WEDDING BLOG

Julia and Adam’s relationship started quietly. After years of crossing paths professionally, one conversation turned into a connection neither of them walked away from. “We had a conversation one day and never stopped talking after that,” Julia shared. “He became my best friend.”

Over time, that friendship carried them through major changes in life and parenthood. Through difficult seasons, Julia says Adam became their family’s “Oak Tree,” showing up with consistency, patience, and care. It was the way they communicated, handled challenges together, and built a life alongside their children that made them realize they wanted to keep choosing each other forever.

In many ways, their intimate Hocking Hills wedding felt like an extension of their everyday life together. Instead of planning a large celebration, they focused on creating a quiet, meaningful day centered around family, nature, and being fully present with the people closest to them.

What We Love About This Hocking Hills Wedding:

• A creekside ceremony lit by candles and lanterns
• Julia and Adam’s emotional vows shared with their children
• A quiet sunrise hike through Hocking Hills before the ceremony
• Letting the natural scenery set the atmosphere instead of heavy decor
• Finding a cozy VRBO rental that gave them privacy without sacrificing the views

Featured Vendor:
Danielle Williams Photography

Realizing They Didn’t Want the Kind of Wedding That Pulled Them Away From the Moment

From the beginning, Julia and Adam knew they wanted something small. A traditional wedding never really felt like the right fit for either of them. “Neither one of us wanted the attention and stress that comes with a large wedding,” Julia explained.

Instead of starting with venues, they started by searching for experiences. They spent weeks looking into destinations, hiking locations, and outdoor spaces that felt calm and secluded. Because Julia loves being outside, finding a location surrounded by nature became one of their biggest priorities.

Eventually, they landed on Hocking Hills, Ohio. Between the waterfalls, hiking trails, cliffs, and forest views, it gave them the atmosphere they had been hoping for without needing much else added to it.

More than anything, they wanted the day to feel slow. “We didn’t want the stress and distractions of others. Just a moment in time that could slow down and just be ours.”

Trying to Find Privacy Without Losing the Outdoor Setting They Wanted

Rather than booking a traditional venue, they searched for a private rental property where they could celebrate quietly with their children and closest loved ones. Eventually, they found a VRBO home tucked into the landscape with a creek, a small waterfall, and a tiny island surrounded by water. The property normally didn’t allow events, but after hearing about the couple’s plans, the hosts agreed to let them hold a small ceremony there as long as they stayed within the home’s guest limits and respected the property rules.

Planning an outdoor wedding in March came with some uncertainty. They had no idea what the weather or water levels would look like until they arrived. Thankfully, everything aligned perfectly. “The weather was stunning. The foliage was green and dewy. The water levels were just high enough that the waterfall was dribbling down at the perfect pace.”

The scenery already did most of the work, so they kept the setup simple. Candles and lanterns were enough. “We really wanted to allow God’s artistry to show through,” Julia shared. “Outside of candles and lanterns, the space was decorated with the authenticity of nature.”

Deciding What Was Actually Worth Spending Money On

Julia and Adam never approached their Hocking Hills wedding wanting anything flashy or overproduced. Keeping things smaller naturally allowed them to focus on the parts of the experience they cared about most. “There was never really much of a budget set, but we didn’t need to as neither one of us envisioned something extravagant or flashy.”

One thing they did care deeply about was photography. Julia had already come across Junebug vendor Danielle Williams Photography before they even finalized the location. Once Hocking Hills became the plan, she immediately knew Danielle’s work matched the feeling they wanted for the day.

“I used keywords like intimate and moody,” Julia explained. “Her photos had a really beautiful way of looking alive, almost like I could touch the moment and yet so intimate I wouldn’t want to disturb it.”

From the Junebug Editors:

If you’re planning an outdoor or hiking-focused wedding, timing matters more than many couples realize. Julia recommends researching the season carefully and avoiding weekends or afternoon hours if privacy is important to you. Lighting, weather, and crowd levels can completely change the experience.

Wanting Their Kids to Feel Just as Included in the Commitment

What mattered most throughout this Hocking Hills wedding had nothing to do with styling details or decor. It was making sure their children felt fully included in the day itself. “The most memorable part of our ceremony was sharing vows with the children,” Julia shared.

Rather than treating the ceremony as only a commitment between the two of them, Julia and Adam approached it as the joining of an entire family. Alongside exchanging vows with each other, they also shared promises with the children.

“We talked about unity in a family, we prayed together, Adam and I shared vows with each of the kids and it was just a really beautiful, emotional, and personal way of incorporating them into the moment.” That perspective shaped nearly every decision they made throughout the day.

Keeping the Day Relaxed With Help From the People Closest to Them

Julia and Adam woke up together in the rental home surrounded by waterfalls, trees, and the people closest to them. While family members stayed behind with the children, the couple spent the morning hiking through Hocking Hills with Danielle. Afterward, everyone slowly gathered back at the house. They shared lunch together and enjoyed a charcuterie board prepared by Julia’s sister-in-law. Friends and family helped with nearly everything else throughout the afternoon, from setting up candles and speakers to arranging lighting and food.

“There really weren’t any challenges,” Julia said. “At the end of the evening, the goal was to get married, to do it with our children and make it a moment they felt just as loved and valued in this union as we did.” Because they stayed focused on that, the rest never felt overwhelming. By evening, candles were glowing around the creek and the ceremony unfolded naturally alongside the sound of the waterfall nearby. “It was perfect. I would live it over 1000 times if I could.”

Julia’s biggest advice is to fully embrace the environment you’re choosing. “Prepare to get dirty and if that’s not for you, neither is hiking for your elopement.” She also strongly recommends investing in a photographer who understands how to capture fleeting moments without interrupting them. “The day goes by fast and the moments are fleeting, but a good photographer will help you remember them all.”