Jenna and Nathan’s styled shoot was the elopement I anticipated loving the most out of the 11 shoots Alison Bien (The Deep in the Heart Retreat) organized for us attendees. This dreamy and romantic forest elopement was held at Caddo Lake State Park in north-east Texas; the largest lake of the southern states and Texas’ only naturally made lake. Caddo lake is known for its towering 400 year old cypress trees covered in hanging clumps of spanish moss as well as its enchanting forests and swamplands. 

As soon as we pulled up, I knew we were about to make some magic and get some really incredible photos – and sure enough, I was right. Models Jenna and Nathan were so so sweet and cute together, making them the perfect fit for this staged romantic elopement. You would have never guessed they were already married had you of watched this shoot unfold; they were so obviously in love and Nathan even started crying while we were shooting photos of Jenna twirling around in the forest with dress! No posing tips required – these two were naturals. 

* Fun fact! I flew 2500 miles from Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada to Dallas, Texas to attend this retreat, not knowing anybody. Come to find out Jenna was actually a born and raised Nova Scotian herself from the Valley who moved to Texas as an adult. We were able to bond and reminisce over our small hometown – what’re the chances!

Photographer: Shaina Sterrett Photography @shainasterrett
Retreat: The Deep in the Heart Retreat
Hosted + Curated by: Alison Bien@alisonfaithphotography
Location: Caddo Lake State Park @caddolakesp
Couple: @_jennaroseallen @nathanallen18
Floral Design + Styling: Oh So Brittnee @oh_so_brittnee
Hair: Hair by Haily Hargrave @haily_doeshair
Makeup: Chey Cosmetics @cheycosmetics
Dress: a&bé Bridal Shop Dallas@aandbe_bridalshop @aandbe_dallas
Dress Designer: Armeria dress by Alena Leena Bridal @alenaleenabridal
Veil: Pheobe by Sara Gabriel@saragabrieldesigns
Bridal Belt: Callahan by Hushed Commotion@hushedcommotion
Earrings & Hair comb: Marin earrings by Untamed Petals@untamedpetals
Suit Jacket: JF J. Ferrar by JCPenney @jcpenney
Custom Stationery + Signage: Sincerely, Addison@sincerelyaddison