When Kristie contacted me, I knew that I wanted to be a part of her wedding collaboration. She and her partner, Mike, are small business owners. They work together in several capacities and embody the wife/husband working relationship model. They are creative and passionate in everything they do and they have great tastes! Kristie literally put together the dream team for her wedding day. Plus, she and Mike would be getting married on an heirloom blueberry farm. At the time, I was still getting my hands in the dirt to supplement my own interests, so I knew how special this event would be. Everything Kristie shared resonated and I was all in.

The story goes that Mike had always wanted to get married on his farm. The Jersey farm had been in the family for several generations, however, it was Mike’s dream to grow blueberries on the land. While I had heard some of the story from Kristie, it was Mike’s brother who filled in the gaps during his best man toast. Blueberries had not been a family tradition, rather, Mike just decided one day that he was going to be a blueberry farmer and that’s what he did. He taught himself the trade from the ground up. Apparently, this is the kind of tenacity and grit that Mike brings to every aspect of life. And I could see it. While Kristie and I had consulted and planned together quite a bit prior to their event, it wasn’t until wedding day that I met Mike. The sparkle in his eyes and the humble confidence that he exuded was infectious. His property was immaculate; it was literally the most pristine farm that I’ve toured. You could feel the hard work and pride that went into cultivating this heirloom property in a way that was visceral. But the thing that I remember the most about the day, is the way that Mike looked at Kristie. Their relationship read partnership in every interaction. Mike radiated love and respect in Kristie’s presence. It was special to document. 

I can’t blog about a family farm wedding without reflecting on the times. I’ve been thinking a lot about Kristie and Mike and my other couple’s like them during the past weeks. They are small business owners, like so many of us. For small business owners, their work is their life. Those of us who come into contact with small business dreams, creativity and tenacity, benefit so greatly. 

I wonder how Mike and Kristie’s blueberry farm is doing. I wonder if they have seen any financial relief. I hope that they can weather this. I hope that they will hold onto their heirloom farm, so that they can pass it along to the next generation. 

Will the next generation even understand what small business means? Will the next generation understand the dreams, hopes, fears, sleepless nights, sweat and blood… the grit that the self-employed must muster daily as they answer to passion, enrich their communities and participate in the economy? 

Small business is a labor of love. I hope that we won’t have to face the decision to keep our families safe or to keep our businesses safe. I hope that we aren’t swallowed by corporate America as we shelter from COVID-19. I truly hope that family farm weddings aren’t a thing of the past.

For now, please enjoy this beautiful May wedding. I hope to photograph again someday. I hope to eat heirloom blueberries in the sun surrounded by family and friends someday soon.

VENUE: Family Farm | PHOTOGRAPHY: Nina Lily Photography @ninalilyphoto | COORDINATOR: Clover Event Co. @clovereventco | RECEPTION FLORALS: Vault + Vine @vaultandvineco | CATERING: Emily’s Cafe & Catering @emilyscafeandcatering | HMUA: ONLO @onlo_beauty | BRIDAL FASHION: BHLDN @bhldn | DJ: @lovesickinc

Photography, Concept & Styling | Nina Lily Photography

Bridal Gown | BHLDN

HMUA | ONLO

Florals | Vault & Vine

Coordinator | Clover Event Co.

Catering | Emily’s Cafe and Catering