Cotton Inspired Valley Forge Anniversary Photos

Finding the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary can sometimes be tricky, but not for this adorable couple on our wedding blog today! Filled with rich, seasonal inspired bouquets and a cozy landscape, this couple celebrated their cotton inspired anniversary with a photo shoot in Valley Forge, PA. We’re happy to share their warm and intimate anniversary shoot captured by Alison Dunn, with you on IBT!

Alison says, I had the pleasure of capturing Carolyn & Corey’s wedding day two years ago, in November 2013, and got to photograph them to celebrate two years of marriage. Carolyn & Corey wanted to memorialize their deepening commitment with a photo session – something to look back on perhaps during harder times, a memento of vibrant, growing love.

One of my favorite parts about shooting anniversary sessions is their relaxed nature! With two years of marriage behind them, there was now such tangible comfort as Carolyn and Corey posed for me. As we moved through the tall grass of Valley Forge National Park, I could tell that their smiles came with deep, knowing belly laughs rather than nervous wedding jitters or excited newlywed giggles. You can see that when they’re together, they feel at home. Over time, they’ve grown into one another, as better friends and stronger partners with a lifetime ahead of them.

The creative vision for this session’s aesthetic (designed by Carolyn) stemmed from traditional anniversary gift themes – year two’s theme is cotton. Cotton inspired the natural, organic setting as well as their wardrobe, and the late autumn season inspired their color palette, with pops of deep berry, golden wheat brown, and indigo. Corey and Carolyn donned various cozy cotton fabrics (twill, denim, chambray, and knitted items) which each had distinct natural texture. Their floral vendor, Chicory Florals, created the perfect organic, textured, autumn bouquet and boutonniere, complete with cotton stems interspersed. Featured in a few shots is Corey’s first anniversary gift to Carolyn: a rose gold garnet ring (her birthstone). Carolyn’s final touches included a few pastel pumpkins, garnet colored corncobs, custom designed rose gold wedding bands, berry lipstick, and a late fall Pennsylvania golden hour.