Amidst a slice of Midwestern heaven was a day basking in love. Sara and David invited their friends and family to experience the moos of the cows, the clucks of the chicken, and the fresh country air as they started forever together.

The day was an outpouring of family love and commitment including family traditions intertwined throughout. Her grandmother’s famous cinnamon thumbs. His family’s love of hunting. Blissful wedding photos of generation before. His father’s homemade maple syrup. As their pasts blurred into their futures with the promise of their own new traditions, Sara and David vowed to navigate life hand-in-hand.

Sara and David …. words fail to express how grateful I am to have documented such a personal and special day. You’re both incredibly kind and warm and deserve all the goodness that’s come your way. I am honored to have shared in the start of your happily ever after. I hope that Mexico has been the perfect transition from one amazing fiesta to another.

The morning started off at the barn house where Sara and girls hung out. Oak Hill is a private farm in Big Apple, IL (just outside of Galena). It is a photographer’s dream ….. the grounds, the fresh country air … swoon.

 

Sara’s brother, Andrew, designed the wedding invitations, and they set the tone of the wedding day perfectly.

Kaye, Sara’a mother, helped her dress and ensured she looked flawless.

I just loved Sara’s TOMS …. comfy AND cute!

Sara’s dad, Todd, was delighted to see his little girl for the first time on her wedding day.

Sara and David decided to see each other before the ceremony allowing us plenty of time to explore all the beauty of Oak Hill.

Sara and David’s wedding was a labor of love, and one of David’s favorite items they made were the bullet boutonnières. David, his dad and his grandfather have hunted together for years … so it was a sentimental touch to use the bullets they fired together in their wedding.

I have no words … because this makes me SO happy. I mean …. holy beautiful!

Sara was simply radiant.

David looked extra handsome in his tux… and his smile never left his face.

Special thanks to Nicole for this beautiful photo!

Sara and David’s wedding party were a complete blast …. it was non-stop laughter and fun with them.

The guys decided to have an impromptu kick line and there was no way I wasn’t encouraging it once they started.

Simple and stunning …..

Sara’s bridesmaids were beyond sweet (and super helpful, thanks again, ladies!).

The couple chose to marry at St. John’s – a little chapel on the Oak Hill property.

The chapel exploded with love, happiness and excitement as Sara and David vowed to support each other through whatever life brings their way.

So much joy as the two walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs!!!

Their guests cheered as they exited amidst a shower of bubbles.

The weather was simply perfect, and guests enjoyed cocktails and Grandma Marge’s famous cinnamon thumbs outside the barn house.

Also on the property is an old school house which was decorated with wedding photographs of Sara and David’s parents and grandparents.

There was no shortage of yummy sweets …

As a small token of something sweet, Sarah and David gave each of their guests a mason jar of homemade maple syrup. David asked Sara to marry him last March while his father was making his annual batch of homemade maple syrup at their family cabin.

Friends and family showered them with love all day long.

Ally and Mitch prepared a beautiful toast …. complete with a personalized song / rap / dance performance that had all the guests laughing.

I love to sneak out for a few minutes during golden hour for a few more bride and groom photos … and this is why. The light was beyond magical.

…. and Sara and David cuddled up as the sun glowed around them.

Their first dance …

Once the dance floor opened up …. guests showed off their favorite dance moves ….

….. and “SHOUT” always gets the crowd going …

As the sun tucked behind the country horizon, Sara and David stayed at each other’s side soaking in the perfectness of the day.

Many thanks to the wonderful team who made the day so special for Sara and David.

VENUE : oak hill weddings

CATERING : hyvee

FLORAL : diy by bride + mother of the bride

BRIDE’S HAIR + MAKEUP : arch apothecary (hair : sara / makeup : betsy)

DJ : kc fleming

CAKE : wedding day bakery

INVITATIONS : andrew sladky

VIDEOGRAPHY : neal johnson

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT : nicole morisco

PHOTOGRAPHY : brittany bekas photography