Karlie and Stephen’s wedding day was my last wedding of the year, and it was a wonderful day to wrap up the 2018 wedding season!

These two go back seven years (my fav!) to Northern Illinois University where they met while they were out one night. They have been pretty inseparable since the beginning and have supported each other throughout Karlie’s time in nursing school, moving across the country to Seattle two years ago, adopting a cat and a dog, and everything in between. Karlie told me that she always knew they would get married someday, even in the beginning… I love it!

Stephen had the perfect day planned out to propose to Karlie after they took a day trip to adopt their dog, Teddy. He was hoping to stop on their drive home at a dog park n the mountains to propose with the Cascade mountains in the background. But when their new doggy was too scared to get out of the car on the ride home, Stephen waited on the proposal that day to plan the perfect moment in the coming weeks. While Stephen was planning the next perfect moment to propose, Karlie accidentally found proof that Stephen had, in fact, purchased an engagement ring. And she couldn’t keep it a secret for long out of sheer excitement! By the time she couldn’t contain her excitement anymore – about a week or so later – Karlie spilled the beans and told Stephen she knew about the ring. So, right there in their living room while they were cooking fajitas and their fur babies were playing, Stephen proposed to Karlie. It was the perfect moment for these two.

Karlie and Stephen LOVE the outdoors! From traveling to hiking to exploring the sights in the Pacific Northwest (where they call home!) and beyond… These two are always up for an adventure together! But of course, they love their time spent at home with their fur babies, cuddled in on the couch drinking wine.

This couple found my work on Facebook, and I am so thankful they did! The power of social media to do good is one that I am thankful for in this business… Especially when it leads me to couples like Karlie and Stephen! Just over a year ago, I remember receiving an email from Karlie as she excitedly started to plan the details of their wedding day. I instantly hoped we would have the opportunity to work together, and little did I know that I would have the opportunity to work with Karlie and Stephen on their wedding day while also coming to absolutely adore this couple!

On the day of their wedding, Karlie and Stephen were celebrating not only their marriage, but also their seven year dating anniversary. Love, love, love! The day started out with the ladies getting ready at Aloft Bolingbrook while the guys spent a little time at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club. The weather that day wasn’t sure if it would rather rain or snow, but spirits were high, and we were ready to face the silly Chicagoland weather no matter what!

Before we knew it, we were traveling to Ruffled Feathers Golf Club for Karlie and Stephen’s sweet first look followed by bridal party photos. I loved documenting Stephen’s smile when he saw Karlie for the first time on their wedding day… His face said it all, and he was full of joy! As we braved the snow, I was thankful for this couple + bridal party and their willingness to brave the weather. We had a combination of fall + winter vibes, and we rolled with it! And I’m so glad we did.

As we wrapped up photos, it was time to tuck Karlie and Stephen away from arriving guests at the venue so that they could warm up and relax before the ceremony. During this time, Kyle and I loved photographing the details throughout the venue. I appreciated Karlie and Stephen’s plum, lavender, and gray wedding style paired with greenery for their wedding day. It was simple and fitting for this couple! And working with the staff at Ruffled Feathers was a joy throughout this day – they were amazing and so kind!

Karlie and Stephen shared an intimate ceremony at Ruffled Feathers with their family and friends. I loved the handfasting ritual they performed during the ceremony as a symbol of their union. It is one of the most unique unity ceremonies that I have seen only a handful of times over the years, and I love it so. You could truly feel the love and excitement surrounding Karlie and Stephen during their wedding ceremony and following at their reception celebration. All of their loved ones were so happy to see them finally become one!

My favorite parts of this day were seeing Karlie and Stephen’s closest family and friends shower them with love throughout the day. These two are so loved by their people, and there was no doubt about that on their wedding day. Another part of this wedding day that I adored was the joy that Karlie and Stephen shared throughout the day… The smiles they wore throughout the day truly said it all!

Karlie and Stephen – thank you for trusting me to photograph your wedding day! I couldn’t imagine a better end to the 2018 wedding season than your wonderful wedding day! Cheers to many, many married years!