I love to photograph people. I really love to photograph happy people on their happiest days, but my favorite of all is photographing happy people in a happy place. This is Julie and Joe and they came to Ponca, Arkansas to elope in the beauty of the Buffalo National River. I was so thrilled to get the call from Julie about photographing their ceremony and subsequent walk into a beautiful hiking trail nearby for pictures of them as newlyweds. For a week rain was forecast for their wedding day and Julie became very nervous as the day approached. I assured her that a little drizzle would be ok, actually it would be good. In the event of a downpour I was good to reschedule for the following day. Fortunately it was just cloudy and comfortable for their outdoor ceremony in front of a local historic church and the rain held off for most of our hike. I have to say I was impressed that Julie wanted to hike two and a half miles in a floor length lace dress crossing a creek at the beginning of the hike and again at the end. Joe was equally impressive taking that trek in a suit and dress shoes. I am always honored to have the opportunity to photograph a couple who is willing to go to a place like this with me and embrace the elements along with the awe inspiring surroundings. After we left the waterfall and began hiking out the drizzle set in, but we were happy and so excited to have captured these images with perfect timing in this very happy place.