Dan & Carissa’s Romantic Fall Wedding at Richfield Heritage Preserve

Richfield, Ohio Wedding Photographer

Dan and Carissa’s wedding day at Richfield Heritage Preserve was heartfelt, joyful, and filled with meaningful moments that reflected exactly who they are. From emotional first looks to thoughtful tributes and playful Disney-inspired touches, their wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and connection.

They are truly two of the kindest, most genuine people you will ever meet, and their wedding day felt like a reflection of that from start to finish.

Dan & Carissa’s Story

Dan and Carissa met on Hinge in 2022, and from the very beginning, their relationship grew steadily and intentionally. Over time, they built a life together, eventually moving in together and settling into what felt like home long before their wedding day arrived.

Dan proposed at Disney — in front of Carissa’s favorite character — a moment that felt perfectly fitting for two proud Disney adults. That shared love for Disney became a fun and meaningful thread woven throughout their wedding day, from subtle décor details to unforgettable moments on the dance floor.

They booked their wedding photography in November of 2023 and were married on October 17, 2025, giving them a longer engagement that allowed them to thoughtfully plan a day that felt deeply personal and true to who they are as a couple.

A Perfect October Fall Day at Richfield Heritage Preserve

Dan and Carissa truly could not have asked for better weather. Their wedding day landed on a gorgeous fall day in October — crisp without being cold, sunny without being harsh — the kind of day couples hope for when planning an outdoor ceremony.

The trees throughout the preserve were at peak fall color, glowing in rich shades of orange. Their ceremony took place on the lawn at Amity House, directly in front of the lake. The light reflected off the water, creating a stunning natural backdrop and adding a soft glow that elevated both the ceremony and portraits.

From a photography perspective, it was one of those rare moments where everything simply worked — natural light, scenery, and space coming together effortlessly.

Getting Ready at Amity House & The Lodge

The morning began with Carissa getting ready at Amity House, while Dan got ready just down the road at The Lodge, both located on the Richfield Heritage Preserve property. Having multiple on-site getting-ready locations made the timeline feel calm and unrushed, allowing everyone to ease into the day naturally.

Carissa’s wedding dress was absolutely breathtaking. It featured a soft blush-pink tone with delicate sparkle throughout, catching the light beautifully without feeling overpowering. She truly looked like a princess as she stepped into her dress, taking her time to meticulously put on each piece of jewelry.

One of the most emotional moments of the morning came when Carissa revealed her dress to her bridesmaids. As soon as they saw her, the tears started — a quiet, heartfelt moment filled with love and support.

Before the ceremony, Carissa also shared meaningful first looks with her bridesmaids, her grandfather, and her brother, creating space for emotion and connection before walking down the aisle.

A Meaningful Outdoor Ceremony

Before the ceremony, you could see how nervous — yet excited — Dan was. Not from fear, but from anticipation. He was ready to marry Carissa, and you could feel how much this moment meant to him.

Carissa, while certainly nervous, carried herself with calm confidence. She played it off gracefully, staying present and soaking in each moment as the day unfolded.

The ceremony was officiated by Dan’s father, making it deeply personal. When Carissa walked down the aisle, Dan immediately teared up — a genuine, emotional reaction that came as no surprise to anyone who knows him.

Throughout the day, Carissa’s late father was honored in a thoughtful and intentional way. His presence was felt without becoming the main focus of the celebration. One of the most touching moments came when Carissa’s uncles gave a speech in his place, honoring his memory while keeping the day centered on love and joy.

A Joyful Reception at Richfield Heritage Preserve

The reception continued at Richfield Heritage Preserve and was filled with warmth, laughter, and celebration. With around 150 guests in attendance, the space felt lively and energetic while still allowing guests to move comfortably and enjoy the evening.

The reception began with a bridal party entrance, followed by a blessing, dinner, and heartfelt toasts. Dan and Carissa then shared their first dance, followed by special dances with their mothers and an anniversary dance that brought multiple generations together on the dance floor.

One of the most memorable moments of the night happened when Dan and Carissa leaned fully into their shared love for Disney. At one point during the reception, Mickey Mouse ears made an appearance — and soon, guests of all ages were wearing them, laughing, dancing, and forming a line across the floor. It was spontaneous, joyful, and such a perfect reflection of who they are.

Why Richfield Heritage Preserve Is a Beautiful Wedding Venue

Richfield Heritage Preserve offers a rare combination of natural beauty, flexibility, and convenience. With multiple on-site getting-ready locations, an outdoor ceremony space overlooking the lake, and a reception venue that comfortably accommodates larger guest counts, it’s an excellent choice for couples planning a fall wedding in Northeast Ohio.

The variety of scenery allows for stunning portraits without leaving the property, helping keep timelines smooth and stress levels low throughout the day.

From a Photographer’s Perspective

Dan and Carissa’s wedding was full of genuine emotion, meaningful moments, and joyful celebration. From Dan’s reaction during the ceremony to the Disney-filled dance floor later that night, their day was a reminder that the best weddings are the ones that reflect the couple completely.

When couples feel supported, present, and surrounded by people who love them deeply, everything else falls into place — and that always shows in photographs.

Final Thoughts

Dan and Carissa’s romantic fall wedding at Richfield Heritage Preserve was heartfelt, joyful, and deeply meaningful. It honored family, embraced fun, and celebrated love in a way that felt authentic from beginning to end.

We are so grateful to have documented such a special day for two truly wonderful people.

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