A Glimpse Into Desiree and Nathan’s Day

They stood staring at one another, reflecting on how far they had come. Their journey had come full circle. As birds chirped and the wind slightly blew, they leaned toward one another, cementing their unity.

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Nathan and Desiree first met in college, where they shared many mutual friends. Their first date was in Columbus, Ohio, and their relationship blossomed from there. With Nathan by her side, Desiree pursued her doctorate. He helped her stay grounded and supported her journey. She successfully earned her degree, and their journey continued. They bonded through concerts, sports, and shared interests. Soon enough, it was clear they both desired to move to the next phase of their lives together. After 7 years, it came to fruition: marriage. 

Chapter Two: Getting Ready

At 11 a.m., we arrived at the wedding venue: Majestic Oaks Lodge. It was located in Hocking County, Ohio, and near other natural attractions, such as Cedar Falls. Each lodge was intimate and welcoming- perfect for a wedding. Nature could be found in every direction, with trees and bushes surrounding the area. The environment was very peaceful as birds chirped and flew throughout their home. Outside the couple's lodge, there was a playground for the children, and about 15 chairs that surrounded a fire pit. The location was very representative of their personalities- down-to-earth, in touch with nature, and approachable. 

We were greeted by Desiree’s mother, Stacy, and Nathan.  Nathan gave a firm handshake, showcasing his poise. Stacy was kind and provided an introduction to the layout of the lodge. Right past the door, balloons surrounded a mantle, and behind it, a sign celebrated Nathan and Desiree’s wedding. Green colors were abundant, possibly symbolizing tranquility.

Stacy shed light on Desiree's personality when she talked about how, when Desiree was in high school, they flew out from Alaska to a store to get her prom dress. After buying it, her mom asked what else she would like. Desiree responded that she already had what she needed at home. She didn't need new shoes, jewelry, or other things. This lesson depicted how Desiree isn't driven by materialism, but by the meaning behind what she has. Stacy further talked about how Nathan was quite similar, and that's what made them pair so well with one another. They valued moments over objects.

Around us, we felt a close-knit family. Upon going back inside to set up equipment, one of the children opened the door for us and closed it, a small act of generosity that made us feel welcomed. Countless shoes lay by the door from countless family and friends there to support the couple. Some of the family sat in lawn chairs outside, further taking in the wonders of the day. 

In the corner by the main entrance, there was a mini-projector that showed the different adventures that Nathan and Desiree had been on. They went to concerts, runs, hikes, and had funny moments, with one where Nathan was dressed up as a hot dog! They both donned a huge smile in this one.  The different places show progress on their journey; some were formal with suits and dresses, while others were more casual with gym clothes on. By the projector, there were cup holders with “D & N,” their names, and the date that they’d be married (July 19th). There was also a flowery plant enveloping the projector. 

The cabin itself was very scenic. It had three floors and many rooms, all with different phases of life interacting with one another. There was a deer poster on one pillar, another with a picture of green grass, and even more nature-themed ones. The main room had couches, chairs, a dining room/ kitchen, and more parts that made it feel welcoming.  The deer picture was on the middle pillar, and faced looking at the balcony where the couple would be married. By it,  there were see-through slider doors. Of course, the deer's view was slightly blocked by the walls connecting up ahead. Below the deer, there was a fire pit surrounded by bricks. Staircases led to other rooms where guests were staying and enjoying one another’s company. The balcony overlooked a field and many tall trees. Out there, it smelled like rich pines and felt rejuvenating. The sun hid behind clouds here and there before shining brightly over the balcony. It certainly spiked up the temperature as some of the guests waved their faces with hand fans. 

Around 12:30 p.m., some of the family members began to bring chairs out to the balcony and decorate it. A green curtain with a flower wreath was set up in the middle where their vows would be exchanged. It wasn’t a seamless process, but they worked as a team to set it up. In the end, it matched the background quite well. 

While interviewing Desiree, her demeanor was calm and ready. She talked about feeling excited for the day. She said that her best memory with Nathan was when they went to their first Metallica concert. They went to this concert after only being together for two weeks. Their parents thought it might have been a big step, but they collectively felt like there was a genuine connection. They've been to many concerts since then! In the next five years,  Desiree said that she's looking forward to the memories they’ll have together. Whether music, festivities, or traveling the world, she talked about how their lives can really start now. 

Around 12:45 p.m.,  more guests began to get ready and prepare for the day. Some of the kids changed into their button-downs and talked excitedly to the adults. Some people sat outside talking, some sat in the dining room, and all were thrilled. Nathan was photographed as he got ready, wearing a white button-down and black dress pants. He looked down at the ring by itself, one of the last times before it would be entrusted to his partner. It was an intimate moment that captured Nathan’s internal thought process, his inner self reflecting on their relationship. 

We also briefly interviewed Nathan. He talked about their many significant moments together. He moved to Alaska to be with her, felt love for her, and knew he wasn't doing this just to be with a friend. His voice depicted delight for the moment. 

At 1 p.m., one of the children, now wearing a suit, shared insight about himself. He said that he “went from a comfortable outfit to all this” and gestured toward his formal attire. He also shared a story about how when he was playing golf, his dad didn’t know how to swing a club, and when he did hit the golf ball, he hit a light pool, and it went bouncing around. He finished the story with a smile and a chuckle. This light-hearted moment showed the ease that was found in the air. More people began to shuffle into the doors and be introduced to each other for the first time. 

Around 1:30 p.m., a strong gust of wind blew over the curtain that stood to enclose the couple. It was a break in the scheduled plan, and it took teamwork to get it back up, sturdily. As a safety measure, bags of sand were placed under the curtains. It took persistence, but they were able to get the curtain back up, now stabilized and  battletested

At 1:45 p.m., we captured Nathan upstairs, with his suit jacket fully on, and the smile of his sister helping him put it on. Soon, cameras caught a glimpse of Desiree in her dress for the first time. She smiled and laughed and showcased her excitement for what lay ahead (as she had put it earlier, too). 

Chapter 3: Harmony

As 2 p.m. approached, the wood floors thumped continuously, a beat out of the lively commotion from the guests. More guests were interviewed and gave advice, emphasizing that the couple should do what brings them joy. His little sister, who stood next to her husband, smiled when talking about Nathan. She said that he is a role model for her.

A little after 2 p.m., the guests began filing into the rows of white chairs. They were lined up on the balcony and were in the perfect position to view the moment. As more people walked in, the area came to life with excited chatter and movement. Soon, it grew quiet as the wedding officiant walked in. The groom also walked in and stood there confidently. The guests sat there, taking in the tranquility of the moment. Nathan's face was focused as he stared straight ahead. Then, the moment came. All eyes turned to the entrance- to Desiree- as she gracefully walked in, wearing a white, flowery dress. Everyone stood up as Desiree walked to the space opposite Nathan. When she reached him, she matched his gaze. Everyone clapped. For the first few moments, the officiant spoke to the bride and groom, talking about the vows. They looked at each other intently, and both said “I do” in response to each other. Eventually, it was time. They both stared at one another. Cameras flashed, eyes were watery, and the final moment sealed it: they leaned forward and kissed. The surrounding guests smiled, clapped, and looked at them with tears in their eyes. Afterward, the guests walked back into the main room, congratulating the bride and groom with hugs when they joined them. It was a moment of loving conversation, and the two were truly appreciated by those who were there.

Around 5 p.m., we traveled to Hocking Hills State Park, located in Ohio, for portraits with the married couple. The nature-esque scenery would perfectly complement the bride's flowery dress and the groom's polished suit.  As we walked through, we saw many other people happily walking and talking with one another.  The trail brought people together, and many people cheered on the newlywed couple and congratulated them.  Now, was the fun part: finding a location for the photos. The bride desired to take pictures near water. So, we searched around, looking past the trees, and then we saw it: the waterfall. A little past it, there were steps we could use to get close to it. It wouldn't be straightforward. Slight pivot. We found a shortcut and a spot to reach there. After a few turns, we reached the steps and began walking down the hill. It was an experience. One foot at a time. Onlookers took photos as they watched us. We found a beautiful, scenic spot to take photos, right by the waterfall! The two stood there. They didn't spin or twirl, but their eyes danced when they looked at one another. Trees surrounded them, a large cave was behind them, a hill in front, and a cliff/ ledge was where they stood close to one another. As the camera flashed, their smiles and hugs provided a glimpse into their future: love and joy. It was peaceful. Soon, though, thunder struck in the distance, and the photoshoot ended. As we climbed back out of the woods, other hikers looked at the couple in awe.  Some of their comments included: “Your dress is so beautiful, you look beautiful, you two match each other so well!”

At 7 p.m., the second dining room was set up, and the projector slide show was set up near the head of the table, continuing to honor the couple. Approaching 7:30 p.m., the bride and groom sat at the head table eating while their guests lined up for food and also began eating. Meanwhile, outside, rain gently fell around the cabin.

When most of the dinner had been eaten,  the children talked about sports that they participate in, including baseball and track. They also talked about one of the instruments they play, and one mentioned that they play the drums. The room smelled of tasty food, with lasagna, salad, and more food that had been delicately prepared. There were balloons, flowers on the refrigerator, and an overall sense of tranquility. 

Eventually, the room began to grow quiet with Coldplay softly playing in the background. White cake was brought out with "D & N” inscribed on it. Desiree held a knife, and Nathan helped guide her hand to the cake. With a swift slice, part of the cake was cut, and the audience clapped. Coldplay still played, and the celebration commenced. They ate the cake, feeding each other the first bite. They smiled as they did and ate most of the slice before setting it on the table. Someone remarked to the bride, saying, “It's a beautiful one,” to which she said, “Thank you.” Afterward, the mini show ended, and the guests shuffled into the main room. Lights were set up, and cameras were positioned to capture the next moment: it was time to dance. 

Chapter 4: A Dance

As people sat around in anticipation, the speakers were also moved into the main room. The guests sat on the couches and talked to one another. The lights were dimmed. At nearly 8:30 p.m.,  the bride and groom walked onto the dance floor and danced to Everlong by Foo Fighters. They danced with elation beaming in their strides. When the groom spun the bride around, she said with a smile, “We did not practice that!”  It felt like a spotlight was on them while the cameras gleamed. They finished the dance with a kiss, and the room erupted into a round of applause. Desiree gave a mini-toast to the audience, thanking them for being there. One of the kids responded, “No problem,”  leading to laughter from the guests. 

Chapter 5: Exit

A little after the dance, a photo of the bride and groom together under the deer poster brought the moment full circle. The deer had “watched” the two go out onto the balcony before marriage, and now had the honor to be a part of their union. Outside, the rain had settled down, too. Then, after the photos, the bride and groom got back to dancing, as Yeah by Lil John and Usher played on the speaker. The music continued playing, as the lights turned back on, the cameras were packed, and the guests continued to talk with one another. 

In another one of the cabin areas, many of the children had begun to swim and play water games with one another. Some of the guests were upstairs, beginning to call it a night. Some were still downstairs taking in the timeless experience.  Most of the guests' cars remained parked at the lodge; they'd be there through the weekend, continuing to celebrate the married couple. 

Congratulations, Desiree and Nathan!