Oct 247 min read

Indianapolis Wedding Photographer | Handmade Details and Woodland Charm: Joanna & Avery's Wedding at Jameson Camp

There are weddings, and then there are celebrations of life, love, and personal milestones that remind us why weddings hold such a deep meaning. Joanna & Avery’s wedding on October 19th, 2024, at Jameson Camp in Indianapolis, was exactly that kind of unforgettable day. From their unique ceremony location deep in the woods to the heartfelt and personal details they included, it was truly one of the most intimate weddings we’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing. As Indianapolis wedding photographers who have attended over 400 weddings, we’ve seen a lot of love stories, but this one stands out for its authenticity and the couple’s incredible journey together.

The Journey to Sobriety and the Meaning Behind the Altar

One of the most moving aspects of Joanna & Avery’s wedding was the personal significance of their altar. Both Joanna and Avery have been on a journey of sobriety—Joanna celebrating 8 years and Avery marking 12 years. Their altar, shaped as the sobriety symbol, was a poignant reminder of their strength, resilience, and commitment, not only to themselves but also to each other. Handmade by the couple, the altar was a symbol of new beginnings, unity, and personal growth. The simplicity of the design blended beautifully with the natural setting of the forest, creating a serene and deeply meaningful backdrop for their vows.

The sobriety altar wasn’t just a creative project; it was a testament to the life they’ve built together, and how far they’ve come on their personal journeys. As wedding photographers, we often talk about making your day yours, and this was the perfect example of how a wedding can serve as a reflection of your personal journey.

Handmade Touches: Cupcake Centerpieces and Adoptable Dogs

Another element that made Joanna & Avery’s wedding day unique was the number of handmade projects they incorporated into their decor. For their table centerpieces, they opted for something both practical and beautiful—cupcake stands that held cupcakes crafted to look like real flowers. The artistry and attention to detail were absolutely stunning, and we couldn't help but marvel at how much effort they had put into every single one.

What we especially loved about the centerpieces was how they bridged the gap between decoration and dessert. The floral cupcakes not only added a touch of whimsy to the tables but also provided guests with a sweet surprise after dinner. In a time when couples are finding more ways to personalize their weddings, this was such a refreshing and unique idea!

One of the small yet incredibly meaningful details we noticed was the table numbers. Instead of traditional numbers, each table featured a photo of a dog available for adoption at the Hamilton County Humane Society. As dog lovers ourselves, with our three French Bulldogs—Lily, Tonks, and Luna—and our Mini Aussie, Maggie, this gesture tugged at our heartstrings. It was a reminder that weddings aren’t just about the couple; they’re about community and the ways we can bring a little more love into the world. Joanna & Avery’s commitment to helping these dogs find homes reflected their compassionate spirits, and we were deeply touched by this personal touch.

A Ceremony Amongst the Trees

One of the standout features of Joanna & Avery’s wedding day was their ceremony location. We’ve been fortunate to photograph weddings in some truly beautiful places, but this was something we’ve never seen before. Nestled deep in the woods, amongst towering trees, their ceremony felt like something out of a fairytale. The natural beauty of the forest, with sunlight streaming through the branches, provided a magical and intimate atmosphere that was absolutely breathtaking.

"We were very nervous about having a good photographer, Cody and his assistant helped put us at ease every step of the way! Their direction and placement for the photos were clear and efficient, and whenever any issues or unexpected things arose on the wedding day, they took care of everything seamlessly! For instance, we wear glasses and really don’t like glare in photos, but we know Cody will work his magic and get rid of it! We are really pleased with Cody’s work, he strives to capture exactly what you’re looking for, and we look forward to working with him again in the future!"

What made this location even more special was its quietness and sense of seclusion. Despite being surrounded by nature, the space felt deeply personal. Joanna & Avery exchanged their vows in front of close friends and family, and the ambiance made it feel like a sacred and private moment, even though it was part of a larger celebration.

If you’re planning your wedding and looking for a ceremony spot that offers both beauty and intimacy, this kind of woodland setting is hard to beat. The serene surroundings allowed for an emotional, heartfelt exchange of vows, unencumbered by distractions. It was one of the most intimate weddings we’ve had the honor of photographing.

Why Weddings Are Important: Celebrating the Union of Two Amazing People

At its heart, a wedding is a union of two people, but it’s also about so much more. Joanna & Avery’s wedding day reminded us why these celebrations matter. It's about two people coming together to share their lives, but it's also about their journey, the challenges they've overcome, and the family and community that surround them.

What was your favorite moment from your day?

"The first look we did was an amazing moment when time seemed to stop, and our hearts overflowed with a rush of emotions. Seeing the beautiful dress and my stunning wife—along with my handsome husband looking so dapper, made that surreal, private moment before getting married truly magical."

Tell us a little about your story and your day!

"We are both in our late 30s and had never been married before, so we wanted to go all out and have the perfect wedding! It was very important to us to capture every moment in every way possible. We found everything we wanted through hours of research, so it’s no accident that we had an amazing time. Everything worked out, and we truly had the wedding of a lifetime!"

For Joanna & Avery, their wedding wasn’t just about love; it was about resilience, strength, and hope. The inclusion of their sobriety symbol at the altar was a testament to their shared journey of overcoming personal struggles and finding peace in each other. This is what makes weddings so powerful—they aren’t just about the flowers, the cake, or the décor; they’re about celebrating love in all its forms.

Advice: Making Your Wedding Day Yours

If there’s one thing we can learn from Joanna & Avery’s wedding, it’s that personal touches make all the difference. Whether it’s crafting your altar by hand, creating floral-inspired cupcake centerpieces, or finding meaningful ways to give back (like featuring adoptable dogs as your table numbers), these details reflect who you are as a couple. And that’s what makes a wedding day feel special—not how much money you spend or how elaborate the décor is, but how much of you is infused into the day.

Our advice to couples planning their wedding is simple: make it yours. Don’t be afraid to incorporate personal elements that reflect your story and your journey together. Whether it’s a shared hobby, a personal milestone, or even your love of animals, it’s these touches that your guests will remember long after the day is over.

How a Larger Wedding Can Still Feel Intimate

One of the beautiful things about Joanna & Avery’s wedding is that, despite the number of guests, the day still felt incredibly intimate. The secret? Thoughtful planning and meaningful locations.

Choosing a ceremony location deep in the woods naturally limited the number of distractions and made the moment feel private, even in the presence of their loved ones. Additionally, the personal details throughout the reception, like the handmade centerpieces and the adoptable dog table numbers, made the day feel deeply personal.

If you’re planning a larger wedding but want to retain that intimate feel, focus on creating moments that bring you and your guests together in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through shared activities, personalized décor, or choosing a ceremony spot that feels private and secluded, there are plenty of ways to make your day feel intimate, even with a larger crowd.

Final Thoughts: A Day to Remember

Joanna & Avery’s wedding day at Jameson Camp will stay with us for a long time. From the handmade altar and cupcake centerpieces to the woodland ceremony and adoptable dogs, every detail was a reflection of their love and their journey together. It was a reminder that weddings are about more than just one day—they’re about celebrating the life and love that two people have built, and the community that supports them.

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

"Hire the best, check the reviews and look at the work they’ve done. We try to plan for all possible outcomes. Get a day-of coordinator; when your wedding is happening, you won’t be able to manage everything, so hire good people to take care of you—Cody being one of them! Having real support from family & friends is also key to making things run smoothly."

If you’re planning your own wedding, take a page from Joanna & Avery’s book: don’t be afraid to make the day truly yours, and remember that the best weddings are the ones that feel like an extension of who you are as a couple.