Real Weddings Wednesday: Dakota + Jaxson's Peaceful and Romantic Wedding at Camp Chinquapin

Happy Real Weddings Wednesday! Against a backdrop of the towering pines of Camp Chinquapin, Dakota + Jaxson said their vows aside the camp’s creek. Surrounded by family and friends, every detail—from the natural surroundings to the quiet embrace of loved ones—reflected a celebration rooted in belonging and warmth. In this moment, the landscape witnessed not just a union, but the beginning of a shared journey framed by the trees and the people who mattered most.

Keep scrolling to read all about the adorable couple, and to see their wedding day photos from Brooke Fengler Photography!

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:
We met at 14, we were always in similar groups together, we also found out we were neighbors during that time, he lived two doors down, it never was intentional about pursing each other until we were about 16, he started making a clear effort towards me and I rejected him about a year into us talking cause, but then I knew a week after I didn’t want to live without my best friend. So I asked him to come over and the rest is history, we dated for three years before he proposed to me at an Ice rink in the mountains. It was Christmas time and it was just our friends in the rink, with lights all around us, it was perfect.

What was the most amazing part of your day?
It was actually the day before, our bridal party, family and closest friends, got up to the campground a day early, to set up, and get organized for our wedding. But we spent all night together, everyone in the big dining hall, playing games, having conversations, talking about stories and setting up for such a huge piece of our life, it was the most exciting and special part of the whole thing.

Anything funny or unexpected about your day?
At one point in the day, I really had to go to the bathroom in the reception, but I didn’t want to wait to go in the main, so I snuck into the back kitchen where the wonderful ladies who ran the food and desert were working so hard, and i got to spend some time with them and take a moment to breathe and take it all in, plus give them my gratitude personally.

First Dance Song: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel

Last Dance Song: I Melt With You by Modern English

What was your favorite detail about the day?
Absolutely my flowers. They were so wild and vibrant, I couldn’t stop staring at my bouquet and the bridesmaids. All the bridesmaids arranged their own the night before our wedding together, and my sister-in-law who has such a talent for it, arranged mine and surprised me. Also my hair, I cut my hair very short, but knew when I was gonna get proposed to soon, I wanted my hair up for my wedding, so I challenged myself to grow it out in time to put it in an updo like I always wanted. My sister-in-law also did my hair that day, it was perfect and the hair accessories I used made me feel like a princess.

What else would you like to share about your big day?
It was just the most perfect and smooth running wedding, It went better than I ever could have asked for. I knew exactly what I wanted and I didn’t allow other’s expectations on our day to interfere with how I wanted it.

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?
Yes, the biggest and most important advice I would give is to just take a breath, forget about what anyone expects of you, and ask yourself what is truly important to you on that day, and make it happen. Do what makes you excited and happy for this day, even if it isn’t “traditional” or “classy” or “perfect.” People thought I was crazy for having build your own sandwiches as the main dish, but I got so many compliments of how good and easy it was to enjoy their meal—little things that might seem huge in the moment, seem so small on the day where YOU are supposed to be the most happy.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?
Honestly no—I chose to have peace on my wedding day. Stress is a choice, peace is a choice, and choosing to find joy in your day, not because it’s perfect, but because this is the day, where you two are celebrated with everyone you love and who are caring for you. It’s the most special day, so try and stay present in the chaos, and hold onto every moment, it goes by way too fast!