Happy Thursday! Today, I am incredibly honored to share Stacey and Jake’s wedding day with you!

At the start of 2017, I connected with Stacey and Jake, and I have loved learning more about their story ever since. Oh, and you probably remember them from their engagement session this spring, too! These two have grown up knowing each other their entire lives. Jake’s younger sister has always been one of Stacey’s good friends, so she always knew Jake… But it wasn’t until a few years ago when these two reconnected and fell in love.

Last December, Jake surprised Stacey with a proposal! After a challenging, cold winter week and some hiccups with their home, Jake lifted Stacey’s spirits with his proposal. This proposal was so simple and perfect and fitting for these two. It was so special and just perfect timing!

On the morning of Stacey and Jake’s wedding day, we were faced with one of the most rainy, dreary days this year. But we weren’t worried! Stacey was joyful, relaxed, and her usual quirky self.  I love this about her – she was not going to let a little (well, a lot LOL!) rain dampen her spirits on her wedding day… I admire this bride dearly! And of course, Jake was his usual relaxed self on the morning of the wedding day, too. This couple was simply surrounded by those that they love, and the day was off to a wonderful start.

Before we knew it, it was time for Stacey to step into her wedding gown and prepare for the ceremony. I loved their sweet wedding ceremony because it shared length and emotion and a beautiful union of these two. And their little boy Jackson was as cute as can be – wait until you see him walking down the aisle. That smile!

After the ceremony, we braved the cold, wind, and slight break in the rainy day for bridal party photos at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Even despite the cold, this bridal party looked fabulous in this location, and I am so glad they were willing to brave the elements! And my, oh my, did Kyle and I love our time photographing just Stacey and Jake. We found a little nook away from so much of the cold and wind – it was a little slice of heaven in those moments. Plus, we even found fall colors – happy dance! These photos are some of my favorite and truly show Stacey and Jake’s kind, tender love. And soon enough, these two were dancing the night away!

All in all, this wedding day vision was a dream… From the burgundy, blush, and gold color palette to the textures (hello gold GLITTER!) to the impeccable florals by BaDaBloom – a local favorite – this wedding day came together perfectly!

Stacey and Jake are one of the most humble and generous couples that I have had the honor to work with… These two light up a room and their energy + joy is contagious. I love my time with these two, and I know their family, friends, and loved ones feel the same each and every time they are around this couple.

To the couple — thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening your hearts and family to Kyle and I on your wedding day… We love you two!

Bride’s Attire: David’s Bridal | Bridesmaid Attire: Vera Wang at David’s Bridal | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: BaDaBloom – Bourbonnais, IL | Hair + Makeup: Tanglez Salon – Bradley, IL | Ceremony Venue: First Reformed Church of Wichert – St. Anne, IL | Reception Venue: Quality Inn & Suites – Bradley, IL | Florist: BaDaBloom Flower Shoppe – Bourbonnais, IL | DJ: Hyper DJ Service – Bradley, IL | Catering: Quality Inn & Suites – Bradley, IL | Cake: Quality Inn & Suites – Bradley, IL | Pastries: Creative Cakes Bakery & Cafe – Tinley Park | Pies: Nana’s Cakery & Bake Shoppe – Bradley, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Etsy | Favors: Affy Tapple