This day. This beautiful Summer Wedding Day.

It was just friggin perfect. Is that cliche? Do I say it like every time? mmm ok, yes I know. But seriously, I LOVE an outdoor reception. And the light we had on this evening was A+ magic!

Ok so rewind a bit. I’ve known Rachel for a very long time. We grew up in the same lil’ town where everyone knows your extended family. And I did her sister, Bridgets, Wedding last September. Being able to take part in such big days for both of these girls was so special to me. I say this over and over again, but when I get to photograph a wedding with clients that I know, have history with, and get to see SO many familiar faces, it’s basically a big ‘ol party for me. I mean, there were 5 of my couples at this one wedding and even more of my family clients.

So, we started the day real quick with Rachel and the girls as they were just finishing up getting ready. We were able to snap a few detail shots and get Rachel in her dress before leaving to see the guys. Ok and again, I know I LOVE everyones dress, but ahhhh this front detail is so GORGE! And I love the way everything pulled together in a neutral color tone, from the shoes to the greenery to the soft blue in the bridesmaid dresses. Kudos Rach, ya did good!

And that moves into the guys style also. I love that Jack and Rachel decided to skip out on the vest and jackets and just went with these floral ties. I love the way it all “tied” in! {wink wink}. Not to mention it was August 3rd so you can imagine how hot it was that day. It helped the guys out a ton not having those heavy jackets during a hot summer wedding day. Not only all of that, but it fit. It fit the venue, and worked so good with the entire vibe of the day.

Ok so I’m going to take this moment to highlight Rachels ability to stand out as a Bride. I think she practiced for real and I may even interview her for a later post, stay tuned. But when I said “can you give me a little extra? Just be extra for a minute.” GIIIIIIRRRRRLLLL! Keep scrolling down there, you’ll see what I mean. There were so many “extra” moments during portraits and I promise they were just perfect! I mean, I’ll get Jacks opinion too, but it made him laugh and that’s what counts. The wedding day is supposed to be fun peeps, have fun with it. Be extra, stand out, let loose, its ok. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be fun and special to YOU!

We may have all had a near death experience during the sparkler exit but, it’s fine. We made it, and I got my favorite sparkler photo to date out of it (make sure you scroll all the way down)! Sparkler exits are one of my FAVORITE parts of the day. And I love that Jack and Rachel kept it small with just the bridal party, I will always suggest this route or a small group, as it just gives the best outcome every time. Make sure you’re always getting the extra long sparklers too, just don’t get the clearance left overs from 4th of July or you may have your own near death experience like we did, as sparks are flying all over in your face.

So here we are, reliving the day through these photos of Jack and Rachel and their perfect summer wedding day at Locavore Farm in Grant Park. Enjoy!

xoxo

Ceremony – St. Pats Church Momence, IL | Reception – Locavore Farm | Flowers – Jan the Flower Girl | Hair – Lindsey Cousin & Tayler Blanchette | Makeup – Nicole Spano | Videographer – Derrek Matichak | Cake – Nothing Bundt Cake | DJ – Jason Neuman | Bridal dress – Davids Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses – Kennedy Blue | Ties – DAZI

If you’re a bride to be and getting married in 2020 or 2021, now is the time! Send me an email or use this contact form and lets chat about your upcoming wedding and get to planning <3