June was full of wedding days, and I’m so excited to share this June 23rd wedding day today!
Last year, Mackenzie and I connected through her sister Sarah – our previous neighbor! I loved connecting in this way, and we were truly off to a great start! You probably remember these two from their engagement session last fall, too, right?Mackenzie and Greg’s story goes way back years ago to when Mackenzie’s mom set them up on a blind date… The timing didn’t work out then as Mackenzie went off to college, but once she graduated and moved back home, they crossed paths again. They told me it was like they had never been apart! I find comfort in stories like Mackenzie and Greg’s and trust that the timing in our lives is so much bigger than us.
A few years later, Greg proposed to Mackenzie in Chicago before they went to see Hamilton. He surprised her with candles, a slideshow on his computer, and a tripod to record the proposal, too. At the end of the slideshow, the lyrics to the song that says “I think I wanna marry you” played, and Mackenzie knew what was happening. Of course, she said yes!
Over the past year, I have loved getting to know these two in preparation for their Champaign-Urbana wedding day! These two are kind souls that love their people hard. And I was thrilled to be able to document the day that their siblings, closest friends, and family members surrounded them as they united in marriage. Their wedding day started on a relaxed note at Willow Creek Farm in Urbana. This was my first wedding at this venue, and I loved it! Having everything in one place on the beautiful land was perfect, and better yet? The venue encompasses Mackenzie and Greg’s style and favorite things – farming and antiques. It’s almost as if the venue was made for them! And of course, the antique decor throughout the ceremony and reception spaces (almost everything coming from Mackenzie’s home decor) fit in perfectly, too.
Soon it was time for Mackenzie and Greg to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. I loved documenting their excited smiles and emotions in those moments. Then, it was time for their bridal party to join them and the day started to fly by… I loved their heartfelt ceremony performed by Mackenzie’s grandfather and a family friend. Kyle and I both agreed that it was one of the most moving wedding ceremonies we have witnessed, and we truly loved every moment of it. It will be a ceremony that we will never forget.
As the day carried on into the night, Mackenzie and Greg wore the biggest smiles and so much JOY. We were all thankful for a mild and overcast June day that was just right for these two as they were surrounded by their favorite people, and they continued the celebration! It was an honor to be part of this day!
Mackenzie + Greg… Thank you for including us in your wedding day! We love you two and cannot wait to see you grow in your marriage! Cheers to many many married years!
Bride’s Attire: Stella York at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Colour by Kenneth Winston at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Hair: Mary Koeberlein & Kristin Stratton | Makeup: Sage Ihrke | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Willow Creek Farm – Urbana, IL | Day-Of Coordinator: Becky Burgoyne | Florist: Berry’s Garden Center – Danville, IL | DJ: Aaron Waren with Sound Explosions | Transportation: Willow Creek Farm Shuttle | Videographer: Totally Creative Weddings – Bloomington, IL | Catering: Willow Creek Farm – Urbana, IL | Cake: Stephanie Shively | Invitations + Paper Goods: Paper Peach Shop – Carmel, IN | Favors: Apropos Roasters – Richmond, VA | Popcorn: Mom & Pop’s Kettle Korn Stop – Paxton, IL | Ice Cream: Sidney Dairy Barn – Sidney, IL
These are adorable. What a great job.
Thank you!