As we pulled up to Justin and Shayla’s wedding venue, the Mill at Manor Falls, we were reminded of what made us originally fall in love with this gorgeous place when we did their engagement session here last year. It’s a newer venue, tucked in the heart of Lancaster County, but it’s rich with history as a 1800’s grist mill, and has been restored and turned into a beautiful venue. Between the mill itself and the rest of the property, including it’s very own waterfalls, it’s easy to see why Justin and Shayla picked this place to hold their rustic wedding.
When it came to wedding planning, I’m sure these two high school sweethearts could not have fathomed when they got engaged just over a year ago that they would be planning for their big day in the midst of a covid-19 pandemic. This certainly made wedding planning challenging, but I think it probably also made them stronger. As the saying goes, “If you can make it through wedding planning together during a global pandemic, you can make it through anything”…That’s a saying, right? ;) So, they did have to make some adjustments to the seating and size of their wedding, but I was thrilled that they were able to have their wedding on their original date! I know everyone who attended was just so incredibly happy to see these two special people commit their lives to each other and start their new adventure together!
Justin and Shayla are such a sweet couple, so thoughtful and down-to-earth, and I love how much care and detail they put into their wedding day. From making sure everyone had fun, with the cornhole boards they made themselves, to the tribute to her grandmother Shayla made by using a piece of her grandmother’s veil to wrap around her bouquet. I’ve only known Justin and Shayla as a couple for a short time, but even in that time, I can easily tell they know how to have fun together, are always up for adventure, and they care deeply for the people in their lives.
I’m so excited to see Justin and Shayla embark on this new adventure as husband and wife! Here is just a little glimpse of their beautiful rustic wedding, check out some of my favorites!!
After reading the letter that Justin wrote to her and drying her emotional tears, Shayla had the sweetest First Look with her grandparents before the ceremony. I mean, how precious is this!
I’ve known Justin’s parents for about a decade, and in my first memories of his family, he was a little kid. It’s been so neat to document their family as he and his sister have gotten older and then doing their senior pictures, and now seeing him as an adult, getting ready to start married life with his new bride. Getting ready pictures are always fun on wedding days, but they’re even sweeter to me when I’ve known the bride or groom’s family for years!
One of the comments I kept hearing throughout the day was how stunning Shayla was in her gown, and it’s true, this sweet country girl with FFA roots looked like she stepped straight out of a fairytale! Simply gorgeous!!
I love how Justin and Shayla greeted their arriving guests with a sign quoting 1 Peter 3:8, a great message!
The whole week leading up to their wedding day, the weather forecast was calling for scattered storms throughout the day, so we were all praying the storms would hold off, at least until we were inside for the reception, and to our delight, we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunny day, without a drop of rain! Of course, it was quite toasty outside that day, with temps getting up around 90 degrees, but a little heat certainly didn’t keep this from being a fantastic wedding day!
The ceremony was short and sweet, which I’m sure everyone sitting in the heat appreciated ;) Sadly, due to the pandemic, Shayla’s brother wasn’t able to make it to the wedding and walk her down the aisle, but her grandfather did a fine job stepping in and walking by her side, which was so sweet. And then for the first time, I witnessed a “grain ceremony” during a wedding. Many couples use sand or water as an alternative to a unity candle, but it’s only fitting that Justin and Shayla would use grain, considering they met through the FFA and agriculture is still a big part of their lives. I love how they personalized this part of their ceremony, and I pray that they will always remember the symbolism of their grain ceremony as they cultivate a strong, loving marriage!
These two were such rockstars doing all their portraits in ridiculous heat! And they were surrounded by such a fun group of friends and family for their bridal party, complete with the most adorable little flower girl and ring bearer! Once we dismissed the bridal party to head over to cocktail hour, we got to take Justin and Shayla to a bunch of different beautiful spots around the property for bride and groom pictures. And since they loved the engagement pictures we did by the waterfalls, we of course had to go back for some wedding day pics by the falls. :)
After portrait time, we got to enjoy a super fun reception inside the beautifully restored (and air-conditioned!) mill. And then later on in the evening, Justin and Shayla decided they wanted to take a quiet moment together (but kind of separately) to re-read their letters to each other. Then right before sunset, we had a little sparkler fun. :)
Justin and Shayla, we wish you all the best in your new adventure together!
Ceremony & Reception Venue | THE MILL AT MANOR FALLS
Dress Store & Designer | IN WHITE
Florist | LAVENDER AND LOCKS
DJ | COMPLETE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS (JOEL TROUTMAN)
Catering | NANALYN FULL FILLING FEASTS
Bridesmaids Dresses | DAVID'S BRIDAL
Groomsmen Attire | KOHL’S ; CAPE HORN ; TIE BAR
Invitations | ZAZZLE
View their Engagement Session HERE!!