All of these fall weddings are making my heart so happy! And now it’s a joy to share Kendra and Cole’s rainy fall wedding at Town & Country Events on the blog!
Back in January, these two reached out after getting engaged and starting to plan their wedding. We had mutual friends from high school (my husband even played football with Cole one season) but didn’t know each other well until getting to work together over the past ten months. It’s the honest truth when I say I have just loved getting to know these two and their story! See their spring engagement session here.
The Love Story
Kendra and Cole went to junior high and high school together and had always liked each other. Kendra told me that ever since the day they met in Cole’s mom’s study hall room, she had a crush on him… But they never dated! After high school, they went their separate ways. Then their story really started a few years ago when they ran into each other again in college at Illinois State University. They picked up where they left off!
Last year while Cole was home on leave from the Army, he proposed to Kendra. The proposal was complete with rose petals around candles that said, “will you marry me?” If you know these two, you know this sweet Christmastime proposal was perfect for them! ?
Now, in between planning their wedding and spending time with their family and friends, these two have been living out a long-distance engagement while Cole is stationed in Fort Belvoir and Kendra works as a staff accountant in Central IL. I’m so excited that their wedding day is bringing these two back to the same zip code together! I just love their love story!
The Wedding Day
The early morning hours of Kendra and Cole’s wedding day started out full of clouds and turned into an entire day of heavy rain. Yep, a rainy fall wedding day! We arrived at the loft at Town & Country Events where Kendra and her five sisters were getting ready together. At the same time, Cole and his groomsmen were at his parents’ house getting ready, too. Even despite the rainy weather with no end in sight, everyone was in great spirits because Kendra and Cole would be MARRIED soon!
After Kendra dressed in her gorgeous wedding gown with the help of her sisters, it was time for a sweet first look between the couple. Between the tears and smiles (and I even had tears behind my camera!) their first look was one of my favorites this season. It was so sweet and intimate and so Kendra and Cole. I just loved documenting this moment for this couple!
Then it was photo time! With the heavy rain outside, my clear umbrellas couldn’t even help us, so we opted to stay inside at the gorgeous Town & Country Events for bridal party photos. And I adore these photos! The rustic style of the venue paired with the navy, blush, and gray color palette along with the most amazing florals… Heart eyes! It was a picturesque rustic wedding!
One of my favorite parts of this day was documenting Kendra and Cole with their families. Kendra is one of nine siblings and Cole is one of four siblings. It was a joy to see their bonds! Plus, I couldn’t love it more that Kendra’s sisters were by her side with every step of wedding planning, bridesmaid duties, and the wedding day fun!
As the afternoon drew closer to the evening, it was ceremony time! Kendra and Cole shared a ceremony – complete with heartfelt vows and a tender kiss to seal their marriage. Then it was time to have fun with everyone! But not before we had a five-minute window of time (not kidding!) where it was barely raining/misting outside! And you better bet we made a run for it outside! I was so thankful to photograph the most beautiful couple on their wedding day with fall colors… Mission accomplished! I’m so thankful these two were up for a few semi-rainy moments outside – these are some of my favorite photos from their wedding day!
And as the evening went on, we loved documenting Kendra and Cole celebrating with their family, friends, and dearest loved ones. This wedding at Town & Country Events was one for the books!
Kendra + Cole – We’re wishing you all the love and happiness in your married years! Can’t wait to hear about your east coast adventures together! ?
Creative credit goes to…
Bride’s Attire: Eddy K at BHLDN – Chicago, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: BHLDN – Chicago, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo – Urbana, IL | Hair: Brooke Leman | Makeup: Morgan Martin | Jeweler: Bremer Jewelry – Bloomington, IL | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Town & Country Events – Milford, IL | Wedding Officiant: Pastor Steven Jensen | Florist: Nancy Zimmerman at Fancy Florals by Nancy – Fairbury, IL | DJ: Bugbee’s DJ Plus – Champaign, IL | Transportation: Larry Lacoste | Videographer: Brad Powers | Catering: Luke’s One Stop – Cissna Park, IL | Cake: Barb Edelman | Invitations + Paper Goods: Simply to Impress
