Olivia & Jonathan | Cozy Fall Wedding at Yellowleaf Creek Mill | Alabama Wedding Photographer

Some love stories grow quietly over time, and that’s exactly what makes Olivia and Jonathan’s day so special. They first became friends back in high school, and what started as an easy friendship slowly turned into something deeper. After graduation, they began dating—and years later, that friendship-first foundation led them to a beautiful fall wedding on October 24, 2025, at Yellowleaf Creek Mill in Clanton, Alabama. As an Alabama wedding photographer, days like this are such a joy to capture.

Olivia and Jonathan share a romantic kiss and toast to their future at their wedding inside the charming Yellowleaf Creek Mill venue.

A Riverbank Proposal

Jonathan chose the perfect place to ask Olivia to be his wife: on the rocks along the Ocoee River. On October 16, 2024, they were “just taking a normal picture” together, perched on the rocks with the river rushing behind them. In the middle of that simple, everyday moment, Jonathan turned it into a life-changing one and proposed. It was relaxed, natural, and so true to who they are—two best friends who love doing life side by side.

Olivia loves how selfless and hardworking Jonathan is, always putting others before himself. Jonathan says his favorite thing about Olivia is how caring she is. That tenderness and thoughtfulness between them showed up all day long—in the way they checked on each other, the way they laughed together, and the way they stayed fully present in every moment.

A Fall Day at Yellowleaf Creek Mill

Yellowleaf Creek Mill was the perfect setting for their cozy, fall-inspired celebration. Tucked away in Clanton, Alabama, the venue’s rustic charm, flowing creek, and wooded surroundings created such a peaceful backdrop for their wedding day.

Their color palette of purples, reds, and rich fall tones added warmth and depth to every detail. From the bouquet and boutonnieres to the bridesmaids’ dresses and décor, everything felt like a soft nod to the season—romantic, inviting, and a little bit whimsical.

Both Olivia and Jonathan got ready on-site, which made the day feel relaxed and unhurried. As their Alabama wedding photographer, I started the morning by photographing her dress, shoes, rings, invitations, and florals—those small details that tell the story of the day before it even begins. Meanwhile, Jonathan and his groomsmen shared laughs and quiet moments together as they prepared for the ceremony.

A romantic embrace in front of Yellowleaf Creek Falls captured by Rachel C. Bonnett Photography, showcasing a magical Alabama wedding moment.

First Looks & Family Moments

One of the sweetest parts of Olivia and Jonathan’s day was how intentional they were about their first looks. Olivia shared a first look with Jonathan, her dad, and her bridesmaids, giving each of those relationships a special moment before the ceremony.

Those first looks were full of emotion—happy tears, big hugs, and pure excitement. With her parents divorced and her dad remarried, we were mindful of family dynamics and made sure everyone felt included, respected, and valued in photos. Their families were clearly so proud of them, and it was beautiful to see everyone come together to celebrate.

Mr. and Mrs. Maddox share their first kiss as husband and wife under a scenic gazebo, surrounded by their bridal party.

An Outdoor Ceremony by the Creek

Their outdoor ceremony began at 2:00pm, with the soft afternoon light filtering through the trees and the sound of the creek nearby. Olivia’s dad, John Fant, had the honor of officiating, which made the ceremony feel deeply personal.

Guests watched as family, groomsmen, and bridesmaids made their way down the aisle, followed by Jonathan and finally Olivia. There were no elaborate rituals or traditions—just a heartfelt ceremony focused on their vows, their faith, and the commitment they were making to one another. It was simple, sincere, and incredibly meaningful.

A joyful moment shared between the couple, capturing their laughter and love in a beautiful embrace.

A Cozy Reception & Fall Celebration

After the ceremony, everyone stayed at Yellowleaf Creek Mill for the reception. Dinner was served plated-style, giving guests a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy a warm meal together. Jim ’n Nick’s handled the catering, filling the space with the comforting smell of good Southern food.

Their fall colors carried into the reception décor, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. With music by DJ Carson Bruce, the evening flowed into first dances—Olivia and Jonathan’s first dance as husband and wife, a sweet father/daughter dance, and a mother/son dance that had everyone smiling.

Even without a big, elaborate send-off, the entire night felt like one long, joyful exhale—a celebration of finally being married after years of growing together.

A Day That Felt Like Them

From the beginning, Olivia and Jonathan were most excited about one thing: getting married. Not the timeline, not the décor, not the perfect exit—just the simple joy of becoming husband and wife.

They love doing everything together—puzzles, board games, binge-watching shows, and playing with their dogs—and their wedding day reflected that same easy, comfortable, best-friends kind of love. Even though their dogs didn’t end up being part of the ceremony (to save everyone a little stress!), they were definitely part of the story behind the scenes.

Their Yellowleaf Creek Mill wedding was the perfect blend of fall color, family, and heartfelt moments—a day that felt relaxed, genuine, and completely true to who they are. If you’re looking for an Alabama wedding photographer to capture your own fall wedding at Yellowleaf Creek Mill or anywhere in the state, I’d love to chat with you about your day.