Reliving Makenzie and Ashton’s fall Pear Tree Estate wedding day makes my heart happy!
The day was such a reflection of Makenzie and Ashton as a couple and the love that everyone has for them. The day was easy-going, fun, and full of celebrating some pretty amazing people! I’m forever grateful that our past couple, Kali and Trace, connected us to Makenzie and Ashton.
It’s a joy to share more about this couple and their wedding day on the blog.
From The Bride
We met through a mutual friend! We knew almost immediately we would end up together. He asked me to be his girlfriend on a party bus with friends in St. Louis, Missouri. So he wanted to ask me to be his fiancé in Missouri, too! Ashton got us an Airbnb in Osage Beach and waited until it was nighttime. Our room was all windows, so in the dark, you could see the lights and reflection off the water! It was beautiful and intimate.
The Wedding Day
Makenzie and Ashton’s wedding day brought me back to one of my favorite wedding venues – Pear Tree Estate. The venue, the people, and the beautiful setting are picture-perfect. It’s easy to see why Makenzie and Ashton fell in love with the venue and envisioned their wedding day taking place there!
The day started with the girls getting ready at the Concord Room while the guys gathered and made their way to the venue. The morning was buzzing with excitement and some nervous jitters as everyone was eager to experience the fun day ahead! I loved spending some time photographing details, catching up with Makenzie, and getting to meet the most special ladies in her life.
Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed and reveal her dress to the bridesmaids. What a sweet moment! Then, Makenzie and Ashton shared a first look and few moments together before joining their wedding party for photos and fun. Throughout the afternoon, I loved photographing Makenzie and Ashton with their favorite people. Everyone was so kind and energetic and shared their love for this amazing couple all day long. The best kind of day with the best kind of people!
Later that afternoon, it was time to make things official. Makenzie and Ashton shared a beautiful indoor ceremony at Pear Tree Estate. After their “I do’s”, we made our way outside to take some of the most important photos of any wedding day – family photos. These photos were extra sweet because Makenzie and Ashton’s almost one-year-old son joined us for some of the sweetest photos and moments. I hope everyone cherishes those photos for many years to come!
Just before the reception kicked off, we snuck away for a few minutes of sunset photos alongside the videographers, Jani & Cole. Looking back, these photos and moments were some of my favorites from Makenzie and Ashton’s wedding day. After the photos wrapped up, it was time to celebrate the night away!
Truly, when I think back on this wedding day, it brings me the biggest smile! Celebrating Makenzie and Ashton’s love was easy, and it was an honor to photograph this special day in their life together.
Makenzie & Ashton – Thank you for asking me to photograph your wedding day! You two are amazing people as a couple and parents, and I’m cheering you on in married life together!!
Creative credit goes to…
Couple’s Attire: Michelle’s Bridal & Tuxedo – Urbana, IL | Wedding Party Attire: Birdy Grey | Hair: Amber Mojoineer, Emma Howard, & Jenny Schroeder | Makeup: Kylee Vermillion | Jeweler: Helzberg Diamonds | Getting Ready Location: Pear Tree Estate – Champaign, IL | Wedding Officiant: Jonah Wilson | Venue: Pear Tree Estate – Champaign, IL | Florist: Candi Riecks & Danette Johnson | DJ: Bob Bass – Champaign, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: Jani Marie Films – Champaign, IL | Catering: L.A. Gourmet Catering – Champaign, IL | Cake: Stephanie Shivley | Stationery: Truly Engaging