I have no idea how we’re even at this point, but guys… this sweet wedding was our official start to our 2018 wedding season! And oh my goodness, did we have a good start to our year. Wow, wow, wow! I could write an entire novel about this day and about our experience working with our sweet friends Ashley and Dan, but I’ll spare us all that and just give you guys the “short” version. 😉
Ashley first reached out to us back in November, right after she and Dan got engaged, and as soon as I saw who the inquiry was from, I got so excited! Ashley, Dan, Luke and I all have a ton of mutual friends through our church’s college ministry, and I recognized Ashley’s name right away. As I’ve written about before, I lived in a house with 9 other girls who were a part of that same college ministry for one year in college, and Ashley actually lived in that same house a few years before me! There’s definitely a fun bond that comes with living in “the house,” regardless of if we lived there at the same time or not… and it was so fun to not only have that connection with Ashley, but also with several of her sweet bridesmaids and some of the other girls who were guests at this wedding, as well!!
Add onto that the fact that Ashley and Dan absolutely love God and wanted their wedding to be all about Him from the start, and it was just an all-around amazing day for us to be a part of. One of Luke and I’s very favorite moments from this wedding (and a moment we’ve talked about several times since Saturday!) was Ashley’s first look with her dad and brother. After a whole bunch of hugs and happy tears, Ashley’s dad gathered her, her brother, her sister, and her mom together, and the five of them prayed together over Ashley’s day. It was a moment that had ME crying (no shock there- let’s just be real! ????) behind my camera, and we absolutely LOVED that this was how Ashley and Dan’s day started out!
Of course, we had an unbelievable amount of rain and crazy weather to deal with on Saturday, and despite our best intentions to grab some portraits outside after the ceremony, it was impossible with the conditions… but Ashley and Dan did not complain once. We distinctly remember them telling us at one point that “nothing could ruin this day,” and I think that quite accurately sums up these two’s mindset, priorities, and perspective on their wedding day. Nothing could phase them, because all that mattered was them committing to a forever covenant in front of Jesus and everyone they love most in the world. It was just awesome. Plus, who cares about getting to go outside when you have a stunning brick room with twinkly lights everywhere?! If we had to be stuck inside, I don’t think there was a better place to be than where we were!
Ashley and Dan, we feel like we gained some new friends after working with you guys! You guys made us feel so welcome on Saturday from the moment we stepped foot in Starline (or maybe the wind just blew us inside… we’re still undecided on that one ????). We wish you two nothing but the best as you start your married life together, and we know God has big and beautiful plans for how He’s going to use your marriage. You two are such a source of joy, and all day on Saturday it was evident how loved you two are. It was a total honor to get to tell your story. We love you two! Congrats!!
Xoxo,
Caitlin & Luke
Love that floral tie!!
Soem of my favorite moments from the whole day below! Precious!
Gosh, the sweetest. We loved this moment of prayer with Ashley’s family!
Cutest first look ever!
Loveeee these!
A few other faves! Obsessed!!
Let’s just talk about these florals… so amazing!!
I wanted to take this chair home with us! 😉
Favorite!!
Sweetest bridesmaids ever!!
Loved these moments of prayer before the ceremony!
Married!!!
Such cuties!!
Also, these details… the cutest! I’m obsessed with that globe guestbook!
We always love a good donut bar! 😉 Also, keep on scrolling to see the most amazing game area!Â
The sweetest toasts…
Many thanks to the amazing creative team that made this sweet day possible:
Venue: Starline Factory in Harvard, Illinois | Bridal Gown Shop: Simply Luxe Bridal | Bridal Gown: “Betty” by Watters | Florals: London Avenue Designs | Hair: Lisa Vogel | Makeup: Jamie Herst | DJ: Music by Design | Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux | Cake: Julie Michelle Cakes | Donuts: Stan’s Donuts | Catering: Starline Factory | Rings: Fey & Co. | Rentals: Forever Birdy | Photography: Caitlin and Luke Photography