This June started out with a lovely wedding day… Katie and Hunter’s wedding day in Jacksonville, Illinois! After these two booked a popular open date on my calendar earlier this year, my excitement started to grow as they told me of their story and wedding day plans. And I was so excited for this wedding day because I love these two + I was eager to shoot another wedding ceremony + reception again at Hamilton’s in Jacksonville, too (remember Tiffany + Steven’s wedding at Hamilton’s?). The venue is so unique and photographs beautifully! It truly fit their day perfectly!

Katie and Hunter’s love story is sweet. These two went to high school together and met in Spanish class during Katie’s freshman and Hunter’s sophomore year. Katie told me that Hunter wanted to date her then, but she told him no! Then, a few years after graduating high school these two crossed paths and reunited… And their love story that lead to their engagement and wedding day and marriage began!

After they had been dating for close to two years, Hunter took Katie out to their friend’s house to go target shooting. But what Katie didn’t expect was to see a painted sign that said “will you marry me?” instead of a target! Katie was so surprised and looked over to find Hunter down on one knee with a ring in his hand… She was so surprised but so smitten with the excitement, and of course she said yes!

Katie and Hunter are a fun-loving couple. Their love is sweet, they know how to make each other laugh, and they complement each other perfectly. Over the past few months I have loved getting to know them better! Fun fact – Katie and I first met working retail when I was in college… So it was so fun to get to know her even better as a BRIDE! Plus, this girl is so organized and punctual – my kinda lady!

On Katie and Hunter’s wedding day, we were thankful for BEAUTIFUL weather… So beautiful that Several times throughout Katie and Hunter’s wedding day, the couple and I joked about how we had two opposite ends of the spectrum during our photo time together… Their engagement session when it was barely 40 degrees (see their engagement session here) + their wedding day when it was nearly 100 degrees. These two are troopers and toughed out the weather both times for amazing photos to document their love!

All throughout this day, everyone was joyful, excited, and truly showering Katie and Hunter with love! From the first moment Hunter saw Katie walking down the aisle – his soon to be wife – to the moments of their first dance and dances with their loved ones. The laughter and happy tears were all around for these two and their love. What I loved most about this wedding day was how much Katie and Hunter loved on their family on their wedding day. Yes, even on a day all about these two becoming husband and wife, they shared so much love for their siblings, parents, family members, and friends… And I think that’s exactly how wedding days should be! What a beautiful example Katie and Hunter gave of this kind of love for one another and their most favorite people.

Some of my very favorite details on this wedding day were the gorgeous flowers created by the groom’s mother – a local florist – along with the sentimental boutonnière that the groom wore commemorating his late grandfather. Even as I write this, I am teary eyed at that sweet gesture Hunter chose to remember his grandfather on his wedding day and his way to always have him by his side on that very day. All in all, this wedding day was one for the books. The bride + groom, the bridal party, the love of family… It was all perfect for this couple!

Katie and Hunter… Thank you! Kyle and I truly loved documenting your wedding day and witnessing your love for each other and your family. Your day was beautiful, and I hope you cherish these photos for years to come!

Bride’s Attire + Bridesmaid Attire: Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Hair: Darcy Rensch | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Hamilton’s – Jacksonville, IL | Florist: Teresa Logsdon with Spirited Treasures – Mount Sterling, IL | DJ: Jeff Kassing | Catering: Hamilton’s Catering – Jacksonville, IL | Cake: Angie Willman | Invitations + Paper Goods: Vista Print