Jace and Laura are more than my clients; they’re my friends. What started as an inquiry through a computer turned into phone calls, texts, meetings, engagement session, and on their wedding day a few tears and lots of hugs.

After hair and makeup were complete, I met the girls at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois for some getting ready photos before the ceremony. With the guys arriving shortly behind the girls, we quickly moved the girls downstairs to start getting their bridesmaid dresses on while patiently waiting to see Laura in her wedding dress. As the girls got ready, I photograph Jace all dressed up for the first time. We slipped away into the corner of the church, so he could read his letter from Laura. I loved seeing Jace let his emotions out and shed a few joyful tears of love. Just before Laura was to get in her dress, a letter from Jace was delivered, and she took a few quiet moments to read his beautiful handwritten letter. Once finished, it was time to get into her dress, so she could do a first look with her Dad and Grandfather.

After a beautiful Catholic ceremony and mass, it was time to get the party started and head over to the beautiful Brauer Barn in Winnebago, Illinois. The winds might have been over 35 mph, but that didn’t stop us from using the amazing property and barn for their portrait session. After a stroll around the property, it was time to get ready for the reception to get started! Cake cutting, speeches, and some amazing dancing filled the rest of the night.

Enjoy this look at Jace and Laura’s wedding day!