A Fall Wedding at The Barn at Stoneybrooke | Emma + Ariel | October 11, 2025

The Photos

Oct 14

Three years.

Emma and Ariel booked with me three years ago. Now, hear me out. I don’t usually book couples that far in advance. When Emma’s inquiry landed in my inbox, I did a double-take at the year. 2025 seemed so far away. It felt like a gamble. If they turned out to be a nightmare to work with, it could affect my life for THREE YEARS. Then I saw the venue, The Barn at Stoneybrooke, and immediately called Jen, the owner, and asked, “Did you really book a client three years ahead?” She assured me they were something special. Jen is the best judge of character I’ve ever met, so I didn’t hesitate to sign the contract with them.

Boy, oh boy, I'm glad I did. Emma and Ariel are the sweetest humans on the planet. They are detail-oriented, people-focused, and as easygoing as they come. Oh, and did I mention fun and beautiful? They even booked two engagement sessions with me to bridge the long gap between their first one two years ago and this weekend (both were STUNNING)! Sitting here, writing this blog, I am still in awe of them and how they moved through their wedding day with such grace and caring presence. I am so lucky to have been their wedding photographer. While the forecast called for only clouds on Saturday, those clouds became heavy with rain, which spilled over right before the couple’s first look, driving us indoors for most of their private vows and portrait time. There wasn’t a single complaint or worry from either Emma or Ari during that moment or later when the decision was made to hold their ceremony indoors. Emma said, “I’m really happy with the decision to have the ceremony inside. It’s one of the many reasons we booked at Stoneybrooke—it has such a great Plan B!” It was stunning. The florals from The Stems End and decor from Creamery Hill dressed up the space with the most beautiful fall colors. There were only smiles from those gathered as they were seated in the cozy, warm space while the rain fell outdoors. Bonus: Emma loves the rain, so it was only fitting.

Even though we were ushered inside for their first look, wedding party, and family portraits, the skies held back the rain for just a few moments, allowing us to sneak away for a few outdoor husband-and-wife portraits in the field afterward before joining their guests for the reception. Dj Timmy Desimone got the party started with a bang. Weddings by Hess fed all of us until we couldn’t possibly eat anymore. And, we finished the day with a sweet bubble send-off.

Scroll down to see a sample of photos telling the story of this day I’ve been waiting for the past 1,095 days.

Emma and Ari, I mean every word in this article. You two are truly one in a million individually. Together, I have no idea what that makes you, but I hope you know just how special you are. I can’t get enough of you! Your wedding day was amazing, and I’m so glad I could be there with you to celebrate your love. As you said in your post on Friday, you grew up together, and now you get to grow old together. You deserve the very best life has to offer. I can’t wait to see your story continue, chapter after chapter. Cherish every day you have together. A love like yours is too precious to take for granted.

Now for the fun part: I hope you love these photos as much as I enjoyed creating them for you! Since I know how hard it is to wait, a surprise will soon arrive in your inbox. So, don’t forget to check it at some point during your fabulous honeymoon.

Hugs,

Megan