Warning: in addition to containing some BEAUTIFUL images from an amazing fairytale wedding, this post will also contain some gushing from me- my apologies in advance! 😉 Lindsey and DJ have been engaged for a long time. Long enough that they were actually the second wedding to book me.  And they have been dating for a loooong time, and known each other even longer. In fact…Lindsey and I share something huge and sentimental in common, and it is that back in 2009, shortly after we met each other, we were both going on our last first dates with the men who would would one day become our husbands (and we were pretty sure they were our last first dates then too).  The difference was that I was 24- so since that time, Michael and I have gotten married, bought some houses, had some babies, you know!  But Lindsey? She was 15…and falling in love for the first and last time, with the only man who would EVER steal her heart.  It is absolutely stunning.

I met Lindsey doing summer theatre through an incredibly dear student of mine, and I was taken with her immediately. Extremely talented and mature, but FUN and goofy and silly and sweet, she is a mix of so many wonderful qualities. And she spoke of this DJ of hers with such maturity as well for a girl that age. I remember giggling on benches eating snacks with Lindsey, dreaming and discussing futures with these new boys of ours.  And here we are!  I don’t think Lindsey knows this, but every time Michael and I were facing a MAJOR life change, she would come into my heart at some point, and how patiently and faithfully she was waiting for those experiences even though our relationships began at the same time.

Lindsey wrote on facebook the day of her wedding that she had grown up loving DJ, and it made me cry. They are beautiful together, their love is beautiful, and their celebration was BEAUTIFUL.  An absolute dream wedding, including a fun and loving wedding party, a small army of people that would do anything for DJ and Lindsey helping them and supporting the, an emotional father and mother of the bride (that will get me teary ANY day!), and assortment of cute children…It was just perfect! You literally canNOT meet nicer people than these two and their families.   So far this story has been a lot about me and Lindsey…but these pictures tell a beautiful love story involving so much more!

This dress was EVERYTHING!! Her stunning Mori Lee gown was perfect for Lindsey and for her day.

I could GUSH about the flowers from An Event Design in Auburn, IL all day long- they were INCREDIBLE, held up perfectly all day, and had hits of silver in them- absolutely stunning- wait until you see them all!

 

Brides…first look with your dad…amazing!  This moment was one of my favorites of the day…so so sweet.

You all know how I feel about a first look…but this moment between these two was PERFECT to photograph and witness, and they still got a moment together beforehand without seeing each other. I loved it.
Love!

Ahhh these flowers!!

LOVED these ladies- they were ON IT for their bride all day long!!!

I have to take a moment to mention that Lindsey TRULY was the dream princess bride! Lindsey…you are PERECT and beautiful!

Looking good guys!!

I could have shot in these arches ALL DAY LONG- these are some of my favorites from the day!
And in case you weren’t sure how fun this group was…check out these next 2!

I admit, there is an ABSURD amount of portraits being shared here. But I LOVE THEM ALL!

Stunning, Linds!

AHHH Lindsey!! Seriously!

These are some of my favorites!!
Looking good DJ!

So so much joy.

On to the reception at the lovely Northfield Inn and Suites.I’m not sure what was yummier…the DELICIOUS cupcakes by B. Sweet Custom Cakes in Chatham, IL or the way they were arranged by the extremely talented wedding coordinator Tom Anderson from An Event Design.Love love love this…she is the ultimate daddy’s girl, and it is so heartwarming.

DJ Matt Stevens definitely knew how to get everyone on the dance floor and keep the party going!

Lindsey and DJ, we ADORE you both and are so unbelievably grateful you gave us the experience of capturing your wedding day!!! Enjoy your summer (that teaching schedule is AMAZING this time of year, right?!) and enjoy being MARRIED!! Much love!