Whimsical Midwest Wedding from Hannah Persson Photo

Working at SMP means losing the ability to speak on a daily basis.  Some of you might not know that, but it's totally true.  And although I've been known to be a bit wordy (ask my very patient friends or any member of my family), this sweet Sycamore soiree has left me at a serious loss for words.  Maybe that's because this is the kind of wedding that just tugs at your heart strings from the get-go with its beautiful nature-filled setting, DIY details and whimsical touches every which way you turn.  It's one magical moment after another captured by Hannah Persson Photo and you can see it all in the full gallery.

From Hannah Persson Photo... This wedding really tops the charts. The magic and prettiness that took place that day played out like a movie. Even though the bride and groom originally wanted to elope, they realized what would be even better was to have a great big celebration party of their marriage and their love with their friends and family, and they are so happy they did, looking back now. The details were made entirely by family and friends of the bride. Lots of careful planning and budgeting was the trick to this beautiful creation. The adjectives running through the bride's mind throughout the planning process were ethereal, fun, whimsical, savage, and luxe-- a lot to work with. The big white balloons at the reception had a sort of magical quality about them and created a super intimate evening. It took the bride's brothers a couple hours to blow up the balloons and then hang them from the ceiling. The confetti pieces on each table added to the fun aspect, and who doesn't love chalkboard? A trend that is sure to be around for awhile.  The cupcakes were cute as can be, and helped draw in the color scheme which was blushes, lavenders, and pinks- so nice to not have to stick with just one color!

The bride and groom wanted to get married in the outdoors because nature is something very important to the bride - she wanted the ceremony to take place in the tall prairie grasses of her home state, Illinois - so the nice touch of the prairie grasses in the pink painted wine bottles at each table helped to bring the outdoors in. The cut-out paper letters on the wall are lyrics from the couple's favorite Bob Dylan Song - they added a really beautiful graphic element to the venue design.

This couple is super quirky and unique, so photographing them was a real joy, and I've never seen anyone happier about getting married. The bride was going back and forth about changing her last name, ultimately deciding to wait awhile, so they will be holding a name changing celebration ceremony in the months to come. I can't wait to be there for it.

Wedding Photography: Hannah Persson Photo | Second Photographer: Noel Davis Photography | Ceremony Location: Forest Preserve, Sycamore, Illinois | Reception Venue: Memorial Hall at Saint Mary's | Floral Design: Everything Floral | Event Planning + Design: DIY | Reception Coordination: Mickey Beckman | Bride's Shoes: Target | Wedding Dress: J.Crew