Paula and Austin meet at the University of Illinois, both majoring in Engineering, and have been inseparable since. They choose The Gardens of Woodstock for its intimate beauty, and it didn’t disappoint. Paula was beaming with joy and excitement from the moment I arrived at the gardens. Her dress was perfect. The flowers in her hair were exactly as she’d always wanted. She was surrounded by her Mom and friends with smiles and tears of joy filling the room. They were all there with her to support her on her wedding day.

Paula wanted to do a first look with her father, to have a few moments with someone who has been such a special part of her life. Escorted to her first look by her mother, Paula’s father turned around to see his daughter for the first time on her wedding day, and his reaction was priceless. After many hugs, smiles, tears and kisses, it was time for Paula to see her soon to be husband for the first time. We tucked Paula behind some beautiful trees to give her a moment to prepare for her to see Austin. With Austin in place it was time for him to see his bride. I could go on and on about how much these two love each other, but it’s easily seen in every photo. They laughed and strolled through the garden taking it all in for nearly an hour before it was time for family photos to begin.

Once the family photos were finished it was time for their ceremony to begin. Nestled in the gardens under a pergola wrapped in a sea of flowers and greens, is where they said I do…..and now it was time for the party to begin. Enjoy this look into Paula and Austin’s magical wedding day.