Just a few weeks ago, CayLee and Ryan were married on the most beautiful October day! Goodness, it was beautiful!

CayLee and Ryan are sweethearts and met a few years ago playing softball (read more about that here), and their love story began to unfold. As soon as I saw these two together, I could easily see their connection. The way they look at each other, talk to one another, and simply interact with one another in conversation is quite beautiful and a lovely love to see.

Over the past ten months, I have loved getting to know this couple and planning with them! CayLee is a girl after my heart… She is a planner and organizer but still LOVES to have fun, so our personalities matched! She was always punctual with planning, and I think we functioned on the same wavelength 😉 When working with couples to plan details of their wedding days, my goal is to make things as stress free as possible so that the couple can truly enjoy their wedding day and RELAX. I’ll be honest, sometimes the day doesn’t unfold exactly as planned, or the timeline gets a little thrown off (it’s true, there are minor “hiccups” in every wedding day)… BUT that’s why it’s important to have a gameplan, so that the couple can relax and have fun no matter what! CayLee and Ryan took full advantage of this part of planning their day, and for that, I am thankful!

So, once CayLee and Ryan’s wedding day finally arrived, these two were truly living in the moments of the day and taking in time with loved ones, family, and friends. As soon as my second shooter, Cassie, and I arrived, we were in awe of the relaxed demeanor and true joy everyone was experiencing. The bride, bridesmaids, the bride’s mother, and their nieces were all talking, laughing, and eagerly anticipating the rest of the day!

As we started photographing details, I was in pure awe of the sentiment of the locations we were choosing for these photos and all of the “pre-ceremony” photos… These photos were taking place in and around CayLee’s childhood home. Gosh, melting my heart as I look back on these! It is incredibly special and meaningful that these photos could be taken there.

Soon enough, CayLee was dressed in her elegant gown (what a stunning bride!) and ready for a reveal with her father. This moment, goodness the emotion, was like no other father-daughter reveal. The tears, laughter, and joy on CayLee and her father’s face were truly priceless. I am so thankful that we were able to document this sweet moment!

And oh my, starting off with that heartfelt reveal set the tone for the rest of the day. The sun continued to shine down on these two ALL DAY LONG! If that isn’t fate or a sign of true love, I don’t know what is! As the joy of the day continued through the ceremony and into the reception, myself, along with nearly all of the reception guests, were brought to tears as CayLee and Ryan’s loved ones spoke words of wisdom, love, and support for the newlyweds. I especially hope that each and every guest remembers the heartfelt sentiment of CayLee’s sister, Lane. I’m almost in tears remembering the sweet words of this older sister’s love for her younger sister!

At the end of the day, CayLee and Ryan were married and joyful. These two were surrounded by an incredible group of people and supporters, and I know their loved ones will continue to offer guidance, love, and support throughout their marriage!

CayLee & Ryan – Thank you for allowing me to get to know you both over the last year! I loved documenting your first day of marriage… Here’s to many more happy, healthy years together!

Bride’s Attire: Stella York at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Colour by Kenneth Winston at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Hair: Jen Mane Master | Makeup: Calley Kaeb | Ceremony: Martinton Church of Christ – Martinton, IL | Reception: Aspen Room at Quality Inn & Suites – Bradley, IL | Florist: The Flower Patch – St. Anne, IL | DJ: Jason Neuman | Transportation: Elite Luxury Bus – Streator, IL | Videographer: Isaac Musgraves with Fresh Image Studios – Rantoul, IL | Catering: Quality Inn & Suites – Bradley, IL | Cake: Quality Inn & Suites – Bradley, IL | Invitations: Carlson Craft | Head Table Backdrop: One Fine Day – Bourbonnais, IL