When a couple is this adorable, you know you are in for a pretty amazing wedding. Why? Because adorable duos like this just have a way of throwing a pretty party. Parties that include gorgeous DIY details, vibrant pops of blue and pink and enough love-filled moments to fill an entire gallery with pure, unadulterated happy. See it all captured by Robyn Rachel Photography right here.
From the Bride… It all started when Kevin and I returned to Tabor Hill Winery, the location of one our first dates. This trip to the winery turned out to be one we will never forget for it is where he proposed. From that day on our wheels were turning and the planning process began. Location was first and boy was that a wild goose hunt! We wanted to do something a little different, an experience for our guests and a special place for us to visit for years to come. After several road trips and a little frustration, we found Galena, IL. It had the country charm and small town feel we were looking for, not to mention it was a place we both visited together. Eagle Ridge’s Ballroom had the scenery we were in search of, as well as the simple elegance, that could also accommodate our guest. But we were not done there; we needed to find a ceremony location. Both being bought up Catholic, it was important to us to become husband and wife in the Catholic Church. To add an extra touch we invited a priest from back home to say our mass. Other items of importance were finding a photographer and videographer to capture our big day! Luck led us to Robyn and Jason, who thanks to our promptness in scheduling were both available. We had 100% confidence that we would be “wowed” with their depictions of our memory. A day of video was on our wish list, since we knew the day would pass us by. We wanted to be able to watch the day unfold together with each other and with our guests.
Kevin will be the first to tell you that me and decisions are foes, so wedding details were not always rainbows and butterflies. But having our vision we were determined to include the little touches that would important to us. We wanted to make it meaningful to us as well as loved ones. It was important to include everyone in one way or another and choosing a bridal party of 20 plus a ring bearer and flower girl was one way to start. From there we thought about people whom would only be there in spirit. I carried these relatives close, carrying a locket of my late grandma and grandpa, so they could “be there too.” Having come from wonderful relationship role models, we wanted to show off the family love by displaying the weddings of our parents, Kevin’s sister and brother-in law, and our grandparents. When it came to favors, we wanted to honor the handfuls of people who have fought the battle with cancer by donating to the American Cancer Society. We also wanted to capture the innocence of love by a few special 8 and 9-year love doctors! Being a 3rd grade teacher, I wanted to incorporate my little buddies into our day. They helped by defining what love it with quotes that became our table numbers. And the DIY went on from there; maybe it is the teacher in me, from dollies punch place settings to initial signage to hang in our new home for remembrance of the most special days of our lives. We had everyone on board cutting ribbons, spray-painting frames, printing and folding programs and menus all to make the day “us.” It turned out to be more than we could ever imagine definitely the classy summer feeling surrounded by love and scenery we were hoping for!
Photography: Robyn Rachel Photography | Videography: Lexoria Wedding Films | Florist: Garden Party Florist | Wedding Dress: The Dress By Nicole | Invitations: The Paper Source | Ceremony: St Marys Galena | Reception Venue: Eagle Ridge Resort | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo | Transportation: Tri-State Travel