Fall weddings are in full swing, and I’m loving it! It’s an honor to share Cari and Nick’s rustic wedding day on the blog today!
You might remember these two from their engagement session or maybe Jennifer and Brett’s wedding day! I connected with these two last year through one of my favorite past brides, Tiffany, as they started to plan their October 2019 wedding day. This couple is sweet, kind, and so in love with each other!
From the Bride
We both grew up in Beardstown, a small town where everyone knows everyone. I knew who he was, but that’s about all. After a long day on the river, we both ended up in the same boat. That’s probably where we first actually met. He sent me a Facebook friend request that night, even though he thinks he didn’t. Somehow, it must have been fate, I ran into him at a party on a weeknight. He and his friends were leaving, so I made my friend text him to see if we should meet up.
Looking back, I think he was expecting my friend to be the one that was into him! We ended up meeting up and from there is history! We did the whole “long-distance” thing for a couple of years. After college, I moved back to Beardstown and just moved in with him. We survived living together for two years in a small, two-bedroom home that my dad referred to as “the stamp.” I think that’s when we knew we were stuck with each other!
We were in the process of building our new house when he proposed! I’m pretty lucky to marry someone that is such a handyman. He worked as a carpenter prior to his current job, so it’s something he’s always wanted to do. It was a Friday evening. I went to the bar after work, and he texted me around 5 to see if I wanted to go for a ride. I remember that I was actually complaining to my coworkers at the bar that he was never going to propose. He picked me up and wanted to go check on things at the house – he said he needed to do some measuring for the basement windows.
At that point, that was all that was done with the house – the concrete had been poured for the basement. He asked me if I wanted to go into the basement to look and I really didn’t want to, but he convinced me. I was scared to go down because I don’t like ladders but I did. While down there, I was just looking around and checking out the room sizes. He was “measuring” things. When I say things, I mean like 40 different measurements. I even told him that he probably wasn’t going to remember any of the measurements.
Now I know he was just nervous so he kept measuring the same thing over and over! I told him I was going to sit in the truck, but he told me to wait. He said he “didn’t want me to go up the ladder alone.” This is so UNLIKE him! So, I waited… Eventually, he said he was ready to go up. I started walking up the ladder and heard my name. I turned around and he was on one knee! He said, “Cari, will you marry me?” – I instantly started crying and freaking out. It was the best moment ever! Lucky for me, he had went and asked my dad for permission, and he told my mom it was coming! We spent the rest of the evening telling our friends and family and enjoying the moment!
Since then, our beautiful home has been finished! We’ve been living here for a year! It’s been so fun to decorate and make it our own.
The Wedding Day
The morning of this wedding day started off perfectly! We met the girls at Cari’s mom’s home as the girls were wrapping up hair and makeup and then traveled to the venue. At the same time, the guys were hanging out at Cari and Nick’s new home. It was the perfect fall morning!
I loved walking into the venue for the first time. It’s a beautifully restored railroad roundhouse. Cari and Nick told me they always envisioned getting married there – right in their hometown! It’s spacious and rustic with exposed brick, tall ceilings, and wooden beams. This venue is a stunner! And it was the perfect fit for this rustic wedding day.
As the time for Cari and Nick’s first look drew closer, it was so fun to grab a few photos of the bridesmaids in their getting ready flannels before the ladies stepped into their dresses. And I LOVED the bridesmaids reveal when Cari’s favorite girls saw her in her wedding dress for the first time. Some of my very favorite photos!
Then, Cari and Nick shared a quiet first look at the venue before gathering with their bridal party again for photos. It was a joy to see Cari and Nick spending time with their favorite people from their family to high school best friends to college friends. And if you can’t tell from the photos – this bridal party was just so fun throughout our photo time together! Best yet? We got to share the day with one of our past brides, Jennifer, as Cari connected us to her and we photographed her wedding day, too. If I haven’t said it lately… I love my brides!
Earlier in their wedding week, the forecast was calling for a very rainy afternoon… But we were oh so thankful for a cloudy fall day and no rain stopping us. The brick and grassy field at the venue paired with the wine, navy blue, blush pink, and greenery color palette made this rustic wedding day come alive!
Before we knew it, it was time to get these two married! They shared a sweet ceremony at the venue followed by a few more newlywed photos outside. Their smiles in those photos say it all. Then they celebrated the night away with their favorite people! This wedding day truly was one for the books, and I adore the photos. I think this couple will, too!
Cari and Nick – Thank you for sharing your rustic wedding day with us! We wish you many happy married years… These will be the best years of your life together!
Creative credit goes to…
Bride’s Attire: Allure Bridals at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Azazie | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Taylor Wessel at The 220 Salon & Boutique – Beardstown, IL | Makeup: LB Beauty – Jacksonville, IL | Jeweler: Kay Jewelers | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Round House Event Center – Beardstown, IL | Wedding Officiant: TJ Wessel | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Wedding Decorator + Florist: Keli Schoonover at Taking the Leap – Rushville, IL | DJ: Sergio Castillo at DJ Seven Stars | Catering: Nic Groesh | Cake: Holly Cakes Bakery – Jacksonville, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Vistaprint | Favors: Totally Promotional
