Old Mill Wedding | Allison Schott & Donald Boyer

The Old Mill  is quickly becoming a favorite location of ours to photograph, and for some reason, it attracts some of the sweetest couples ever to it! Lauren & Mert over the summer and now Allison and Donald. The latter of these was a day full of happy tears and two people who were so completely in love it bubbled over to all in attendance. 

Getting Ready at the Old Mill

When we arrived at the Old Mill, it was a beautifully crisp autumn day with the warmth of the sun reminding us of the not so distant summer. Allison was just arriving as well and she was so excited to see us, the tears almost started right then! She happily gave us her details to capture. Her rings sparkled and shone in the light, the courtyard providing the perfect place for some great detail shots. Especially of her stunning bouquet from GMK Floral Designs.

When we made our way back inside the Old Mill, it was time to get dressed. Her mom and sister helped her step into her gown and get everything zipped and perfectly fitted. More tears came. When everyone had gotten the tears to stop, we knew it would be short lived. Allison was about to have a first look with her dad. Again, the tears came. His jaw dropped when he saw her and their embrace was one of the tenderest we’ve ever seen. In a special surprise, Allison asked her dad to come outside with her. When we’d found an open area, she broke out a softball and glove and asked him to have one more round of catch with her before she married Don. This was such a special moment for them and it was such a joy for us to be there to witness and capture it. 

Meanwhile, Don was trying to keep it together. He made short work of getting ready and was chomping at the bit to get rolling with the ceremony. We managed to distract him a bit with some groom and groomsmen portraits before hiding him away. But the real relief came when the ceremony time came nigh.

The Wedding Ceremony

On the patio, all the guests were cozy and warm under the heat lamps: ready for the ceremony to begin. Don’s nieces and nephews nearly stole the show when they came down the aisle as the flower girls and ring bearers. But it was when the doors opened and Allison appeared that Don’s face underwent the transformation of a man so desperately in love that he feels everything all at once. A smile that struggled against the tears that wanted to come down. He was so stinking happy he couldn’t contain it. Allison held her composure, which empowered him to bring the tears to heel, and they turned their attention to being excited that the moment had arrived. They exchanged their vows (props to their pastor who fought through being sick to deliver a great ceremony), and sealed it with rings and a kiss! They buzzed back down the aisle, high on love and life, and ready for a great party.

Portraits & Reception at The Old Mill

Across a charming little bridge, the sun was bathing the meadow in gorgeous golden light. And let it never be said of us that we shy away from doing what we need to capture the best images we can. Holding back trees with one leg while shooting balanced on the other is why we work out. And it is worth it! Allison and Don’s portraits around the Old Mill were full of fun and light, joy and delight. Then it was time for their party to start.

The Old Mill was beautifully decorated for their reception, and as they stormed into their reception, a cheer was raised. They shared their first dance, followed by Allison dancing with her dad. Don danced with Allison’s mother as his own had passed away, and then they surprised everyone by asking Don’s nieces and nephews to join them. Baby Shark came over the speaker and they all went bananas. It was so much fun for everyone and was such a special touch for the kids. 

The rest of the night was a blur of happiness, laughter, and dancing. Congratulations again to you, Allison & Donald!