an intimate spring toledo micro wedding at the botanical garden
Spring Botanical Garden Toledo micro wedding in Toledo, Ohio provided by Kari Dawson top-rated Toledo wedding photographer.
And all things came together perfectly for Jacob and Valeriya’s Toledo micro wedding. At their engagement session, in the snow, we chatted about their elopement but Jacob didn’t love that term because they weren’t actually eloping. Their immediate family was invited to attend their wedding in their home town. So their micro wedding was born.
Toledo Botanical Garden…
The garden itself reminded me a lot of strolling the gardens in Paris. If you have never been, it really is worth the stroll. The dirt path from the parking lot is fully shaded by beautiful trees that grow over the path, much like the gardens in France. The perennial garden near the pond is framed with tall hedges that give way to many areas offering grassy knolls and shade for a picnic or a good book. The area they chose included a pergola covered in a flowering vine, a wrought iron gate and beautiful gardens. A perfect backdrop for a warm spring wedding.
Their style…
Val looked stunning in her full length white sequin dress and we she finally came through that wrought iron gate she giggled a little and said ‘hi guys.’ So if you want to take a second as you float up the aisle to greet your favorite people, a micro wedding is the way to go. Jacob of course looked smashing in his custom suit. On the inside pocket, right next to his heart, their wedding date is embroidered as a reminder every time he gets to wear that suit again.
Their wedding…
After Jacob’s brother married them they celebrated with a champagne toast. Only the best, which is Veuve, of course (from France). The insulated champagne glasses were all labeled in glitter noting mom, brother, bride, etc. They were so cute and turned out to be pretty practical since it was over 80 degrees. We wandered away from the crowd so they could privately reach the vows they wrote to each other. Then wrapped things up with some stunning portraits for them to honor their special day. I only wish I had hopped in a suitcase to join them in Traverse City!
Jacob and Val, I hope ‘up north’ treated you well and you had a fabulous time with your family. Welcome to the married couple’s club! Thank you for inviting me to walk alongside you and capture these precious memories for you. Hugs – Kari
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Wedding Day Vendors
Photographer: Kari Dawson
Venue: Toledo Botanical Garden
Hair/Makeup: Soto Salon
Karli has been Kari’s creative partner for five years. Before every wedding, we visualize you as a couple, your venue, and your day, so we walk in prepared for a calm, intentional experience.
Kari is the creative director, and since she’s only human and can’t be everywhere at once, Karli closes the gaps. She shoots alongside Kari, keeps the day on schedule, carries your bouquet, fixes your veil, and is a real-life cheering squad.
That’s not even the best part. She’s also Kari’s daughter, which means we communicate without words. She anticipates what Kari needs before she asks, and together we’ve built a wedding-day rhythm you'll notice.
One leads, one closes the gaps, and nothing gets missed.
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