What matters most to Kendra and Jaxson Stage? One another, their friends, their family, and their roots in Miami County, Indiana.
With these values in mind, Kendra Donaldson, Jaxson Stage, and their families planned the most incredible wedding on Kendra’s family’s property, and I’m so excited to share previews from Mr. and Mrs. Stage’s wedding in Peru, Indiana on the blog!
Kendra & Jaxson celebrated with a private property wedding in Peru, Indiana on KL Donaldson Farms.
Over the years, I’ve photographed a lot of “at-home” weddings. And, as a result, I can attest that Kendra and Jaxson’s big day was particularly incredible. You see, between the beautiful property and the attention to detail Jaxson, Kendra, and their families put into every last element, KL Donaldson Farms made the perfect wedding venue.
Jaxson and Kendra’s wedding day started with the ladies getting ready in Kendra’s parents’ house and the guys getting ready in an RV. (Jaxson’s family owns and operates Stagecoach RV Sales, so it was a particularly swanky RV.)
While the couple and their bridal party got ready, we focused on photographing details. Now, I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve witnessed hair and makeup be ahead of schedule on a wedding day, but with Kendra being a hairdresser (Check out Kendra Lain Hair!) and some of her bridesmaids also working in the cosmetology industry, Kendra and her girls were actually ready AHEAD of schedule. I was so impressed!
After all details had been photographed, hair and makeup were complete, getting ready photos had been taken, and Kendra shared first looks with her bridesmaids and dad, Kendra and Jaxson shared their first look. (Side note: It was truly the sweetest thing to witness Kendra share first looks with both her dad and her now husband on the property where she grew up!)
Following their first look, we moved on to bride and groom portraits, bridal party photos, and immediate family photos. And, I have to say, not only is KL Donaldson Farms beautiful, but it has SO many great photo spots. I know Kameron and Hayley didn’t necessarily build their property as a wedding venue, but their home is so perfect for celebrations that this was actually the second wedding they’ve hosted on their property. How incredible is that?!
After the bulk of photos had been completed, it was time for Kendra and Jaxson to become husband and wife. For this portion of the day, I’ll just let the photos do the talking. Jaxson and Kendra were clearly elated for this moment to finally arrive!
After the ceremony, we took more family photos and grabbed a few more shots of Kendra and Jaxson. Then, it was time for the couple to celebrate with their 300+ guests! Again, transforming your property into a wedding venue isn’t an easy feat, but the Kendra and Jaxson’s tented reception couldn’t have been more lovely.
Between all of the reception festivities, we snuck Jaxson and Kendra out for a few sunset photos. And, when you see these, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say that KL Donaldson Farms has plenty of wonderful photo locations!
Kendra and Jaxson wrapped their wedding coverage up with a “faux” sparkler exit. And, after hugging Shelby (my second shooter) and I goodbye, they returned to party and celebrate with their guests until at least midnight!
On their wedding day, how much Jaxson & Kendra Stage value their roots was very clear.
When you meet Jaxson and Kendra, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing matters more to them than one another, their friends, their family, and their home. Afterall, these are the influences that have made Jaxson and Kendra who they are.
Between getting married at KL Donaldson Farms; their bridal party that was largely made up of their siblings, cousins, and lifelong friends; and their 300+ guest list, Jaxson and Kendra’s wedding day was both a celebration of their marriage and a celebration of their roots.
In fact, Jaxson and Kendra’s roots are so important to them that rather than doing a sand ceremony—which is pretty typical on wedding days—they did an earth ceremony. Essentially, Jaxson and Kendra brought soil from where they grew up and mixed it together during their wedding ceremony. And, considering how important their families and homes are to them, I cannot imagine a more perfect way for this darling VRP bride and groom to officially start their lives together.
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Stage!
Jaxson and Kendra, I am so, so honored that you trusted me to be your wedding photographer. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing Shelby and me to celebrate your big day with you and to capture the first day of what I have no doubt will be a beautiful lifetime together.
I hope the two of you love these previews from your private property Peru, Indiana wedding. But, I hope you love being husband and wife even more. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Stage!
Fun fact: Jaxson was the best man in Wyatt (right) and Kaelyn Willson’s wedding, which I had the honor of photographing in 2019. If you want to see more of Jaxson, Wyatt, and Kaelyn, check out Mr. and Mrs. Willson’s wedding day!
Want to see more of Jaxson and Kendra? Check out their engagement photos at Holcomb Gardens in Indianapolis!
Creative Team
Venue: Private Property
Wedding Dress Boutique: Ellen’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Ellen’s Bridal
Bartender: Jackie Richards
Decor: Manchester Party Rental
DJ: Velocity Sound
Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography
