Even though I’m not the best at it, I admit that I do like writing. Not really being a math or science girl (though I am very interested in Science, just not super talented at it!), writing was definitely my thing in school other than music.  But each time I get to wedding posts where I am supposed to sum up years and years of relationships with people who have chosen to spend their lives together in a few hundred words or less, it gets a little tricky for me. I began teaching high school choir at what was my absolute dream job when I was 22, hundreds of miles away from the only place that had been home.  I made the decision to take that specific job as a major leap of faith, and I was terrified and exhilarated at the same time.  It was the bravest thing I had ever done, and absolutely the best decision I have ever made, because it led me to everything that makes up my life now.

Erica was one of those things.  She was a senior my first year, a super involved portion of a beloved class that meant to much to me and will always hold an extra special grip on my heart as the first I ever taught. I actually get a little chocked up thinking about them…how much they impacted my life them, how much they taught me, and how their lives have grown and changed in the 10 (!!!) years since.  Erica was my teacher’s assistant that year, and was definitely a favorite (as much as a teacher who strives to be super fair can have!).  Throughout that year, I watched a shy teenager blossom into a beautiful  young woman, confident to take on the world– but it was nothing in comparison to what I have witnessed in little glimpses over the last 9 years.  She has become so very confident, really grown into an enormous performance talent that she has, spends her every day helping others at her job, and now has found (and married) the love of her life.  It is breathtaking, really. I will always think fondly of her and I in my old office working and chatting, and of her puppy-sitting, house-sitting, and baby-sitting for me years later.

And Erica and Steven together? It is just beautiful. Two people who are truly comfortable, truly themselves, together.  A perfect match.  And their day was as beautiful as them. They predicted rain…just wait and see what we got!

Erica’s grandmother’s headband, worn by her mother a handful of years ago, sat on her head. Love…
Stunning. Erica, if you aren’t just the most beautiful bride… Completely classic beauty! Time for a first look at a location we used for their engagement session and just love. They posed themselves just perfectly, even though that is so not the point. They also got to spend the whole day together as a result of the choice to do a first look, and it was perfect! See that sun??  It stayed out the entire day! Such beauties in this group! LOVED these eco flowers Erica put together!!! Their joy is just so visible and real. They did a wine ceremony, which Michael and I did at our wedding too and I loved this connection! Theirs got bottled and saved with letters for later- I loved it. I have to take a moment to write about this on the right.  Because it was when my tears started at this wedding, and when I get the most choked up at each.  The moment that their Officiant says “You can turn around…May I present…”. It isn’t as much about presenting Mr and Mrs for the first time that gets me (though I like that part too). It is the look on their faces every time. The look that says “I am standing in front of everyone I love that can be here with us, in one place.  Here for us. To wish us well and help us start this”.  I remember that moment in our day. It is extremely beautiful and humbling, and there is so much pride and joy.  And that is what I see on their faces here. Erica and Steven prioritized portrait time in their timeline and it is so evident in the variety in their gallery- it made me so happy!!
Favorite, wind and all! 2 more favorites! Getting to this spot took a little leap of faith on their behalf…but I’d say it was so worth it. So much gorgeous blush and navy! #metsgetthispartystarted… Erica and Steven, we love you guys and are so so happy for you! Thank you so much for letting us witness your first day as husband and wife– it was such an honor!

To see Erica and Steven’s beautiful engagement session from last spring, click here!

Erica and Steven’s creative team was absolutely AMAZING!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Long Bridge Golf Course

Flowers: Eco Flower

Bridal Boutique: Girls in White Satin

Dress Designer: Allure Bridal

Tux Rental: Savvi Formal Wear

Hair Stylist: Emilie Yeager with Banggers Hair Studio

Makeup Artist: Eva Ferry with The Makeup Ferry

Invitation: Wedding Paper Divas

DJ: Sevener Sound DJ Service

Caterer: Hy-Vee