Some weddings feel less like an event and more like an experience and Grace and Sam’s wedding at Lake Hope State Park was exactly that. Surrounded by towering trees, cabins tucked into the woods, and the soft glow of a late-summer sunset, their day felt intentional, personal, and deeply rooted in who they are as a couple.

Grace and Sam have been together for over five years after meeting in school, bonding over a shared love of hiking, travel, and the outdoors. That love for nature shaped every part of their wedding day from getting ready in the park cabins to saying their vows under the shelterhouse just steps from the lake.

A Relaxed Start in the Cabins

The day began quietly in cabins 17 and 18, where Grace got ready surrounded by her closest people. Her aunt Beckie helped with hair, while the cabins were filled with handmade décor, meaningful details, and lots of laughter. Grace is an artist and business owner, and her creativity showed through in the thoughtful touches throughout the day from the décor to the felt banner hanging in the shelterhouse.

Sam spent the afternoon nearby getting ready with his guys, fitting in portraits (and a little archery) before heading toward the ceremony space. With everything happening within the park, the day flowed naturally helped along by a golf cart or two and a laid-back timeline that truly fit the setting.

A Meaningful Woodland Ceremony

Guests gathered near the shelterhouse as the forest slowly filled with friends and family traveling in from near and far. Grace walked in alongside her parents, and the ceremony felt intimate despite the size of the crowd.

Flower petals were tossed, the family band played, and the whole ceremony felt deeply personal and joy-filled.

Portraits Around Lake Hope

After the ceremony, we moved through family formals and wedding party portraits before stealing Grace and Sam away for just-married photos around the park. We explored:

• The woods surrounding the shelterhouse

• The boat dock overlooking the lake

• Quiet paths tucked between the trees

• The cabins where their day began

Their color palette light blue, sunflower yellow, forest green, and soft red tones felt perfectly at home against the natural backdrop of Lake Hope.

Dinner, Dancing & Campfire Magic

Dinner arrived from the lodge as the sun dipped lower, followed by heartfelt speeches, games scattered throughout the park, and plenty of laughter. From giant Jenga (it was a serious match between Grace & her dad!) and cornhole to croquet, archery, and mini golf, guests truly experienced the park rather than just attending a reception.

As night fell, the campfire and s’mores bar became the heart of the evening. Grace and Sam danced under string lights, laughed with friends, and later shared quiet moments wrapped in a blanket by the fire, one of those scenes that perfectly sums up who they are.

The night ended with live music, sparklers, and the family band playing as guests slowly wandered back toward the cabins, firelight glowing through the trees.

A Wedding That Felt Like Them

Grace and Sam’s Lake Hope State Park wedding was thoughtful, grounded, and full of heart. From their love of the outdoors to the way they prioritized meaningful moments over rigid structure, their day was a reflection of five years of growing together and the life they’re building next (with their cat, Tater Tot, of course 🐾).

If you’re dreaming of a state park wedding in Ohio that feels relaxed, intentional, and deeply personal, Lake Hope is a truly special place and Grace and Sam’s day is proof of just how magical it can be.