Carrie and Kevin’s Illinois outdoor farm wedding was held on her grandparents’ property on the most beautiful late summer day. The day began with Carrie getting into her gown at her grandparents’ house and ended with fireworks behind the wedding tent.

Carrie & Kevin found me through Instagram, but I’ve known her older sister since we were in high school. While we have a lot of mutual friends, Carrie was young enough that she and I never really crossed paths. When she reached out about wedding photography, I was so excited when she told me their wedding day plans that included the wedding and reception on the farm.

Because Carrie & Kevin now live in Chicago, we decided to have their engagement session downtown. You can find their engagement photos from their Lakeview neighborhood and Riverwalk session here. They have the best sense of style, so you should definitely go check out those photos.

On their wedding day, I met up with Carrie for final touches of her getting ready and then we headed to her grandparents’ home to get her into her dress. I loved using such a meaningful place for her detail shots and a few photos of her mom and sister helping her into her dress. Now, if you read the blog about the engagement session, you already know that Kevin is a sentimental guy. I knew their first look was going to be emotional. The tears between this couple when they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day were so precious. It’s so beautiful to watch Kevin look at Carrie with such love and adoration.

After their first look, we drove back to the ceremony location for portraits. I got to meet some of their family and closest friends, many of whom were a part of the bridal party. Everyone was there to celebrate these two! You can tell they are deeply loved and have some amazing friends.

The ceremony was equally as emotional, as Carrie was walked down the aisle by her grandpa. All eyes were filled with tears as he handed her over to Kevin to become his wife. Following a fun and energetic cocktail hour, the couple was introduced at the reception and shared in one of my favorite first dances of all time to Happy Together. It was so perfect for them! Carrie then danced with her grandpa and Kevin with his mom before the amazing dinner was served.

The dance floor opened up after dinner with music by the amazingly talented friends of the couple. The floor was full of dancers the rest of the night. I had so much fun photographing Carrie and Kevin dancing and having a great time with their guests.

The night ended with a few fireworks, just the way Carrie imagined. It was truly an honor to be a part of their special day.

Creative Team:

Bride’s Gown: Custom Anomalie

MUA: Priscilla Barrera

Hair: Andrea Atwood

Cake: Good Morning Bakery

Custom Rings: Snyder’s Jewelry & Gifts

Band: Joe Marcinek Band

Catering/Event Planning: Crème of the Crop Catering & Food Truck

Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals – Chicago

Lights/Sound: 5KS Productions

Officiant: Gordon Lustfeldt

Fireworks: Micah Wetzel

Florals: Cara Dunn

Luxury Bathroom Trailer: Illinois Portable Toilets

Ceremony Music: Dustin Norder Band

If you enjoyed these wedding photos, you can find more weddings on the blog here.

If you are looking for an experienced, personable, joyful photographer to capture your special day, I would love to talk with you. Simply head to the contact page or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.