I am head over heels in love with this couple and this wedding day. This summer wedding day at the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee is one of my very favorite wedding days to date!

You might remember Autumn and Michael from our styled shoot last year… Oh yes, the very styled shoot that ended with a surprise proposal and these two getting engaged! They were all in for our styled shoot on that warm May day, and I know that each and every vendor at the shoot remembers the proposal fondly. Not to mention, these two are dear friends of Kyle and me, so they hold an extra special place in our hearts and life!

The Love Story

Autumn and Michael’s story goes back over five years when they met through some close friends. Autumn has always told me that she knew Michael was the one after their first (and a little awkward) sushi date. And of course, the proposal was a magical moment last year, too. Now, these two love visiting national parks and hiking together, going out on weekly date nights, and spoiling their fur babies named Koala, Blue, and Willy. This couple is truly in sync and their energy together is so, so good!

The Wedding Day

Over the past few months, I’ve loved helping Autumn as her friend and photographer leading up to her wedding day. She’s always told me that I would be her wedding photographer, but when it was finally happening, I couldn’t have been more honored. And not to mention I was (and still am) overwhelmingly proud of our dear friends! Marriage is hard work, but it’s some of the best, most beautiful work. Autumn and Michael’s wedding day started later in the day as they were having an evening ceremony and light reception. Could I have loved this more? Probably not… The late afternoon and evening light was dreamy and having the wedding day at the B. Harley Bradley House was romantic, intimate, and unique.

These two took a tour of the house over two years ago – and even before they were engaged – and fell in love. So when they decided that their wedding day would in fact take place in Kankakee County… It was the perfect venue!

As Autumn got ready for their evening ceremony, I loved photographing her excited nerves, giggles, and giddiness leading up to the ceremony. I was lucky to have Kyle by my side not as a photographer on this wedding day but as a videographer (stay tuned my friends!) this time around. And when Autumn stepped into her dress, I was teary eyed at her beauty! Soon enough, it was time to walk down the aisle to “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer to her soon to be husband, Michael. As Michael saw his bride for the very first time, I don’t think there were many dry eyes at their outdoor riverside ceremony. Everything about this ceremony – from the vows to the tears to the unity plant watering to the people they loved all around them to the playful giggles – was  perfect.

After the ceremony wrapped up, Autumn and Michael spent a few minutes away for their first photos as newlyweds before joining their closest family and friends for fondue, drinks, and wedding cake. And I cannot forget to mention how Autumn and Michael’s boho style came together through the elements of wildflowers, crystals, nature, and earthy tones. I truly cannot tell you how I adored every single little detail of this day! As the sun started to set, we loved sneaking Autumn and Michael out for a few romantic photos before their evening celebration wrapped up. This day was made for these two. ?

Autumn & Michael – We love you two dearly and still cannot believe you’re a part of the married club with us now! Kyle and I are overjoyed to encourage you in marriage and loved documenting your first married day. Sending you two so much love!

Creative credit goes to…

Bride’s Attire: BHLDN | Groom’s Attire: Express | Hair: Liz Lavoie at Professional Hair Design – Bradley, IL | Makeup: Lonyea Rutherford at MakeupByLonn – Kankakee, IL | Jeweler: Helzberg Diamonds | Getting Ready Location: B. Harley Bradley House – Kankakee, IL | Ceremony + Reception Venue: B. Harley Bradley House – Kankakee, IL | Venue Coordinator: Peggy Mayer | Florist: Ba Da Bloom Flower Shoppe – Bourbonnais, IL | Videographer: Kyle Evans with Kara Evans Photographer | Catering: Stella Bear Foods – Kankakee, IL | Cake: Two Whisks Bakery – Manteno, IL

P.S. – Wanna read more love stories and get wedding inspiration? I love sharing more wedding days here!