Ben and Michael’s beautiful Post House Ballroom wedding day in Dixon is here! Gosh, where to begin with these two?!

I met Ben and Michael through one of our 2023 couples, Caroline and Cody – just the best way to connect with couples! I always tell our couples that it’s the highest compliment when they share my work with others and refer us to loved ones… Makes my heart happy!

As soon as I met Ben and Michael over FaceTime after exchanging emails, we hit it off from the start. They’re kind, fun, and incredible clients turned friends. Documenting their wedding day in Dixon (Ben’s hometown) was an honor!

From the Couple

We met the modern way – online through a dating app. We went out for tacos and margaritas, and let’s just say, “taco bout a good time!” 

I think we knew each of us were each other’s “one” when everything just seemed easy. We had great conversation, similar interests, values, and careers.

The proposal happened at Navy Pier. One of Ben’s friends got married there and we took a really great photo there where it overlooked the skyline. It was a moment that we remembered we could “just be” and think of how great life was together, living in the big city.

I (Ben) told Michael that I wanted to grab a beer together and we could walk along the pier where we were at for the wedding. There was a rod iron table with two chairs that were sitting there. We sat down, sipped our beers, and looked at the skyline. It was like we had the same feelings… Enjoying each other’s company and being together looking at the city we fell in love with.

I told Michael that I had something for him. It was an envelope that had his name on it and inside, was a card that said, “Choose me. Pick me. Let me make you be happy.” By the time Michael was finished reading the card, I was down on one knee asking if Michael would marry me. There were tears of happiness, followed by a “yes!”

We rescued a puppy in May of this year that was 5 months old – her name is Chloe. We just love her and feel that she was a missing piece of our family. Our family and friends are the most important people in our lives. They are the reason why we keep going!

Favorite Part Of The Planning Process

If we did have to pick one thing, it would be picking out everything that will share in our “styles” being brought together for one special day where all of our favorite people will be in one room together.

Advice You Can Share With Future Couples

Don’t stress about all the details. Everyone coming to share in your special day is there to celebrate your love. People will not remember some little sign or detail, but they will remember celebrating your love and having a good time.

The Wedding Day

Ben and Michael’s wedding day started out on the most relaxed note ever. They had a quiet, slow morning of hanging out and getting ready together at Ben’s parent’s home. When we arrived, these two were excited to get the day rolling and to get married. 

Ben and Michael shared a sweet first look and letter exchange in the backyard. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t crying behind my camera in those moments. Typing this blog post now, looking at the photos, and remembering that moment – I’m teary-eyed again!

After their first look moments, we took a few photos, and then off to the church to get these two married. Ben and Michael chose the most charming church to get married at… A stone church with character from years and years of life and faith and love happening inside. Ben said he always dreamed of getting married in that very stone church in his hometown, and it was a joy to see that dream come to life.

When the ceremony ended, Ben and Michael’s joy and excitement and happiness were radiating. As they exited the church, their loved ones tossed flower petals for the most beautiful “just married” moment celebrating these two.

In the time between the ceremony and the reception, we photographed Ben and Michael with their loved ones and a very important wedding party member, their dog Chloe. From the photos, you’ll see that she joined the day in her very best attire – a puppy wedding dress. Heart eyes!

One of my favorite parts of Ben and Michael’s wedding day was the vintage Rolls-Royce they rented for photos and transportation. It was the coolest thing (ask Kyle!), and we loved the unique touch it added to their day. It truly brought their classic and traditional wedding style to life. A detail we won’t soon forget and will be gushing over for years to come!

Ben and Michael’s reception took place at an old post office turned into a wedding venue in Dixon – how fun! The Post House Ballroom was the perfect fit for their celebration. We loved seeing all of the details come together and photographing the fun throughout the evening. Ben and Michael’s beautiful love and story deserve to be celebrated. We are just so happy for them and their future together!

Ben & Michael – Documenting your love is so easy! We are thankful you two came into our lives and even more thankful you asked us to document your wedding day. Cheers to you both!!

Creative credit goes to…

Ben + Michael’s Attire: Kaleel’s – Dixon, IL | Hair: Taylor Henson – Dixon, IL | Jeweler: Venier’s Jewelry – Dixon, IL | Ceremony: St. Peter’s Church – Dixon, IL | Wedding Officiant: Josh Wittenauer | Reception Venue: Post House Ballroom – Dixon, IL | Florist: Weeds Floral – Dixon, IL | DJ: Luxe Productions – Loves Park, IL | Transportation: Elegant Motoring – Chicago, IL | Reception Rentals: Create A Scene – Morton, IL | Photographer + Videographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Catering: Sauk Valley Events – Rock Falls, IL | Cake: The Noble Cakery – Oregon, IL | Stationery: Zazzle | Favors: Bompa’s Bee’s Honey

P.S. – Wanna read more love stories and get wedding inspiration? I love sharing more wedding days here!