Caroline + Jeremiah

I vividly remember receiving Caroline’s first email. It was 10:00 p.m. on a Tuesday night, and I was watching the Food Network. I laughed immediately at how quickly she bated me with the use of terms like, “bourbon country,” “horse farm,” and “grandparent’s backyard.”  Normally, I would have waited until the next morning to send her a formal response, but felt led to shoot her a quick and witty response from my phone, to tell her that I was in the middle of watching a bacon-themed episode of Chopped, and that her email managed to pull my attention away. I was a little nervous to send such an off-the-cuff response, but she (and Jeremiah, who also loves Chopped….. and bacon) loved it (Jeremiah actually proclaimed that I was his new best friend.)  Immediately, I knew that we were meant to work together and become friends along the way.

And so, this Summer, I took a trip up to Kentucky to photograph a their wedding, which more steeped in family and tradition, than any other I have had the honor to capture. Standing in the backyard of her grandparent’s home, overlooking the same hills she played on as a child and behind the swing she spent hours giggling on, Caroline became Jeremiah’s wife.

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

Caroline’s grandmother’s garter:

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

Caroline’s father passed in 2006, but his presence was there in such a special way.  She wore his ring to keep him with her throughout the day. Jeremiah, also keeping family close, wore his grandfather’s watch, dated 11-18-1964.

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

The couple carved their initials into Caroline’s tree…

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

Jeremiah’s father is Greek and preformed a beautiful crowning ceremony during the wedding.

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

Why doesn’t every family sit in grandmother’s antique furniture for their formal portraits?

Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyCarolineJeremiah-692Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

A month before the wedding,Caroline’s grandfather buried a bottle of bourbon at the alter, upside down. This quirky Southern tradition is supposed to ward off any rain on the couple’s wedding day. An extra perk, the couple gets to dig it up after the ceremony and everyone takes a sip from the bottle. Afterwards, the guests were invited to enjoy a more conventional bourbon tasting.

 Backyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle PhotographyBackyard Kentucky Wedding by Elle Danielle Photography

Thank you Caroline and Jeremiah for welcoming me into your lives and allowing me to capture your very special wedding. Love you both!!

comments +


  1. Tiki Merritt Curry says:

    You sure the bride and groom aren’t paid models? LOL!!! Loved everything about this. The home (love the floors and baseboards), the backyard, the traditions, and the couple!! Great job Elle Danielle!!!

  2. Lisa Everette says:

    You do such amazing work. The story is told. I wasn’t a guest, don’t know the couple, but I’m emotional after viewing these pics. Great job Elle Danielle Photography

  3. Kimberly Murray says:

    What a fun wedding! I love the bourbon tradition; I’ve never heard of that before. The details are just beautiful. Wonderful job photographing it, Elle Danielle Photography!

  4. Randy Davis says:

    Incredible job on capturing the beautiful spirit of the joyful occasion!

  5. Randy Davis says:

    Incredible job on capturing the beautiful spirit of the joyful occasion! Vey proud of Caroline and Jeremiah!

  6. Sara Cotten says:

    I agree, Tiki! Is it bad that I’m already looking forward to a vow renewal ceremony?! This was a gorgeous wedding and I loved reading about all the family traditions they incorporated. The shots on the lawn in the furniture were priceless – I can see them blown up in a foyer for years to come!

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