You are going to *love* this modern + organic take on a midwest farmhouse wedding! Especially because of the story behind this very first peek at Cliffside Acres – a brand new venue lovingly designed by the bride + built by her family and friends!
Jordan + Jim met on Bumble. When she + Jim were still only dating, Jordan unexpectedly lost her beloved grandma, Patricia. Patricia always hoped her property would be used to love + serve others. So, when Jordan inherited the land, that became her dream, too! With the encouragement + support of her family, including her boyfriend Jim, Jordan began to design a wedding venue.
We’re blown away by the thoughtfulness of this wedding! Here, Jordan shares some of their pre-wedding hopes: It was important to Jim and I that our wedding day felt like us, and that we were intentional with every decision. There were several ways we accomplished this, but getting married at the venue that we built, on a piece of property that means so much to my family made it feel extra special.
Liza Kirk photographed this lovely day that was, quite literally, a labor of love:
Modern Details with Depth
Modern Bride + Venue Owner
When it comes to fashion, Jordan knows what she likes! Jordan chose a perfectly simplistic, v-neck Carolina Herrera gown. The modern bridal look was perfectly paired with heirloom gold jewelry + oversized Lele Sadoughi pearl earrings.
These maids look classically cool in black dresses from Rent The Runway!
One of my favorite parts of the day was our ‘first look”‘ in the same spot Jim proposed. Jim’s reaction upon seeing me for the first time made me so glad we hired our videographer! Jim was utterly overwhelmed with emotion and so sincere in his expression.
Authentic First Look Reactions!
During the venue’s creation, Jim proposed to Jordan in an intimate forested spot where the trees create a transcendent canopy. It was a private proposal witnessed only by immediate family. The couple later shared their wedding day first look in the same spot.
We are loving the formal-rustic contrasts here…especially with Jim’s ivory tuxedo jacket with traditional black pants from The Black Tux!
Modern Wedding Ceremony Surrounded By Love
Instead of a traditional aisle, guests lined the walkway out of the venue. What an emotionally impactful visual for the bride! After the processional, guests took their seats in the 360-degree ceremony space between two maple trees, surrounded by a lush ground halo designed by Evergreen Floral Co. J + J literally and figuratively were surrounded by love!
Processional: Rivers and Roads by The Head and The Heart
Recessional: Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder
First Dance: You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
Yes! Wedding pups!
Let’s Head To Camp!
J + J knew that they wanted their day to serve as a celebration of community in addition to their marriage. They started by treating their wedding party with a unique weekend experience, hiring The Campfire Experience to set up a glamping teepee village! Hosting + inviting people into their home is something J + J love to do as a couple. And talk about a rad after-party setup!
Classic, Modern Reception Vibes
Among many other things, the couple’s wedding planner Meggie Francisco Events designed a custom wine label featuring a painting of J + J, and affixed it to bottles of wine as welcome gifts. Too cute!
Be intentional about every aspect of your wedding day and choose elements that reflect who you are as a couple. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or feel like ‘you,’ then ask yourself if it is essential. Also, write your own vows. It was absolutely the best decision we made for our wedding day. It is the perfect time to write down all of the little promises you’ve been making to each other for years and tell your significant other how much they mean to you. Jim and I both referenced the same inside joke in our vows without coordinating. It was such a funny and poetic moment.
A Dreamy Wedding Venue
This wedding video from ALC Productions is a must-watch, especially with all the adorable reactions we’d want from a first look!
Huge congratulations are in order to Jordan + Jim – not only for their beautiful wedding, but also for the completion of a very lovely midwest venue! Cheers from GWS 🍾
photography: Liza Kirk // venue name: Cliffside Acres, Springfield, Ohio, USA // event design: Meggie Francisco Events // planning: Meggie Francisco Events // florals: Evergreen Flower Co. // wedding dress: Carolina Herrera // wedding dress boutique: La Jeune Mariee // bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik // bridesmaid dresses: Rent the Runway // hair stylist: Glam on the Go // makeup artist: Glam on the Go // groom attire: The Black Tux // groom’s shoes: The Black Tux // videography: ALC Productions // paper goods: Paper Betty // calligraphy: Paper Betty // cake: Enticing Icings // tabletop rentals: Prime Time Party Rental // furniture rentals: Aiden and Grace // linen rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen // specialty rentals: Lost and Found Event Rentals // music: Arch City Lights // drapery + bar rentals: Dalay Ket Event Design // glamping: The Campfire Experience // ribbon: The Lesser Bear // late night pizza: Mikey’s Late Night Slice // charcuterie: The Butcher and Grocer // art: Kevin Buckland Art