Love in Bloom: Cayla & Roberto’s Fairytale Wedding

Cayla and I go way back to our days working together at the Dayton Art Institute. I was a graphic designer in the marketing department, and she was the Museum Events Coordinator. We became instant friends. Cayla is one of those people who radiates kindness and calm, with a big adventurous spirit. She loves to travel, explore the outdoors, and try new things.

We first met up outside of work when a group of colleagues went out to dinner one evening. That’s where I met her partner, Roberto, now her husband. Roberto is like a giant teddy bear: gentle, loyal, funny, and just as kind as Cayla. It was so easy to see how perfectly they complemented each other.

Over the years, I’ve photographed the two of them a few times, from sweet couple sessions to a creative water-themed shoot where Cayla modeled for me. Roberto even came along to help and make sure we were safe, which felt so “them,” always looking out for one another. Watching their connection through my lens made it clear that these two were made for each other.

Fast forward to this past spring, when Cayla texted me with the incredible news: she and Roberto were engaged. I cried happy tears. Not long after, they bought their first home, a charming place with a big tree in the front yard that reminded me of a weeping willow. When they asked me to photograph their wedding, I was both honored and a little nervous. It had been a while since I last shot a wedding, but how could I possibly say no to them? The moment I said yes, their excitement was contagious, and I knew it was going to be something extremely special.

A Fairytale Garden Wedding

Their wedding took place in early October, the perfect start to fall, with a theme that blended fairytale romance and garden elegance. Their color palette of orange, white, and sage green could not have been more fitting for the season.

The weather had been rainy in the days leading up to the wedding, but by some miracle, everything cleared up just in time. Their backyard transformed into the most beautiful setting for an intimate ceremony with close friends and family. Cayla and Roberto had poured their hearts into preparing the space, clearing out the garden, building wooden benches for the ceremony, and even crafting a nine- or ten-foot dining table by hand for their guests. Every detail reflected their love and hard work.

The Details and the Magic

Every inch of their wedding felt thoughtfully designed and full of heart. Their backyard had become an enchanting space, the kind of setting that feels like you’ve stepped straight into a fairytale storybook.

The ceremony area featured a beautiful gazebo wrapped in delicate greenery and florals by The Flower Shoppe. The arrangements blended warm oranges, soft whites, and sage greens that danced together beautifully under the afternoon light. As a photographer, I could not stop smiling. The colors, textures, and natural setting all came together so effortlessly.

The benches where guests sat were built by Cayla and Roberto themselves, crafted from raw wood that still held a warm, golden tone from sanding and sealing. It felt like such a reflection of who they are as a couple, building something beautiful and lasting with their own hands.

Their reception space carried that same charm, with long tables lined with fresh greenery, flickering candles, and small personal touches that made every place setting feel special. And the food! Kohler’s Catering provided an incredible dinner that everyone, myself included, raved about. The dishes were flavorful, beautifully presented, and perfectly suited to the season, making the meal a memorable part of the day.

Cayla looked absolutely breathtaking. Her dress had an elegant simplicity that fit the garden theme beautifully, with soft, flowing fabric that caught the light with every step. Her shoes were stunning, and she paired them with a dainty pearl necklace and sweet earrings that completed the look perfectly. She truly looked like she had stepped right out of a magazine, radiating confidence and joy.

Roberto matched her perfectly, with his sharp suit paired with a gold butterfly pin and floral pocket square that added the right touch of personality. His smile when he saw her was everything. Together, they looked like a dream, not just because of how beautiful they were, but because you could feel how in sync they are.

Their bridal party tied everything together with elegance and warmth. The bridesmaids wore soft sage green dresses, each in a different style that reflected their personalities yet harmonized beautifully as a group. The groomsmen wore light blue long-sleeved shirts paired with black pants, simple but perfectly suited to the overall aesthetic. The combination of tones and textures, surrounded by the early autumn colors, made the whole scene feel like a painting brought to life.

An Intimate Ceremony

As the music began and guests settled in, the late afternoon light softened, filtering gently through the trees. There was this quiet anticipation in the air, the beautiful collective pause before something extraordinary begins.

Cayla began her walk down the aisle, and I always love glancing at the groom during this moment because their reaction says everything. Roberto’s expression when he saw her was pure joy. His smile was wide and unrestrained, and you could see his eyes glisten just a little. She moved gracefully, radiating happiness and confidence, and the moment felt intimate and electric, a perfect reflection of their love.

The highlight of the ceremony was that Cayla’s best friend, Maddie, officiated. Having someone so close to Cayla lead the ceremony added an incredibly personal and heartfelt touch. Adding to the magic, two of Cayla’s bridesmaids, Cheyanne and Julianne, performed during the ceremony. Their music filled the air with emotion and made the moment even more special. Maddie spoke about how Cayla and Roberto balance each other, how their relationship is rooted in deep respect, playfulness, and quiet understanding. Hearing stories and music from those who know them best made the entire moment feel even more intimate and deeply emotional.

Throughout the ceremony, Cayla and Roberto looked at each other with so much love and happiness. Tears streamed down their faces at different moments, and it was impossible not to be swept up in the raw emotion of the day. Their connection was palpable, evident in the way they smiled, laughed softly, and shared glances that said everything without words.

When it came time for the vows, their voices trembled just enough to show how much it all meant. Their words were simple, honest, and filled with gratitude for one another, for every adventure, every quiet night in, and every shared dream of what’s next.

And then came the kiss, not just any kiss. They had practiced their signature dip beforehand, and it was absolutely perfect. As they leaned into it, their guests showered them with flower petals that swirled through the air, catching the light in the most magical way. I remember pressing the shutter and thinking, This is it, this is the shot.

Laughter, applause, and a few more joyful tears followed as they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, surrounded by the people who love them most. The moment felt timeless, the kind of scene that stays with you long after the day ends.

Golden Hour Magic

After the ceremony, as guests enjoyed cocktail hour, we slipped away for some portraits during golden hour. The timing could not have been more perfect. The sky was painted in warm, glowing tones that seemed to echo all the love and joy of the day. Those quiet, radiant moments between them were some of my favorites to capture.

Photographing Cayla and Roberto’s wedding was such an honor. Being able to witness two dear friends promise forever to each other, in a space they built together, surrounded by people who love them, was truly something special.

When I edited their photos, it felt like I was reliving the day all over again. I found myself smiling, and tearing up at the same moments.

A Few Favorites

There are so many moments from Cayla and Roberto’s wedding that I will never forget, but these few photos capture the magic, love, and joy of the day in a way that words can only begin to describe. From golden hour portraits to sweet glances and heartfelt laughter, every image tells a piece of their story. I am so grateful to have been there to witness it all and to capture these memories that they will treasure forever.

Cayla and Roberto, congratulations. Your wedding was an unforgettable celebration of love, connection, and joy. It reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling through photography in the first place: the beauty of shared moments and the magic of capturing love in its purest form. 💚🦋

Until next time,