kara evans

WEDDING

Farm Wedding Day in Cissna Park, Illinois | Emma + Noah

July 13, 2017

Hey, I’m Kara!
Hey, I’m Kara! A wedding and family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois! Whether I’m photographing your wedding day or everyday milestones and memories as a family, this job is my joy.

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June was an absolutely beautiful month for four weddings, and I loved ending the month with Emma and Noah’s backyard farm wedding day! I mean, wait until you see photos of this outdoor ceremony + gorgeous sunset!

When Emma first connected with me last year, it was a joy to learn more about her wedding day plans and vision. Her vision was clear for her romantic + earthy yet rustic wedding day she was planning… And I could quickly (and easily) tell that this girl had a huge heart and love for her family. So, on her wedding day, she (with help from her parents, siblings, family, friends, and bridal party) so effortlessly married all of these elements – from her style and wedding day vision to her love of family – to create a truly elegant and classic wedding day!

As always, the icing on the cake was hearing their love story, too! Emma and Noah are full of heart and share a big love for the Lord, so the roots of their story are extremely special. These two met after Noah became best friends with one of Emma’s four brothers. Soon enough, Emma and Noah hit it off and became a couple. And last year, Noah proposed to Emma on the beach in Florida with family members from both sides present just two days after her birthday… What a birthday surprise!

Their love is sweet, kind, and they are following the path paved for marriage by God. The prayer, tears, laughter, trust, and playfulness these two share are so fitting for their relationship. They are growing together through God, and I am proud + thankful to share their example of love! It is truly beautiful and encouraging to witness this kind of love as a “newlywed” myself. P.S. – I think you can consider yourself a newlywed as long as you wish!

This wedding day started out on such a relaxed note… When my second shooter Jillian and I arrived at the bride’s childhood home, we were greeted by the bride’s sweet mother, her brothers, dad, bridesmaids, AND a few more family members. This group was so welcoming, and I loved watching their family dynamic throughout the morning as they reminded me a lot of my own unconditionally loving family… Everyone lending a hand, laughing + playful banter, and just truly enjoying that day all about Emma and Noah’s marriage.

During the morning hours of the day, there were so many tears of JOY. These emotions were beautiful and carried all throughout the wedding day. So many people – their wonderful siblings, parents, friends, and family – love Emma and Noah, and that fact was incredibly evident… All day long. These wedding days make me so thankful.

And with every wedding day, there are always a few details that remain at the forefront of my mind. On this wedding day, it was so sentimental and special to see + photograph a piece of Emma’s mom’s wedding dress sewn into Emma’s gown. I’m teary eyed thinking back on this detail! Emma and Noah also had beautiful gifts for their moms (necklaces + a handkerchief) and the bride’s dad (custom embroidered handkerchief). Another amazingly beautiful part of this day was the unique way Emma chose to walk down the aisle. Emma loves her brothers and her brothers love her so very much. Of course, it was fitting to have her brothers take turns walking her down the aisle to her dad before meeting Noah at the altar. And finally, the reception started with a heartfelt, emotional speech from the bride’s father. I don’t believe there was a dry eye at the reception throughout his speech. His words were so effortlessly beautiful not only speaking of his sweet daughter Emma, but also speaking of his new son, Noah. Goodness, this couple is loved!

Emma + Noah… Thank you for opening your hearts and letting me document your story! Your sweet wedding day will always have a special place in my heart, and I wish you so many years of newly-wedded bliss!

 

Bride’s Attire: Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo – Champaign, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s WearhouseHair + Makeup: Trista Comrie – Bismarck, IL | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Wilkening Farm – Cissna Park, IL | Florist: The Flower Shop – Berrys | DJ: Elite Entertainment – Champaign, IL | Videographer: Jay Cluver | Catering: Applewood Foods Catering – Danville, IL | Cake: Cake Delights | Invitations + Paper Goods: Snapfish

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Chicagoland wedding & family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois

@karaevansphotog