Inn at Leola Village Wedding | Marissa & Joe

Marissa and Joe’s The Inn at Leola Village wedding was filled with elegance, intention, and so many joyful, heartfelt moments. Including one hilarious TikTok-inspired superstition that may have actually worked.

Sunshine After the Storm

If you’ve seen the trend going around TikTok about burying a hot dog to keep the rain away, Marissa and Joe were all in. The night before their big day, a hot dog was buried with hope and humor…and when the forecast showed rain, we all held our breath.

Sure enough, about an hour and a half before the ceremony, the skies opened up with a downpour. But then, like magic, the clouds parted and full sunshine poured in just in time for the ceremony. So, if you’re planning your wedding and wondering whether the hot dog trick works…let’s just say we’re believers now.

First Look Feels & Sweet Moments

As their photographer, one of my favorite moments was their first look. Right before Joe went to see Marissa, my second shooter told him, “Marissa looks absolutely beautiful.” His response? “I’m not surprised. She always looks beautiful.” Cue all the melted hearts.

The moment they saw each other, the world around them faded. Joe was fully focused on Marissa for the rest of the day. Quietly attentive, always watching her with so much love. It was the kind of connection that you can feel just by being in the same space.

A Floral-Filled, Family-Centered Celebration

The details of this wedding were just as beautiful as the couple. The florals were a romantic array of pastels. Blush, lavender, soft peach, and ivory. That looked absolutely stunning against Marissa’s dress and the backdrop of The Inn at Leola Village. The bridesmaids carried charming floral baskets instead of traditional bouquets, which added a sweet, garden-party touch that was so fitting for a spring celebration.

What stood out most, though, was how family-centered the entire day was. Every toast, every quiet glance, every group hug spoke volumes about how deeply connected Marissa and Joe are to their people. It was a day filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments that made everyone feel like part of something special.

Why I Love The Inn at Leola Village for Weddings

As a photographer, I love working at The Inn at Leola Village. The grounds offer such a beautiful variety of settings, from elegant indoor spaces to charming outdoor gardens, all with a timeless, European-inspired feel. There’s a romantic calm to this venue, and it always photographs like a dream.

Marissa and Joe, thank you for trusting me to capture this chapter of your love story. Your kindness, your connection, and your joy were contagious. Whether it was the sunshine or the buried hot dog (or both!), your day was absolutely unforgettable.

XOXO ~ Heather Marie