Inside her elementary school yearbook was a circled photo of him. Cathleen developed a crush on Mark when they were fourth graders learning about the solar system, multiplication, and geography. Years went by and as they grew up, they lost touch and navigated through the unknown path of adulthood … each separately entering careers that help people (Cathleen is a nurse and Mark is a firefighter / paramedic).

Over a decade and half later, a message appeared in Cathleen’s Facebook inbox from Mark. He loved that Cathleen cheered for the Chicago Cubs, listened to country music and drank whiskey. Slowly they began to talk and spend more time together which deepened their relationship and made them fall in love. On Mark’s favorite holiday, Christmas, he dropped to one knee with the promise to spend their lives together forever.

They married at Oak Hill Farm in Galena nestled along the rolling hills and country air. Cathleen and Mark pledged to support each other, to love one another unconditionally and to put their family first. It was a perfect day for two even more perfect people.

Cathleen and Mark, thank you for inviting me into your lives to share in your wedding day. Your wedding was fantastic in every way … from the beauty of Oak Hill to the outpouring of love from your friends and family. May your love grow and continue to shine over the years. Much love and gratitude – Brittany

Cathleen is a timeless beauty, and her wedding details only highlighted her classic beauty.

Cathleen chose to dress at the barn house at Oak Hill, and I was delighted as the space is perfection.

Cathleen’s mom was there to help with all of her finishing touches.

Madison, Cathleen and Mark’s daughter, beamed with happiness when she saw Cathleen dressed in her wedding gown.

Cathleen and her dad share a very special bond, and they shared an more special moment when they saw each other for the first time on her wedding day.

Simply gorgeous …

Before the ceremony, Cathleen and her bridesmaids took photos around the property.

Hyvee designed all the beautiful flowers.

Cathleen and Mark kept their day traditional so for the sake of time, we scheduled all of their photos with their bridesmaids / groomsmen before the ceremony to ensure we had plenty of time for bride and groom photos after the ceremony.

Mark has one amazing group of guy friends (who made me think their names were completely different than they actually were).

The outdoor ceremony overlooked the beauty of Oak Hill Farm.

Madison rode down the aisle in style with Mark.

… and Cathleen followed. Anxious to stand at Mark’s side.

Cathleen took Mark’s breath away as she made her way to his side.

They stood in the sunshine as they promised to spend forever together.

It was a beautiful day for an outdoor ceremony.

Officially Mr. and Mrs.

Cathleen’s dad is an extremely talented musician and he sung during the ceremony.

How sweet are they?!?!

The grounds at Oak Hill are stunning and they were the perfect backdrop for Cathleen and Mark’s first photos as husband and wife.

Complete happiness!

Guests were delighted to when Cathleen and Mark entered the reception.

The evening continued with hilarious speeches …

… a heartfelt words ….

…. but so much laughter!

Golden hour at Oak Hill is my favorite, so during dinner, Cathleen, Mark and Madison snuck out for a few photos and some time alone.

The light was as beautiful as their love.

A favorite!!!

After a few moments outside, Cathleen and Mark headed back in for their first dance as husband and wife.

They kept their eyes on one another and soaked up the beauty of this moment.

And when the dance floor opened, guests were right there to have FUN!

There was even some singing …

… and lots of laughter on the dance floor.

And no dance party is complete without a throwback to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” …. complete with choreographed dance moves.

Cathleen and Mark were surrounded by their closest friends and family all night long … and they wouldn’t have had it any other way.

A huge thank you to all of the team members who helped create such a perfect day for Cathleen + Mark.

VENUE : Oak Hill Weddings

CATERING : The Rafters

FLORAL : Hyvee

WEDDING PLANNER : Wedding Days Exclusively, Debbie Esplin

BRIDE’S MAKEUP + HAIR : StoneDrift Salon, Eagle Ridge

OFFICIANT : Pastor Don Erickson

BAND : The Acoustic Generation

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT : Nicole Morisco

PHOTOGRAPHY : Brittany Bekas