As we pass each new year that we have been photographing weddings, our dreams are starting to get bigger. I have said it before, but I often wish in some ways that this had began for us before we had kids because one of the amazing benefits of this career is that if you desire it to, a lot of traveling can be involved. I have written a bit about it before, but growing up, my mom’s theory on life was “small house, lots of travel”, so we usually did big trips 2 times a year, one usually to Canada for skiing in the spring, and for 6 years in a row, 1 to Europe in the summer. I am extremely lucky to have seen many incredible and inspiring and historic sites, and I don’t take one moment of it for granted!  Life got busy after college and my traveling slowed down a bit, but Michael and I still prioritized it our first few years together. And we have definitely slowed down since having kids- but it is a desire of ours to give them a lot of experiences traveling as they grow up.  So back to shooting weddings- it is a career where you can be very mobile if you choose.  I have dreamed quietly in my head about packing us all up in an RV and traveling the world while we home school and photograph weddings- but the truth is, I have a strong desire for my kids to have roots and extremely deep and meaningful relationships with family beyond us- and we have really built a life for them the last couple years that will foster that.  Our heart is in our home.  BUT! We DO believe that we can and want to travel a little for work every year.  We shot a wedding in Florida in the end of 2015 and were more mobile in general in 2016, and have a PA wedding this year in addition to a lot out of our local area. We are VERY excited about that- which is what caused me to start dreaming a different dream.  One where we maybe do shoot 1-3 weddings around the country each year.  While I know it is a far away dream, and I may NEVER shoot at any of these venues in my career…I believe it definitely won’t happen if I don’t say it out loud! So  here they are- the 6 venues that I dream of shooting at right now! There are SO MANY MORE- these are just 6 that stand out to me right now!

Cedarwood Weddings in Nashville, Tennessee 

You will notice a theme here, but many of these venues are outside based–because that is where my heart really is in wedding photography.  Cedarwood Weddings is a venue that I have followed for a long time, and that completely stole my heart.  It is a romantic and stunning Estate in the country (which I love as you know!) with beautiful land surrounding it and a perfect mix of rustic and chic style to it- I am obsessed! This is one of the closer venues on my list, and Nashville is a city that grabbed me the first time I visited and has caused us to back frequently!

Legare Waring House in Charleston, South Carolina

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that we are traveling to Charleston, South Carolina next summer to visit family and spend some time on the beach, and we are so so excited! I am hoping to shoot an anniversary or engagement session while there- so email me at jill@jillgum.com if you are semi-local and want details! ANYWAYS- there are endless locations in and near Charleston SC that I would love to photograph weddings at…basically any park or back yard area with those gorgeous live oak trees would do!! 🙂 But in particular, this wedding venue with it’s gorgeous gated entry, never ending spanish moss, and beautiful beautiful avenue of oaks has me totally dreaming of shooting at the Legare Waring House!!

Big Spring Farm in Lexington, Virginia

The name of this venue might tip you off as to why I love it if you have been following my journey! We live near our family farm now, and I absolutely love it.  I have been following this venue since it opened, and it’s raw and authentic beauty nestled in the hills of Virginia, puts it at the top of my list.  It has a stunning barn for reception space, and fits a more intimate group, which is my ideal type of celebration.  It is also owned by wedding photographers- which is just the icing on the cake!  It is a must see for any girl with a country heart, like me!

Winery Weddings at Pippin Hill in North Garden, Virginia

Michael and I got married at a winery 6.5 years ago, and we just love wineries.  We are shooting at a couple in the next few years and could not be more excited. There is always something so inviting, fun, and romantic about them.  And absolutely none have more natural beauty in the land and also the building than Pippin Hill.  Sweeping scenic mountain views, to it’s all-inclusive experience that allows your full day (including gorgeous getting ready spaces) to happen there, it is really breathtaking. It is also family run, and that speaks to my heart as well!  It is the total package, and one of the most sought after wedding venues in the country for the outdoor loving bride!

Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan

Now this one has “farms” in the title, but it is actually a historic estate site in Michigan and it is breathtaking. Expansive gardens and grounds, a gorgeous stone Castle as the backdrop, it is a gorgeous step back in time that you wouldn’t quite expect to find in the midwest!  There are 4 different location options on the estate depending on your style, which I think is so amazing.  It is full of architectural style and elegance, and truly would make for a fairy tale style day!

and last but DEFINITELY not least…

The Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, Wisconsin

All it will take is one look for you to understand why this wedding venue is at the top of my list! It truly is an enchanted barn!  A little closer to home charm and rustic elegance, it is truly beyond stunning.  This venue has gained a lot national recognition over the last couple of years, namely as the best outdoor Wisconsin wedding venue…sounds like absolute perfection to me!  This is the sort of venue that isn’t so far from home that local brides couldn’t have just a semi-destination wedding- where guests could easily drive and only have to stay over one night but still have a fun getaway and a really unique location!  This is also the sort of venue that the Gums dream of opening one day- that certainly isn’t on our short list or even our “let’s make this happen” list- it falls somewhere with permanently living in an RV with our family in the wouldn’t it be fun but probably won’t happen! 🙂

So there they are- if you want some beautiful locations to check out, or if you aren’t married yet and know you will plan some day- dream of these a bit! And if you are a bride who happens to be getting married at one of these venues in 2017 or 2018–definitely get in touch with me, girl!! 🙂  Happy Thursday!!