More fall weddings! Today, Hannah and Matt’s rustic fall wedding at the Exposition Building is hitting the blog!
Hannah and I met years ago when we were both working retail in Jacksonville, Illinois. Fast forward a few years between school and jobs and moves and keeping up with each other on social media… Hannah’s name popped up in my inbox! She was ENGAGED and planning her wedding day! From that first email to their fall farm engagement session to their wedding day – this couple has been a joy to spend time with! ?
From the Bride
We became friends back in 2013, when he randomly added me on Facebook. I, of course, accepted because 1) he was cute and 2) we had mutual friends. One of them being Alex Gardner, who is one of our groomsmen now! Funny thing is, we never talked on Facebook. He added me on Snapchat one day, and from then on, we Snapchatted and texted every day. We officially began dating October 28, 2014, and the rest is history.
On October 4, 2018, Matt asked me to marry him. That day was a Thursday, and it was raining, so he got home earlier than usual, around 9pm. He asked me if I would go with him to check some grain bins, so I went along. After we checked the bins, he then told me he needed to go check the rain gauge at the Menard County Farm. When he arrived, he then told me that he needed to check the moisture of the corn so that he could see if it was ready to be shelled or not.
So, he asked me if I could help him. He went into the corn while stood at the end rows waiting for him. He started handing me pieces of corn, asking me if they looked alright, I kept telling him yes. After checking about 4 ears, he came out of the corn with the ring, and asks me “Does this one look okay?” He got down on one knee-and I, of course, said yes!
I love riding with Matt in the tractor and combine during the busy seasons. We enjoy driving around the different farms, checking how the crop is doing, as well as checking the rain gauges! We also love to spend time with the pigs he has on the farm. Usually every time we are out there, we are in the pig pen loving on them! Matt is a farmer and he loves it! It truly makes me happy to see how happy he is when he comes home, even after a 12+ hour day. He is so hard-working. I work as a classroom aide at the middle school in Jacksonville. And now after all the wedding planning, they’re married!
The Wedding Day
Goodness, the sun was shining on this beautiful 50 degree fall day, and we were thankful! Kyle and I arrived at the Exposition Building while the girls and guys were getting ready. The space with tall ceilings, wooden beams + flooring, and exposed brick was PERFECT for this rustic wedding day! Hannah and Matt’s vision truly came alive.
As getting ready wrapped up, I loved photographing Hannah and the ladies in her life in their adorable monogrammed shirts and when Hannah revealed her bridal look to them. I’m loving bridesmaids reveals throughout these last couple months of photographing weddings!
Then it was time for Hannah to share the most beautiful and emotional first look with her dad. Take a look at the photos below – they say it all. ?
I loved spending a little time photographing the girls and guys at the Illinois State Fairgrounds before the ceremony. And before we knew it, it was time to tuck the bridal party away, photograph details, and get Hannah and Matt married!
They shared a sweet ceremony performed by Hannah’s uncle surrounded by their closest family and friends. I remember working with Hannah years ago when these two started dating…Now, they were officially married – finally! And then it was sunset photo and celebration time! The golden light at the horse barns at the fairgrounds is unmatched. I adore these photos of Hannah, Matt, and their most favorite people!
As the afternoon turned into the evening, everyone gathered around (and tried to stay warm!) to celebrate Hannah and Matt. The rustic vibes were everywhere and all the details came together perfectly! One of my favorite heartfelt details? The couple dozen homemade pies Hannah’s aunt made for dessert because of Hannah’s love for pie. That’s a girl after my heart!
Hannah + Matt – Thank you for sharing your wedding day at the Exposition Building with us! It was an honor to photograph your first married day!
Creative credit goes to…
Bride’s Attire: Mori Lee at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Mori Lee at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Menswear: Savvi Formalwear | Jeweler: Kay Jewelers | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Exposition Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds – Springfield, IL | Wedding Officiant: Kevin Hembrough | Guest Accommodations: Northfield Inn – Springfield, IL | Florist: Donna Jackson | Band: Double Shot Duo – Springfield, IL | Reception Rentals: Signature Event Rental & Rustic Love Rentals | Photo Booth: Big Shotz Photo Booth – Springfield, IL | Catering: Hamilton’s Catering – Jacksonville, IL | Dessert: Mary Hembrough (Pie) + Hyvee (Cupcakes) | Invitations + Paper Goods: TinLizzy Design Co.
