Some weddings are big, loud, and packed wall-to-wall with people.
Cheyanne and Jr’s day was the exact opposite in the best way.
Their Ogden Gardens Park wedding in Valparaiso, Indiana was small, intentional, and full of the kind of meaning you can actually feel when the guest count is sixteen and every person there matters.
Fall flowers, a gazebo ceremony, blush and burgundy DIY details, a bubble exit, private vows, and then topping it all off with McDonald’s together after the ceremony? Yeah. That’s a vibe.
Why Ogden Gardens Park Was The Perfect Spot
Cheyanne and Jr picked Ogden Gardens Park because it gave them what they wanted: outdoor scenery, fall color, a gazebo, and that peaceful “tea garden” feel without needing a massive venue production.
Ogden Gardens is one of those spots that’s quietly beautiful. It doesn’t need to scream for attention. It just looks good, especially when autumn is doing its thing.
Getting Ready With The People Who Matter Most
Cheyanne got ready in Valparaiso with a small support crew, not a traditional bridal party.
No forced matching robes. No complicated lineup. Just calm energy, real support, and the kind of conversations that naturally happen when weddings are on everyone’s mind because, surprise, a couple of them were recently engaged too.
One of the standout “details” Cheyanne wanted captured was their Funko Pops, which instantly tells you everything you need to know about them. This was going to be personal, a little nerdy, and very them.
A First Look With Dad
Before Cheyanne ever walked down the aisle, she wanted a first look with her dad.
Those moments hit hard in the best way. They’re quiet, real, and they give you a second to breathe before the rest of the day starts moving fast.
It’s also one of those things couples never regret doing. You get the emotion without an audience, and your dad gets a moment to just be your dad.
The Ceremony: Just The Two Of Them, Under The Gazebo
Cheyanne and Jr decided to wait to see each other until the ceremony, which makes that first moment at the aisle feel extra electric.
Their ceremony was outdoors at Ogden Gardens Park with one simple setup: officiant, bride, groom, and the gazebo.
No bridal party standing up there. No distractions. Just the two of them making it official while the people closest to them looked on.
And then came the exit.
Bubbles. Always Bubbles.
Instead of a big grand exit later, they had a bubble recessional right after the ceremony.
It’s fun, it photographs insanely well, and it fits an intimate wedding perfectly because everyone can actually participate without it turning into chaos.
Private Vows After Family Photos
One of the most intentional parts of their day was the plan to do private vows after portraits, once family had headed out.
This is a seriously underrated move.
You still get the emotional weight of vows, but you get to speak freely without feeling like you’re performing. It turns into this quiet little pocket of the day that’s just for you two.
A Quick Planning Tip For Intimate Weddings
If you’re planning a small wedding like this, don’t skip the breathing room.
Even with sixteen guests, the day still moves fast. Build in a little time after the ceremony for portraits and private moments. That’s where your best memories live, and it keeps the day from feeling rushed.
And Then… McDonald’s
After their ceremony, Cheyanne and Jr went and got McDonald’s together.
Not as a joke. Not as a “lol we’re quirky” thing.
Just because it sounded fun, relaxed, and honestly… kind of perfect.
It’s one of our favorite reminders that your wedding day doesn’t have to be fancy every second to be meaningful. Sometimes the best part is grabbing fries with your new spouse, still riding the adrenaline, and soaking it all in.
Cheyanne and Jr’s Wedding Day Vendors:
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Ceremony Location: Ogden Gardens Park // Bride Attire: David’s Bridal // Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Florals: Sola Wood Flowers // Invitations: Zazzle // Hair: Cheyanne’s Mom
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