A Bit of Country Love

We always say that no two weddings are the same, just as no two couples are the same, and it’s so true. Nicki was referred to us after her sister was in a wedding of a friend we shot last year. (We just love it when our brides tell their friends about us!) We instantly connected with her sweet nature and gentle spirit, and when we met Mike it was plain to see he adored her. This was a special couple and a special story – not only was it the joining of two hearts and lives, but it was the joining of a new family, as Mike was bringing his two adorable sons with him into the relationship. When we did their family engagement session, I had so much fun playing with and shooting photos of those boys! Seriously adorable. So it was only fitting that their wedding day be filled with elements of family and their new life together.

We started the morning out at the family farm in New Athens, where the girls and guys were getting ready at separate houses. It was looking like it would be a beautiful day! Later as guests started pouring into the church, Nicki couldn’t help but peek through the slits in the blinds to see what was going on outside. As she entered the church, radiant and excited on the arm of her father, eyes teared up and she and Mike had that moment. The moment when you know this is it, this is the start of forever, and you can’t wait.

We went to the family’s lake house for photos, and had a great time with all the beautiful new locations to shoot. We love going to new places; it gets fresh creativity going and results in photos that are so unique. By this time of the day, however, it had decided to get very hot and very humid. Everyone was super great about though – it helped that we kept rotating people through the air conditioned house too :). From there we went back to the farm for some quick shots on the huge tractor and combine – neither of which this city girl had ever seen before. And then it was party time!

The reception was located in the “Hecker Dome” in Hecker, IL. Both Joel and I agree that Nicki and Mike’s reception was probably the largest we’ve ever been to. It’s a testament to how much these two are loved that nearly 600 people were there! It was a great night and a fun ending to a wonderful day!