An Intimate Sandusky, Ohio Wedding for Judith & Cordell

Eeeep, you guys — another Sandusky wedding! When Judith and Cordell reached out about their intimate wedding day in Sandusky, Ohio, I was instantly excited. I absolutely love traveling for weddings, and there is something extra special about small, intentional celebrations where every detail feels personal and meaningful. Their day was the perfect blend of heartfelt moments, thoughtful touches, and stunning natural scenery.

This intimate Sandusky, Ohio, wedding took place at a private residence, which made the day feel incredibly relaxed and personal. Hosting a wedding at home or on private property allows couples to truly make the space their own, and Judith and Cordell did exactly that.

Exploring Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve for Portraits

Before the ceremony, we met up for bride and groom portraits at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, and oh my gosh — this place is a hidden gem. I loved getting to explore a new location with them, especially one that offers such a variety of scenery. The lush greenery, peaceful swamp areas, and the sandy beach at the end of the trail made for such a beautiful backdrop.

One of my favorite fun facts about photographing in Sandusky is that you can sometimes spot Cedar Point in the distance, which always makes me smile. It’s such a unique detail that really roots the photos in this location. Judith’s dress was absolutely stunning here, especially with how flowy it was. It moved beautifully with every step and was made for twirling. Cordell looked incredibly handsome in his blue suit, which paired perfectly with the natural tones of the preserve.

A Private Residence Ceremony Filled With Meaning

After portraits, we headed back to the private residence for the ceremony and reception. The property itself was stunning, with so much open space and greenery. The ceremony took place beneath a large tree in the backyard, which provided the perfect shade and created a naturally intimate setting for their vows. It felt peaceful, romantic, and exactly right for a small wedding day like this.

Cordell’s boutonniere deserves a special shoutout — instead of a traditional pin-on boutonniere, his was designed as a pocket square holder. Not only did it look amazing, but it was also such a smart choice to make sure it stayed perfectly in place all day long.

Judith looked absolutely radiant walking down the aisle. Her hair was styled beautifully, and the bow she wore was such a statement piece. It added the perfect mix of elegance and personality to her look and photographed like a dream.

Personal Touches and Interactive Wedding Details

One of my favorite parts of the day was how Judith and Cordell incorporated their guests into the celebration. Instead of a traditional guest book, Judith created an interactive painting experience. Balloons filled with paint were placed over a canvas, and guests popped them with darts to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Some sections of the canvas were taped off, revealing a design once the painting was complete. It was such a creative and meaningful way to involve everyone and create a lasting keepsake from the day.

The reception was equally thoughtful, with delicious food and a fun ice cream bar that guests absolutely loved. Judith later changed into her reception dress, a shorter white dress with a large bow on the back that was perfect for celebrating and dancing. Of course, we had to sneak out for sunset portraits before I left, and the soft evening light was the perfect ending to an already beautiful day.

A Perfect Day in Sandusky, Ohio

Judith and Cordell’s wedding day was such a joy to photograph. It was intimate, personal, and full of moments that truly reflected who they are as a couple. Days like this are a reminder that weddings don’t have to be large to be incredibly meaningful.

If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Sandusky, Ohio or are dreaming of a private residence celebration and are looking for a photographer who loves to travel and capture genuine, heartfelt moments, I would love to hear from you and help tell your story.