It was such a joy to be a part of Lauren and Patrick's wedding day! They are seriously just such a sweet couple and so obviously in love. Their family and friends were all so sweet and it was just a really great day.
We started out at Lauren's parents' house where Lauren and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The fireplace made the perfect spot for a shot of her dress and shoes. The dress was fabulous, by the way. I loved the lace! The sunflowers were the perfect choice for a fall wedding.
I consider the "getting ready" photos to be a pretty important part of wedding photography. It's just such a good time with the bride and those closest to her and it makes for some lovely candid photos. It's also a good time to start with photography to give everyone time to get comfortable in front of the camera early in the day.
I love these detail shots! Isn't Lauren's dress fabulous?! And that veil was her mom's. I love sentimental stuff like that!
Once Lauren was in her dress, I headed over to the church to photograph Patrick and his groomsmen during their final preparations.
Next, it was time for the first look. Seriously, they are just the sweetest couple. I loved getting to document this time for them.
Lauren and Patrick chose to write letters to each other to read right after the first look. I don't know what they said, but it must have been good!
Right after the first look, we headed to a nearby barn for photos of the bridal party and the happy couple. We almost skipped this due to the wind (and it actually started sprinkling a little right at the end of these photos) but I'm so glad we went ahead and went. I love the photos and once we got out there the wind wasn't as bad as we thought it would be.
Lauren was an absolutely beautiful bride!
Did I mention how happy and in love these two are? Adorable!
Here is the handsome groom.
This shot was a special request from Patrick.
Next it was time to head back to the church for the main event. Lauren and her dad walked in to "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus." I don't think I've ever seen a hymn used for a processional but it was beautiful and so perfect for them!
Lauren and Patrick had a sand ceremony and it was lovely. Both sets of parents poured sand into Lauren's and Patrick's vases, then they each poured their sand into a larger one. The white sand symbolized God. I've never seen it done like this and, again, it was absolutely perfect for them.
Finally, it was time for the reception. The decorations were beautiful and perfect for fall and I love that they had Mexican food.
These two were holding hands, kissing, or hugging throughout most of the reception. I love love!
They played a game that was kind of like the
shoe game, but with bride and groom dolls instead of shoes. It was cute!
Next, they listened to their love story. They had each written a version of it and the DJ read them. The hadn't read what each other had written, so it was fun to see their reactions. It was fun to hear the things they remembered differently and sweet to hear the wonderful things they had written about each other.
Next up was the first dance. So sweet! They danced to "Not With Haste" by Mumford and Sons.
Lauren and her dad danced to "Yellow" by Coldplay.
Patrick and his mom danced to
"Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
DJ - John Wright (Legacy Disc Jockeys, Olney, IL)
Engagement and Wedding rings - Gottman Custom Jewelry, Mt.Carmel, IL
Catering was done by a family friend
Patrick's and Lauren's moms arranged all the flowers
Cake by Angie Kruse
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in the Wabash Valley or surrounding areas, I'd love to hear from you! Click here to contact me, or click here to see pricing and reviews. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram (@amy_f_photo).
