Wedding At Allegany State Park Quaker Amphitheater

Jordan & Emily: An Intimate Wedding at Allegany State Park, With The Cutest Ring Bearer

Jordan and Emily have been together since high school. Years of growing up, growing together, and building a life side by side led them to this day—and it showed in every quiet glance and shared smile.

Sweet Cooper adoring his owners, Emily and Jordan.

Their ceremony took place at the Quaker Amphitheater in Allegany State Park, surrounded by trees, stillness, and the people who matter most to them. It was small, personal, and deeply meaningful. They shared personal vows that felt honest and grounded, words shaped by time, not tradition.

And then there was Cooper.

Their golden retriever and beloved companion served as ring bearer. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous, but Cooper was the absolute best boy. He walked right down the aisle and then laid himself gently between Jordan and Emily during the ceremony, as if he knew exactly where he belonged.

After the ceremony, we stepped away to a nearby field for family photos beneath a tree. The pace was unhurried. The mood was relaxed. Once photos were finished, everyone gathered for a simple picnic lunch, a moment of connection before the next chapter of the day.

That next chapter was something truly special.

Jordan and Emily had planned what they called a “photo tour.” For three hours, the four of us—Emily, Jordan, my husband (and second photographer), and myself, explored Allegany State Park together. This wasn’t about rushing through locations. It was about revisiting places that mattered.

We stopped at the Stone Tower, the Thomas L. Kelly Covered Bridge, the Redhouse Lake Stone Pier, and spent time at Quaker Lake Beach. These were places tied to their story—walks with their dogs, early memories, quiet moments from years past.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Soft light, comfortable temperatures, and enough time to slow down and create intentionally. It felt less like a wedding schedule and more like a shared experience.

Later that evening, everyone reconvened at the Quaker Lake Beach House for the reception—a joyful celebration that brought the day full circle.

Jordan and Emily’s wedding was a reminder that weddings don’t have to be busy to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most powerful moments happen when you give yourself permission to slow down.