Yay, Gabby and Andrew’s summer wedding day at Heritage Prairie Farm is here!
We love these two! You likely remember this duo from their engagement photos last summer, but if not, you’re in for a treat as we dive into their love story and recap their wedding day.
From the Couple
We met through work! Andrew was a band director at a high school where Gabby was coaching color guard for the marching band. Throughout the 5 years we were dating, there wasn’t a specific moment that lead us to know we found “the one.” We just knew. Being together was easy, fun, and the best thing either of us had experienced. It was almost an unspoken thing: we just knew we were going to be together forever.
The proposal was the morning of Gabby and Andrew’s 5-year anniversary. Still in their pajamas, Andrew tells Gabby to open the front door. Gabby asks “why, who’s out there?” Andrew tells her to “just go open the door.” When she opens it, on the ground, there are flowers. Now, Andrew gets Gabby flowers every anniversary, so she didn’t think anything of it. She picks them up, turns to close the door, and says “thank you for the flowers, they’re beautiful!” Andrew is standing at the end of the hall, smiling, and says “come here.” Gabby, confused and starting to realize what’s happening, responds “why?” and walks down the hall.
As she meets him and their song – the one to eventually be their first dance at their wedding – starts to play. Andrew says a bunch of nice things that Gabby doesn’t remember because she kind of blacked out, he kneels, asks Gabby to marry him, and she says “yes!” For the rest of the song, they danced around their living room in their pajamas celebrating the life they’ll build together.
Advice for Engaged Couples
Be vulnerable in your communication. You won’t always agree and you won’t always want to share what’s on your mind, but do your best to voice your thoughts. As amazing as it’d be, your partner isn’t a mind reader, so to set you both up for positive outcomes, let them know what you’re thinking and feeling. Assume positive intent from your partner and be open to new ways of life with your partner.
Favorite Part of the Planning Process
Watching everything come together! By the time we’re married, we will have been engaged for almost 2 years. The extra time was great because we didn’t feel stress from a quick timeline, but the planning felt inconsistent (which contributed to Gabby’s year-long “we have time” catch phrase). As the wedding date approached, we saw pieces slowly coming together to create the vision we’ve had all along!
The Wedding Day
Gabby and Andrew envisioned an outdoor wedding day where their guests could explore, relax, and celebrate together… Their wedding day at Heritage Prairie Farm was all of that and more!
The entire day took place at Heritage Prairie Farm – one of our favorite farm venues – and was a perfect fit for Gabby and Andrew’s wedding festivities! Gabby and Andrew always wanted a fall wedding, but the timing didn’t work out. So, they channeled fall vibes into their summer wedding day! All of the details came together perfectly especially when the fall color palette was paired with gorgeous wildflowers.
We loved spending the day with Gabby and Andrew. They opted not to have a first look and instead take photos separately with their wedding parties before the ceremony. We loved photographing their excitement for the day ahead!
On the day of their wedding, there was a 90-something percent chance of rain, whomp whomp! But you know what? We can make magic on rainy wedding days with trusting clients! Gabby and Andrew had to move their ceremony indoors to the barn at Heritage Prairie Farm as a precaution, but the rain gave us perfectly timed breaks before the ceremony and after the ceremony… From their photos, you’d hardly know it was a rainy day because it looks more just like a cloudy rainy day. And that’s a win in our book!
After the ceremony, we rocked and rolled with the break in the rain and explored the venue grounds for photos. Gabby, Andrew, and their wedding party were so fun to work with! As the afternoon rolled into the evening, we loved photographing the special moments of their reception celebration. And that cake! Gosh was it gorgeous (and delicious!) – heart eyes!
At the end of the day, Gabby and Andrew hosted an unforgettable summer wedding day. Their joy and smiles were contagious and made for such beautiful moments throughout the day. We’re thankful for this couple and their loved ones for sharing such a special day with us!
Best Wishes for the Newlyweds
Gabby & Andrew – Where to begin?! We’ve loved getting to know you two over the last year and loved creating these photos of your special day. Cheers to you two!
Creative credit goes to…
Gabby’s Attire: Jade Bridal – Chicago, IL | Alterations: Rose Fashion Design | Andrew’s Attire: Nordstrom, Dazi, JJ Suspenders | Wedding Party Attire: Dazi, JJ Suspenders | Hair: Refined Beauty – Naperville, IL | Makeup: Refined Beauty – Naperville, IL | Jeweler: Tiffany & Co. | Venue & Catering: Heritage Prairie Farm – Elburn, IL | Wedding Officiant: Samantha Tribley | Guest Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago West – St. Charles, IL | Florist: Proclamation Flowers – Wilmington, IL | DJ: LEC Event Technology – Downers Grove, IL | Transportation: The 312 Limo – Chicago, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Craft Beer: Hop Butcher for the World – Chicago, IL | Cake: Nadiya’s Cupcakes – Wood Dale, IL | Stationery: The Knot
