Eeeek... I am beyond honored to share Brooke + Aaron’s wedding photos on the blog today!

Brooke and Aaron are some of my favorites… They are laid-back, easy going, and just so incredibly sweet! I’m sure everyone that knows and loves them agrees. These two light up the room with their joy and love, and they have so much love to give to those around them, too! This couple found me through a local styled shoot we collaborated on last summer, and I am so so thankful and grateful that they came into my life! These are my people.

These two grew up in neighboring towns and had many of the same friend circles in high school. Brooke had a crush on Aaron at the time and finally after instant messaging and texting back and forth… He asked her on their first date! On October 3, 2008 – the Friday following their first date – Brooke and Aaron’s love story began when they officially started dating that night.

Almost eight years later, Aaron proposed to Brooke while they were on vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Oh and that’s something you should definitely know about these two… They have a love for all things outdoorsy, cabins, and rustic. So, it was perfectly fitting that Aaron proposed to Brooke at a cabin in the woods of Tennessee with gorgeous scenery and views. When Brooke told me this story, I could see her pure happiness and she was STILL on cloud nine!

In the months leading up to Brooke’s wedding day, I have loved our conversations. Brooke is an amazing soul, and I am just lucky that she came into my life as one of my brides. It’s funny how life brings people into your life that are so special and outstanding! Our conversations are always encouraging, and this girl is always so kind! And it’s amazing and encouraging to see the way she loves Aaron and the people around her.

The start of Brooke and Aaron’s wedding day was a dream… Gorgeous weather and clear September skies! The girls and guys were relaxed and enjoying their morning at the all-in-one venue. Timber Creek Bed & Breakfast in Paxton was the perfect location for Brooke and Aaron’s wedding vision of rustic and outdoorsy. It was SO their style! And the details + team of vendors for the day was outstanding from all of the decor details to the cake from Two Whisks Bakery to the amazing DJ Lucas Henrichs.

Brooke and Aaron’s wedding day was full of ease and emotion and love. The day simply carried on flawlessly and was all about these two! The outdoor ceremony was filled with emotion and happy tears, and I loved seeing these two become husband and wife. After the ceremony, the happy tears and joy carried over as guests greeted the new Mr. and Mrs. Gardner! And this bridal party was so fun and relaxed, too!

As the ceremony rolled into the cocktail hour and reception, we were blessed with the most beautiful sunset. Brooke and Aaron were so relaxed and charismatic and comfortable with one another that I had such a hard time narrowing down my favorite photos to share of this gorgeous couple… We even included Brooke’s late grandfathers car into these photos. Priceless! And oh my, sunset sparkler exits are my new favorite! I simply ADORED how Brooke and Aaron chose to have the sparkler exit at sunset so that their grandparents and all of their family and friends could join in the fun!

I loved how this wedding celebration was so full of emotion and love. It was incredibly important and meaningful to Brooke and Aaron that their wedding day would be a celebration of their new marriage but also a place in time for all of their loved ones and favorite people to be together. Their wedding day vision and outlook on this day in their life was so special and exactly what they imagined!

Brooke + Aaron… Thank you for trusting me as your wedding photographer! You two are incredible people, and I am so excited for you two walk through marriage together! Hugs!

Bride’s Attire: Allure Bridals at Bliss Bridal – Bourbonnais, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Aimee Link | Makeup: Noel Brock | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Timber Creek Bed & Breakfast – Paxton, IL | Florist: Jan the Flower Girl – Manteno, IL | DJ: Lucas Henrichs with Sound Express Entertainment – Fairbury, IL | Catering: Country Thyme Tea Room & Catering – Paxton, IL | Cake: Two Whisks Bakery – Manteno, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas