Backbone State Park Fall Wedding

Ashley and Lucas’s fall wedding at Backbone State Park was a celebration of love, blended families, and shared friendships. Over the years, Ashley and Lucas crossed paths more than once or twice through a few mutual friends. After chance encounters at multiple gatherings, they decided to make things more official and meet for a date. Four years after that first fateful date, Ashley and Lucas decided there was no other way to experience life, than by each other’s side. They planned a Backbone State Prak wedding at the Stone Lodge to celebrate their union with the people love the most in attendance.

Overlooking the lake at Backbone State Park, the Stone Lodge is made available for couples who wish to plan an outdoor wedding ceremony filled with rustic charm. Backbone is Iowa’s oldest state park, dating back to its dedication in 1919. It is located in the valley of Maquoketa River, just south of Strawberry Point. The landscape is idyllic with towering trees and moss-covered rocks in every direction. But the beauty of the park turns to magic in the autumnal months. Ashley and Lucas’s wedding took place in September. During that time the park is aglow with the wash of fall’s golden brilliance. The crunching of leaves can be heard underfoot. Meanwhile, a continuous stream of light pours through the tops of the trees.

Adding to this radiance, Ashley and Lucas carefully curated the hues of their wedding day to accent the splendor of the season. For their florals, creamy tones of pink and white were paired with earthy hues of green and accented by deep, rich reds. To tie everything together, they used complimentary shades in the attire selected for their wedding party. Their adorable flower girls wore sparkly gowns in a pink champagne hue. Furthermore, bridesmaids wore floor-length gowns in shades of subdued green. The groomsmen wore sleek grey suits with matching green ties.

You can find more details on the wedding photography experience I provide, here.

In addition to the thoughtful design notes in their color palette, Ashley and Lucas paid special attention to the details of their ceremony. They opted to write and recite their own personal vows, expressing heartfelt gratitude for having found their life partner, the one they cherish and love above all else. Ashley’s two lovely daughters were also highly involved in the ceremony. Aside from their role as flower girls, the couple added a sand-pouring unity into their wedding ceremony for the sweet girls. This beautiful moment symbolized the blending together of their two families become one.

Once Ashley and Lucas were pronounced married, a flurry of iridescent bubbles awaited their grand exit. This whimsical touch added a layer of fun to their outdoor wedding. Next, I worked on wedding portraits with the newlyweds on the grounds of the park. Undeniably, the sparkling light was akin to experiencing pure magic. But it was the joy they shared over their newfound union that brought the biggest smiles to their faces. You can see some of my favorite moments from Ashley and Lucas’s wedding at Backbone State Park when you scroll through the images below.

XOXO – Brianna