Photo

, , ,

Camp Perna: Jolea & Cameron’s Wedding Weekend at Camp Adirondack

, , ,

From the moment guests arrived at Camp Adirondack, it was clear this wedding would be something truly special. Jolea and Cameron transformed the beloved summer camp into Camp Perna (Perna being their married last name), creating a full weekend experience that felt equal parts nostalgic, intentional, and wildly joyful. With everyone staying together in open-air cabins, the celebration unfolded less like a single event and more like a shared adventure. Mabel; The Perna’s German Shorthair Pointer, loved running around the campsite just as much; if not more, as all the guests!

Friday set the tone. Guests leaned fully into camp life—hiking wooded trails, canoeing across the lake, playing tennis, gathering around board games, and reconnecting in ways that only happen when phones are put away and time slows down. As the sun dipped low, the energy shifted into one of the most inclusive rehearsal dinners we’ve ever witnessed. Every guest was invited, reinforcing the couple’s vision that this weekend was about community, not formality.

An open mic followed dinner, and it quickly became a highlight of the weekend. Friends and family shared heartfelt memories, meaningful reflections, and more than a few hilariously embarrassing stories about Jolea and Cam. Laughter echoed across camp as the night wound down and guests eventually retired to their bunk beds—unaware that one final twist awaited.

Later that evening, the camp staff alerted the couple to an incoming storm projected to hit directly during their scheduled ceremony time. With all guests already on-site and flexibility built into the weekend, Jolea and Cameron made the calm, decisive choice to move their ceremony to the following morning. Bacchus Event Co. handled the overnight timeline shift with such professionalism and ease that most guests would never have guessed a change had occurred at all.

Saturday morning arrived early, and remarkably, everyone rose with excitement. The camp buzzed as guests dressed to impress in the bright, joyful colors Jolea had requested. Florals by A Blooming Affair perfectly matched the mood—vibrant pinks, purples, oranges, and blues bursting from bouquets, centerpieces, and a stunning floral altar at the water’s edge.

Though the ceremony time was moved to avoid the storm, fate had other plans. Rain began to fall just as Jolea and Cameron exchanged tearful vows beside the lake. If it’s true that rain brings good luck, these two were absolutely showered in it. The moment felt cinematic, intimate, and deeply emotional—one of those rare instances where nature amplifies, rather than interrupts, the significance of the day.

After the ceremony, a camp-wide nap settled in as rain continued to fall—a perfectly on-brand pause before the celebration resumed. Once the clouds cleared, Jolea and Cameron emerged looking effortless and radiant for their formal portraits, the camp refreshed and ready for the night ahead.

And what a night it was. The reception exploded with energy as DJ Scott Sonic of Empire State Events kept the dance floor packed for hours. The party truly lasted all night long—so much so that even Jolea’s grandma stayed up late celebrating right alongside everyone else.

Jolea and Cameron’s wedding weekend was not just a celebration of their love, but a reminder of how powerful it is to gather people you love in one place, slow down, and simply be together. Camp Perna will be remembered not just as a wedding, but as an experience—one filled with laughter, color, rain-soaked romance, and a dance floor that never quit.

Clothes that made it all happen;

, ,

Sheryl & Spencer’s Romantic Laughlin Ranch Wedding (With a Surprise Duck Guest!)

, ,

Sheryl & Spencer’s wedding day at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club was the perfect reminder that a little rain can make a wedding day even more magical. The skies were gray for much of the day, but the atmosphere was warm and joyful as friends and family gathered to celebrate this wonderful couple.

Determined not to let the weather change their plans, Sheryl and Spencer chose to keep their ceremony outdoors. The team at Laughlin Ranch worked alongside Lambert Event Station to create a stunning ceremony space beneath the venue’s covered promenade. It was the perfect solution—open to the beauty of the surrounding landscape while still keeping everyone dry and comfortable.

The day’s details were rich with color and personality. Deep purples, soft creams, and bold reds were woven throughout the décor, creating a romantic palette that stood out beautifully against the cloudy skies. One of the most striking details of all was Sheryl’s wedding dress. The gown featured colorful appliqué flowers cascading along the bodice and skirt, adding texture, color, and a whimsical touch that perfectly matched the spirit of the day.

Just before the ceremony began, an unexpected guest made an appearance. A curious duck wandered into the ceremony area and decided to stay, quietly observing as the processional began and the celebration unfolded. It was a moment that had guests smiling—and it quickly became one of the most memorable details of the day.

As Sheryl and Spencer stood together beneath the promenade, surrounded by loved ones, they exchanged vows and promises for the future. When they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the rain had softened and the energy in the air was electric. And in a moment that felt almost scripted, their feathered guest seemed to escort them away down the path as they headed off for their portraits.

Even more perfectly timed, the sun broke through the clouds just as we began their formal portraits. The soft post-rain light illuminated the grounds of Laughlin Ranch, giving us the most beautiful natural glow to capture this newly married couple. The combination of fresh rain, brightening skies, and the joy of the moment created photographs that truly felt magical.

As evening arrived, the celebration moved into full party mode. Thanks to DJ Levels, the dance floor stayed packed all night long. From the first dance to the final song, guests filled the floor with energy, laughter, and celebration—exactly the kind of joyful ending that perfectly matched the spirit of the day.

Rain or shine, Sheryl and Spencer’s wedding proved that the best weddings aren’t about perfect weather—they’re about love, laughter, and embracing every unexpected moment along the way. Their day at Laughlin Ranch was full of all three, and it was an absolute honor for J. R. Poole Photography to capture it.

, , , , ,

How to Include Your Beloved Pets on Your Wedding Day

, , , , ,

For so many of our couples, pets aren’t just pets—they’re family. They’ve been there for first dates, lazy Sundays, moves across state lines, and everything in between. So when it comes time to plan your wedding day, it’s only natural to want your furry best friend included in the celebration.

Over the years at J. R. Poole Photography, we’ve seen some incredibly thoughtful, creative, and downright fun ways couples have honored their pets—whether they were physically present on the wedding day or represented in meaningful details throughout the celebration. Here are some of our favorite ways to make sure your pets are part of your “I do.”

If Your Venue Is Pet-Friendly: Bring Them Along!

The most straightforward (and often the most emotional) way to include your pets is to choose a location where they’re welcome. We’ve even had couples intentionally pick their wedding location because it allowed them to include their animals—and we love that level of commitment.

Some pet-friendly wedding ideas we’ve seen include:

🏖 Renting a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

Think beachfront vows, mountain cabins, or private estates where your dog can roam freely while you get married. These locations often provide flexibility and privacy, making them ideal for couples who want a relaxed, intimate day with their pets nearby.

🏕 Campground or Outdoor Weddings

Camp-style weddings are perfect for adventurous couples and free-spirited pups. We’ve photographed weddings where dogs essentially had VIP access to the entire day—running around, greeting guests, and soaking up the love.

🏔 Getting Married in Colorado

One of our favorite fun facts: Colorado allows dogs to “sign” (with a paw print!) as witnesses on your marriage license. It doesn’t get much more iconic than that. Your pup can literally be part of the legal moment.

💍 Walking Down the Aisle

From dogs trotting down the aisle with floral collars to pups escorting the bride or groom, having your pet in the bridal procession is always a crowd favorite—and makes for unforgettable photos.

When Pets Can’t Be There in Person (and That’s Okay!)

We know not every venue is pet-friendly—and sometimes, even if they are, it’s not realistic to trust Spot with the rings. The good news? There are so many creative ways to include your pets without having them physically present.

Here are some of the most fun and meaningful alternatives we’ve photographed:

📸 Engagement Photos & Save-the-Dates

Including your pets in your engagement session is a perfect way to honor them early on. Many couples then use those photos on save-the-dates, invitations, or wedding-day signage so their pets are still part of the story.

🪧 Wedding Signage Featuring Your Pets

Large prints, welcome signs, or even ice sculptures featuring your pet—sometimes with phrases like “Our humans are getting married!”—are a sweet and personal touch that guests love.

🍸 Signature Cocktails Named After Your Pets

A custom cocktail named after your dog or cat is a subtle but meaningful nod. Bonus points if the drink matches their personality.

🧷 Cufflinks, Napkins & Details

We’ve seen:

  • Custom cufflinks engraved with pets’ faces

  • Cocktail napkins that read “We can’t believe we weren’t invited”

  • Bar signage featuring illustrated versions of the couple’s pets

These details always spark conversation and laughter.

📐 Giant Cutouts (Yes, Really)

Life-size or oversized cutouts of pets make for incredible reception decor—and even better photos. Trust us: guests will take pictures with them all night long.

🎂 Cake Toppers

From custom cake toppers to hand-drawn pet illustrations incorporated into stationery, this is a timeless way to include your furry family members in your wedding design.

Your Love Story Includes Them—Your Wedding Can Too

At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you—and for many couples, that includes the animals who have been part of your journey from the very beginning. Whether your pet is standing beside you at the altar or smiling back from a cocktail napkin, there’s no wrong way to include them.

As wedding photographers, we always encourage couples to lean into what matters most to them. Those personal touches are what make your day feel authentic—and what make your photos truly timeless.

If you’re planning a wedding and wondering how to thoughtfully include your pets, we’d love to help document it all.

, ,

Mariah & Michael’s Magical Wedding at The Wild Oak | Lindon, Utah

, ,

Mariah and Michael’s wedding day at The Wild Oak in Lindon, Utah felt like something pulled from a storybook—effortless, intentional, and quietly magical from beginning to end. Nestled against the mountains of Utah County, The Wild Oak is a former apple orchard warehouse that has been beautifully restored into one of the most romantic wedding venues in the area. With intimate landscaping, pergolas draped in grapevines, and a ceremony arbor framed by a softly tinkling waterfall, the space created an atmosphere that felt warm, welcoming, and deeply personal for both the couple and their guests.

The day began calmly on site, with The Wild Oak’s private getting-ready suites offering the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Having separate spaces for the bride and groom allowed Mariah and Michael to fully soak in the anticipation of the day while remaining close to where everything would unfold. Mariah’s look was brought together by Estrella Beauty Co., who traveled all the way from Arizona to do her hair and makeup. Their work was flawless—enhancing Mariah’s natural beauty and fitting seamlessly with the earthy, refined tone of the celebration.

As guests arrived, they did so dressed in various shades of brown, a thoughtful request from the bride and groom that tied everyone into the overall aesthetic of the day. The ceremony was officiated by Michael’s Fire Chief, a meaningful choice that added depth, humor, and authenticity to the moment. His words were filled with sweet memories and laugh-out-loud stories, creating a ceremony that felt intimate, emotional, and uniquely reflective of Mariah and Michael’s relationship.

Rather than choosing a traditional unity ceremony, the couple opted for something deeply symbolic. Mariah and Michael each held custom locks engraved with their initials and joined them together as a representation of their commitment. They then turned to face their guests and tossed the keys into the crowd, asking their friends and family to help keep them accountable to one another—and to never reveal who held the keys so they could never unlock themselves from each other. It was a powerful, heartfelt moment that left more than a few guests misty-eyed.

After being pronounced husband and wife and sharing their first kiss, we explored the grounds of The Wild Oak for bridal portraits. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by sweeping mountain views, Mariah and Michael looked completely at ease—radiant, joyful, and deeply in love. The venue’s natural beauty provided a stunning backdrop that elevated every image and made the portraits feel timeless.

As soon as photos wrapped up, the celebration shifted seamlessly into the evening’s festivities. Fiore Pizza arrived in a striking glass pizza truck, repurposed from a shipping container and outfitted with a wood-fired brick oven on wheels. Guests gathered eagerly as fresh pizzas were served, adding a fun and relaxed energy to the reception. Shortly after, Pinguinos Gelato rolled in on a bike, delighting guests with scoops of gelato and adding an unexpected, whimsical touch to the night.

DJ Afrolicious kept the dance floor alive as the evening unfolded, while guests alternated between dancing, visiting the bar, and gathering around the outdoor firepit. The atmosphere was joyful and unhurried—exactly the kind of celebration where time seems to slow down just enough to savor every moment.

As the night drew to a close, guests stepped outside to form a glowing sparkler line. Before making their exit, Mariah and Michael shared one last private dance together, soaking in the final moments of a day that had been thoughtfully crafted from start to finish. Then, hand in hand, they ran through the sparklers surrounded by cheers and laughter, driving away into the night as newlyweds.

Photographing Mariah and Michael’s wedding at The Wild Oak was an absolute honor for J. R. Poole Photography. Their day was filled with intention, beauty, and genuine connection—a true reflection of who they are and the life they are building together.

FAQ
BOOK NOW