You know those perfect fall days that you picture in your head? Sunshine, fall temperatures, a light breeze, and of course, fall colors… This wedding day encompassed all of those things and more – it was the most perfect fall wedding day for Justine and Kurt.

These two met at Illinois College. Kurt was working the hula hoop station at the health olympics for incoming freshman, and these two hit it off. They started dating, and the years have flown by for them together. During the early years of their relationship, Kurt was the captain of IC’s football team, and Justine loved traveling everywhere to watch him play. Then, after Kurt graduated college and Justine was finishing up her degree, Kurt lived in Germany for six month to play football. I know Justine’s visit to Germany is a favorite memory in their relationship together!

When Kurt’s time in Germany came to a close, the couple moved into their first home together with their pup, Kooper. [Side note – these two are dog people, and I LOVE IT. You’ll hear more about this below, too!] At one of their first summer gatherings at their new home, Kurt surprised Justine by proposing with their family and friends alongside them to celebrate. And why not add a little more fun to the mix of new wedding planning and adopt another puppy, Ary. Love, love, love!

I am so thankful that I met these two during my time at Illinois College. They are kind, compassionate, and the perfect match. I love how Kurt’s quirky personality fits perfectly with Justine’s fun side and down-to-earth personality. They are meant to be + love each other hard, and everyone in their life can attest to that!

Over the last year and half, I have been looking forward to their wedding day! From their engagement session to emails and text messages to dinner dates to FaceTime calls and everything in between. These two hold a very special place in my heart! And the icing on the cake was that my hubby Kyle (yep, another IC alum and football teammate of Kurt) could photograph their wedding day alongside me, too!

The day started out on a lovely note. The weather was gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous, for a late October wedding day. Like I mentioned earlier, all of the stars aligned, and Justine’s grandmothers put in a special favor to the Lord for such a glorious day… I have no doubt in my mind about that! The girls started the day at Audrey’s Abode outside of Jacksonville while the guys gathered at a cabin at the Western Illinois Youth Camp. You could feel the excitement and joy in the air!

Before we knew it (as always!), it was time for Justine to share a first look with her dad before seeing Kurt for the first time on their wedding day. I loved documenting these sweet moments that they will look back on for years to come. We loved exploring the grounds of the Western Illinois Youth Camp for photos, and fall beauty was all around – everywhere we turned there was beautiful light and color and people in this place. As photos at the lake wrapped up, we traveled into town for a few more photos at Illinois College – because it was only fitting for these two and their story! And we even had the opportunity to go out on IC’s football field during halftime of the day’s game… I think it is definitely one of the highlights of Justine and Kurt’s wedding day memories! 

Then, these two shared a sweet ceremony at Annie Merner Chapel in Jacksonville. They were surrounded by their family, friends, and loved ones. It was a beautiful testament in their love story. After the ceremony concluded, back to the lake it was! We were thankful for a beautiful fall sunset at the lake before these two joined their reception and celebrated the night away!

If you can’t tell, I am in love with everything about this couple and wedding day. So, here are a few of my favorite parts of the day…

First, the people were amazing. Justine and Kurt are the kind of people that light up a room and deeply love those around them – their approach to life is encouraging and contagious! It was so fun to include their puppies in on the wedding day fun, too.Plus I cannot forget that we were incredibly thankful to work with their amazing wedding planner, Hannah Graham, for the first time on this wedding day… She made sure things were always running smoothly and this couple was taken care of each step of the way! On another note, I was in awe of how Justine and Kurt’s wedding day style brought the elements of fall together – wait until you see her bouquet. Heart eyes! And finally, I loved the sentiment of the details on that very bridal bouquet designed… Pieces from both her grandmothers’ wedding dresses along with a locket of their pictures were with Justine all throughout the day on her bouquet. Even as a I write this, I tear up at the beautiful memorial.

Justine and Kurt – Thank you, thank you, thank you! Spending your wedding day along you two and your favorite people was a joy. It is incredible to be able to work with a couple like you, and we are thankful to call you friends. Enjoy all of these photos!

Bride’s Attire: Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Jill Trachsel at A Head of Style – Fairbury, IL | Makeup: Holly Rodgers | Jeweler: Kay | Girls’ Getting Ready Location: Audrey’s Abode – Jacksonville, IL | Guys’ Getting Ready Location: Western Illinois Youth Camp – Jacksonville, IL | Ceremony: Annie Merner Chapel – Jacksonville, IL | Officiant: Ed Callahan | Ceremony Music: Callahan Brothers | Reception Venue: Western Illinois Youth Camp – Jacksonville, IL | Florist: Hannah Graham at Plan Events & Design – Jacksonville, IL | DJ: Epic Entertainment – Carlinville, IL | Wedding Planner: Hannah Graham at Plan Events & Design – Jacksonville, IL | Transportation: Three Guys & A Party Bus – Palmyra, IL | Reception Rentals: Rustic Love Rentals, The Aries Company, and Schmidt Tent Rentals | Centerpieces: Janeen Pfaff | Videographer: Blake Houston Film + Photo – Quincy, IL | Photo Booth: MidStateNet Photo Booth – Barnhart, MO | Catering: Hamilton’s Catering – Jacksonville, IL | Cake: Pfaff’s Bakery – Pontiac, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Designed by Madison Pfaff | Chalkboard Decor: Whitney Parrot