouquet was picked herself the very morning of her wedding, entirely of wildflowers.

Lara & Matt opted for a First Look, making the rest of their day stress-free, and being fully present at all of their reception. She wrote me later and said that having that time to see each other alone before everything started happening was just what they needed. Lara, if you're reading this, maybe you could put your two cents on having a first look? Is it as special?

Before I took this picture, I had the bridal party in a nice little line, but it just wasn't them. Then Lara was like, "Can we climb on the rock?" Of course. Once up there she said, "Now THIS is MY bridal party!' :)

When Lara first snuck a peek at her groom she announced to all her ladies, "Now I understand why men wear suits."

Quick moment with Matt's mom before the ceremony.

How nice to be lead by accordion to the ceremony meadow!

Ah, the meadow. Lara's childhood home. The place she's always felt most safe. Now shared with Matt, the one who makes her feel the most safe.

Lichten played an important part in Lara & Matt's wedding day and decorations. It's naturally present in abundance throughout the meadow, but it was also important, as Lara explained, the kind of relationship it represents.

No flower market here, these are all from the meadow!

Another yummy cake from Alicia!

Mother of bride and mother of groom, laughing at father of bride.

First Dance!

Having a little trouble with that cake until someone produced a toy chainsaw.

Oh Julie & Zac, you struck a soft spot in my heart from our very first meeting. So YOUNG AND IN LOVE. I loved the way you guys looked at each other, leaned on each other, talked about the future together. I loved your secret plans turned not so secret (and also not-so-elopement). I love that all that mattered was being married.

Thank you for letting me share a part of your wedding day. With all the twists and turns leading up to it, I'm so blessed to have been included in the plan. Love you guys, Joleen

PS I wanted to give your pics a little vintage flare, something I rarely do. I hope you like 'em.