By sunset, the Haley Mansion was alive. Music poured out of the ballroom, “Cordova Spritzes” were flowing, and somewhere near the dessert bar, someone was singing All the Small Things at full volume. But hours earlier, things looked a little different.

Some places just feel like part of the story. For Sierra, Lake Wawasee has always been one of those places.

That morning, I joined her at the family cottage to photograph her bridal shower, a beautiful, heartfelt gathering filled with laughter, hugs, and the kind of excitement that lingers long after the last guest leaves. It set the tone for the whole day: meaningful, personal, and deeply rooted in place.