Macy and Brandon’s wedding day has made it’s way to the blog!

I’ve known Macy ever since our schools consolidated in grade school and we were a year apart in school and sports in junior high and high school. I’ve always known her to be a kind, godly woman, and I am thankful her wedding day brought us a little more time spent together! She is the sweetest!

These two have been together for coming up on six years, and it wasn’t until last year that Brandon got down on one knee and proposed! Brandon enlisted Macy’s parents to help with the proposal as they “needed paint” from a town nearby and wanted Macy to come along. She finally obliged and they told her that they would run their errands and then catch a movie or drive around Kickapoo State Park to see the sunset. Little did Macy know, they had a greater plan to bring Macy to Kickapoo for a beautiful proposal. As they were driving, Macy started to read signs that had the lyrics to the song “From the Ground Up” along the road. When they got to the end of the road, Macy’s parents encouraged her to walk down the path ahead of them and then she saw the path lined with flowers and Brandon at the bottom of the hill. As all of this came together and even Brandon’s parents joined the memorable moment, Macy realized what was happening and without a doubt said “YES” to Brandon’s proposal!

The number 16 has always been a special number in their relationship together… They met on August 16^th, 2012. They started dating on November 16^th, 2012. They booked the wedding venue on July 16^th, 2017. Their wedding day was on June 16^th, 2018. I’m a numbers girl, too, so this sentiment was extra special to me as well. As you can easily tell, this couple is awfully sweet!

Macy and Brandon’s wedding day started out very warm! I think their mid-June wedding day was the warmest (103 degrees!) that I’ve photographed during that time of the year. Their wedding day started out as the girls were pampered with hair and makeup at Meraki Beauty Room in LaSalle, and the boys decorated the venue – the Starved Rock Lodge. Macy and Brandon told me that they chose this very venue for their wedding day for a few reasons… They love the outdoors, it was a halfway mark between their families, and it was a venue that fit them perfectly. It doesn’t get much better than that!

As the day rolled on, I loved seeing Macy in her wedding gown as her mom and cousins helped her get ready for the day. Two fun facts – Macy’s maid of honor and cousin, Brianna, was one of my 2016 brides that you might remember and their grandfather Neil performed both their ceremonies. Macy told me that having her grandfather officiate her wedding ceremony has been a dream she’s had since she was a little girl. He married Macy’s parents, as well as the rest of the people in her family, so it meant the world to her that he could perform her wedding ceremony, too. How very sweet!

Despite the crazy heat on this day, everyone showered Macy and Brandon with so much love and joy and support on their wedding day. I loved how important all of the people on this day were to Macy and Brandon – it was truly evident all throughout the day. These two have an amazing tribe filled with support that goes far beyond their wedding day and into their married days.  And my most favorite part of the day? Seeing the love and compassion in Macy and Brandon’s eyes. Their hearts were (and are!) full to be husband and wife.

I also loved Macy’s vision for their wedding day… Navy blue tuxes, burgundy dresses, and hints of gray. Starved Rock was the perfect backdrop for the modern woodland + rustic vibes on their wedding day. The outdoorsy venue paired with the elegant touches came together perfectly. Oh, and those flowers from Flowers Plus Streator were to die for. I am always in awe of their work!

These two were beyond excited for their wedding day and to become husband and wife that heartwarming butterflies filled them in all the days leading up to their wedding day. They talked about this day for what seemed like forever (as they told me), and it was finally here. They are married and in love and looking forward to life’s adventures together.

Macy + Brandon… Thank you for allowing us to be part of your wedding day! Your joy is radiant, and we are wishing you many years of happiness and adventures in your marriage!