Hi, I’m EmiLee, an Ohio wedding photographer. I photograph weddings all across northeast Ohio and beyond, focusing on candid moments, real connection, and timeless images that actually feel like you. On the blog, I share wedding and engagement stories from some of the incredible couples I’ve worked with, along with ideas and inspiration if you’re planning your own.

Beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony under a majestic oak tree with wooden chairs set up on grass in wooded setting.

There’s something so magical about fall weddings in Ohio—especially when you get a couple as sweet and down-to-earth as Morgan and Joel. These two tied the knot on a crisp October day at the gorgeous Retreat 21 in Marysville, Ohio, and honestly? It was one of those weddings that made my photographer heart so full.


Fall weddings in Ohio always bring a certain kind of calm and beauty, and Morgan and Joel’s day was exactly that—laid-back, genuine, and full of moments that mattered. These two are incredibly easy to be around. They were relaxed, present, and clearly just happy to be getting married. From the first few minutes of the day, it was obvious how much they love and respect each other—and how close they are with the people around them.


Whether it was a first look or just time spent together before walking down the aisle, Morgan and Joel were steady and completely in the moment. Retreat 21 has so many great spots for portraits, and we took full advantage of the light and greenery around the venue.

An elegant white wedding dress with a long train hanging from a hanger in front of large windows with natural scenery.
Wedding rings displayed in an elegant gray hexagonal velvet ring box with white roses on light beige background.
Three rings including a black tungsten band and two silver rings arranged in a minimalist setting on white background.
White lace bridal slingback heels and Prada perfume bottles displayed on an ornate gold vintage vanity tray.
A black and white photo showing a wedding dress being admired by someone in a white robe beside a window.
A black and white photograph shows a joyful group of people sitting close together and laughing on a couch.
A classic black and white photo showing a bride being helped into her wedding gown in a bright sunlit room.
Two women share a joyful moment as one helps adjust the other's elegant white wedding dress beside a potted plant.
Woman in a white dress touches her hair and jewelry while posing against a light background with green plant.
A bride in a sleek white strapless wedding gown stands elegantly by a bright window with a potted plant nearby.
Elegant wedding dress with long flowing train displayed in minimalist room with houseplant and window.
A handmade note with 'Slam Dunkle' written in a basketball design, decorated with red hearts and dated October 4th, 2024.
Two men stand together as one adjusts the other's boutonniere on his navy blue suit jacket.
A reflection in a full-length mirror shows people getting ready in a room with wooden floors and beige walls.
Two men in navy blue suits stand by a window with green plants, as one helps adjust the other's jacket.
A man in a formal black suit adjusts his tie while looking thoughtfully out a bright window.
01 / 16

GETTING READY

Morgan spent the morning getting ready with her twin sister (who was also her maid of honor), her mom, and her bridesmaids. The room had such a good energy—lots of laughter, sweet moments, and a little bit of happy nervousness as she got closer to seeing Joel for their first look. Joel got ready with his groomsmen, keeping things relaxed and low-key before the day really got going.

Wedding couple during first look moment on green outdoor path surrounded by autumn trees.
First look wedding moment between couple surrounded by wooden benches in a forest setting with green aisle carpet.
A couple stands on a green carpet path in a wooded area, the bride wearing white and groom in navy suit.
A couple embraces on their wedding day on a path surrounded by trees and wooden benches at an outdoor venue.
A tender black and white wedding photograph showing an intimate embrace between newlyweds in a wooded setting.
Newlyweds share a tender moment on a green pathway surrounded by autumn trees and falling leaves.
A tender wedding moment captured in a wooded setting with the couple in elegant navy suit and white gown.
A romantic wedding moment captured outdoors with tall trees framing a couple embracing on a paved pathway.
Black and white wedding photo of a couple exchanging rings during their outdoor forest ceremony.
A scenic outdoor woodland wedding ceremony setup with wooden benches and floral arrangements in a natural forest setting.
01 / 10

Pre-Ceremony Moments

Morgan and Joel shared a first look tucked away from the busy parts of the day, and it was one of the most emotional moments. They took that time to read private vows to each other—quietly, with just the two of them—and it was clear how much thought and intention they had put into it.

A couple shares a joyful moment at their outdoor forest wedding ceremony with wooden benches and floral decorations.
Close-up of navy blue suit jacket being opened to show custom patterned silk lining with small red logo detail.

Afterward, we took some time for portraits around the property. The pace was relaxed, and they were fully themselves—laughing, holding hands, just taking it all in. Honestly, they could’ve been models. Everything came so naturally to them, and photographing their connection was effortless in the best way.

A couple in wedding attire walk down an outdoor aisle lined with wooden benches under a large tree in a forest setting.
A wedding couple stands on an outdoor ceremony aisle lined with wooden benches under a majestic oak tree in black and white.
Close-up of bridal hands holding white peony bouquet with ribbon bow, featuring diamond ring and pearl bracelet.
Newlyweds pose outdoors with bride holding white bouquet and groom wearing navy suit in wooded garden setting.
A romantic wedding portrait in a forest setting with orange wooden benches and delicate white floral bouquet.
A couple walking together on a green path through a wooded area, wearing wedding attire.
A couple shares an intimate moment under a covered porch of a rustic building in black and white photography.
A couple in wedding attire share an intimate moment on a garden path surrounded by autumn foliage and ornamental grasses.
A tender black and white wedding portrait shows a couple in formal attire sharing an intimate moment outdoors.
A couple sits together on a wooden bench surrounded by autumn foliage in a garden setting on their wedding day.
Bride in flowing white gown with veil holds bouquet while sitting on wooden swing next to groom in navy suit.
A romantic moment between newlyweds on a rustic porch swing in black and white.
01 / 12

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place under a huge tree surrounded by lush green space. It’s such a peaceful area, and with the early October light filtering through, it made everything feel really intentional and simple in the best way.

A wedding sign on an easel stands along a curved garden path with large boulders and trees in the background.
Rustic wooden benches line a green aisle runner decorated with white floral arrangements in an outdoor forest wedding setting.
A rustic wooden church pew marked 'Reserved' with a delicate floral arrangement of pink and white blooms.
Outdoor wedding venue with wooden benches arranged in rows beneath a majestic oak tree on a green path.
Rustic outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden benches and green aisle runner surrounded by tall trees in a wooded setting.
A romantic floral arrangement with peach roses, white delphinium, and pampas grass sits on gravel near wooden benches.
Black and white photo of guests walking along a garden path with hanging lanterns and trees in the background.
Wedding attendees in formal navy attire walk down a green aisle runner at an outdoor ceremony with wooden benches.
An outdoor wedding ceremony in a wooded setting with guests seated on wooden benches and floral arrangements along the aisle.
A bridal procession walks down an outdoor aisle with lush trees in the background.
Wedding ceremony takes place under a majestic old tree in a sunlit autumn forest.
A couple shares a tender moment during their outdoor autumn wedding ceremony, surrounded by fall foliage.
People sitting on a bench in a wooded area, captured in black and white photography.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a majestic old tree with wooden chairs set up on grass in a forest setting.
Couple holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony with officiant standing behind them in black suit.
A wedding ceremony takes place under a majestic old oak tree in a sun-dappled autumn forest setting.
Black and white photo of an outdoor wedding ceremony in a forest setting with guests seated beneath a large tree.
A wedding ceremony taking place under a large oak tree with wooden chairs arranged in rows during autumn.
A wedding ceremony takes place under a majestic oak tree with a green aisle runner and wooden chairs in a forest setting.
Couple shares romantic dip pose on green carpet aisle surrounded by wooden chairs and floral arrangements in forest.
Black and white photo showing a couple holding hands and walking down a path beside a rustic barn venue.
01 / 21

Wedding Party

The wedding party brought such great energy all day—so much support, laughter, and genuine excitement for Morgan and Joel. You could tell how much these two mean to their people, and it made every part of the day feel even more meaningful. They were surrounded by the kind of friends who hype you up, keep you grounded, and make the whole experience even more fun to photograph.

Wedding party stands under a majestic oak tree in an outdoor forest ceremony with wooden pew seating.
Wedding party in navy blue suits and dusty rose bridesmaid dresses poses in front of modern gray industrial barn venue.
Wedding party in navy and neutral dresses creates celebratory arch outside on grassy lawn during spring celebration.
Wedding party celebrates on a lawn with a dramatic dip pose while holding bouquets in black and white photography.
Close-up of wedding party members holding blush pink and white floral bouquets with navy suit and brown dresses visible.
Black and white wedding photo showing a bridal party in matching gray dresses holding floral bouquets outdoors in nature.
A bridal party wearing champagne colored dresses celebrates joyfully on a grassy lawn surrounded by trees.
A bride in white walks with three bridesmaids in taupe dresses through a sunlit grassy area with trees in the background.
A group of groomsmen in navy suits and ties stand together on grass in front of autumn trees.
A black and white photo of a wedding party in suits lined up outdoors with trees in the background.
01 / 10

Golden Hour Portraits

Just before sunset, we stepped away from the buzz of cocktail hour and gave Morgan and Joel a little space to just breathe and be together. Retreat 21 has a beautiful man-made swimming pond, and with the sunset light reflecting off the water, it created the dreamiest backdrop. It was one of those perfectly timed moments where everything just clicked—the light, the quiet (other than me yelling with excitement at every photo), the way they looked at each other. These portraits felt effortless and honest, and they turned out to be some of my favorite images of the day.

Black and white wedding photograph of a couple on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic waterfall and pond landscape.
A bride in white gown and groom in navy suit embrace on wooden deck overlooking serene pond at sunset.
Romantic wedding couple embrace outdoors at sunset with bride in white gown and groom in navy suit.
A romantic black and white wedding photo showing a couple embracing under a flowing veil on a grassy hillside.
A romantic wedding couple embraces outdoors with the bride's veil flowing in the breeze.
A joyful couple embraces on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic waterfall and rock formation at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire walks together on a wooden dock by a waterfall feature at sunset.
A newlywed couple poses together on a wooden dock by a pond in black and white.
Newlywed couple walking on gravel path, bride in white dress wearing teal shoes and groom in navy suit.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a gravel path surrounded by green trees and buildings.
A newly married couple shares a romantic kiss on a gravel path surrounded by green lawns and trees at sunset.
01 / 10

Party Time

The reception was warm and full of energy from the start. Morgan and Joel were celebrated with heartfelt speeches—especially one from Morgan's sister that had just about everyone in tears (me included). From there, the night turned into a full-on celebration, with the dance floor staying packed well into the evening.

One of the great things about Retreat 21 is the mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests could step outside for fresh air, hang out by the bonfire, or play yard games between dancing. It gave the whole evening a laid-back, social vibe that fit Morgan and Joel perfectly.

A rustic outdoor dining area with tables and chairs set up on gravel near a black barn-style building in a wooded setting.
Wedding favor bags with cute fox-themed stickers arranged in neat rows.
Modern wedding reception venue with vaulted ceilings, glass garage doors, hanging greenery and white table settings.
A small orange Shiba Inu dog figurine decorates the base of a white textured wedding cake.
Elegant wedding reception table with white linens, modern chairs and delicate floral centerpieces in glass vases.
Elegant reception table with small floral centerpieces in glass vases set against a white wall with industrial windows.
A glowing neon sign displaying 'The Paradise' text against a dark latticed wall with climbing vines.
An elegant wedding reception table decorated with pink and white floral arrangements and glowing candles.
Modern wedding reception setup with white tables, chairs and elegant candlelight in an industrial-style venue.
White reception tables adorned with candlelight and floral arrangements under hanging greenery.
Dancing celebration at a modern wedding reception with guests and string lights.
A couple shares their first dance on a concrete floor with hanging greenery and decorated tables in a modern reception venue.
Romantic first dance moment in front of a decorated head table with floral arrangements.
Newlyweds share their first dance surrounded by guests at long tables in an elegant reception venue with white decor.
Wedding reception venue decorated with hanging greenery and white tables for an elegant celebration.
Reception table decorated with elegant white floral arrangements and glowing candles.
Black and white wedding reception photo showing a bride laughing during speeches while seated at head table.
A woman in a navy blue formal dress holds a coffee cup during an indoor social gathering.
Couple in formal attire cut their white wedding cake together at elegant reception with string lights in background.
A black and white wedding reception photo showing guests at a head table with elegant floral arrangements and place settings.
A romantic dip kiss between newlyweds against a white tiled wall decorated with greenery and neon signage.
A lively group of people dancing and clapping together at an indoor party venue.
A romantic moment at a modern bar venue with pendant lighting and dark counters, decorated with greenery.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on the dance floor at a reception with dim lighting and festive atmosphere.
A couple dancing in an intimate moment at their wedding reception in low light.
01 / 25

Morgan & Joel,


Thank you for letting me be part of such a beautiful, meaningful day. Your warmth, trust, and the way you care for each other and everyone around you made it such a joy to capture. It truly felt like being welcomed into something special, and I’ll always be grateful for that.


- EmiLee

Dream Team


Venue

Retreat 21


Photographer

EmiLee Hartman Photography


Florals

Fiori Florals


Hair

Denise Does Bridal


Makeup

Beauty Within by Lexie


Cake

Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery


DJ

Tommy from Diamond Entertainment






A romantic fall wedding at Retreat 21 in Marysville, Ohio. Candid, joyful wedding photos captured by Northeast Ohio wedding photographer EmiLee Hartman Photography.