Lacey and Dan’s Oak Hill Farm wedding was on the most perfect spring day. This venue nestled in the hills near Galena was a wedding photographer’s dream. Whether you prefer the whimsical woodland forest, the quaint chapel, or the twin oaks along the water, you will find the perfect place for your outdoor wedding.
I first met Lacey and Danny downtown Chicago for their engagement session. It was a windy, rainy day in the city, but they were so fun and willing to make the best of it. I’m so excited to share their wedding day with you.
On the wedding day, I met up with Lacey and her bridesmaids at a nearby hotel where they were getting ready. When I arrived, Lacey was getting finished up with makeup. The way her bridesmaids “ooohed and ahhhed” over her hair and makeup was the absolute sweetest. Lacey decided to save getting into her dress until they got to the venue, so I met them at the barn at Oak Hill Farm. As she got into her dress with her mom and Lacey looked into the mirror for the first time on her wedding day in her dress, the emotions were so tangible. I love the moment it sinks in that this is really happening!
Lacey walked down the stairs of the barn to her bridesmaids, and their reactions did not disappoint. I’m pretty sure Lacey felt like a real life princess in that moment. And, if not then, she certainly felt it when she did a little reveal with her dad shortly following.
Lacey and Dan opted not to do a first look, so we finished up the bridesmaids and groomsmen photos separately prior to the ceremony. As I was photographing the guys, Dan admitted to feeling a bit nervous, but so excited to see Lacey walk down that aisle to become his wife.
The ceremony was nestled down a winding path in a patch of walnut trees. I loved the tall pines behind the ceremony location strung with a canopy of lights. As Dan watched Lacey walk down the stone steps to where he was waiting, the tears started welling up in his eyes. It was the sweetest moment to experience (and pretty great to photograph).
Following the ceremony, we walked over to an open field for photos with the wedding party and the newlyweds. I could have photographed these two for hours, but we finished up in time for them to enjoy a bit of cocktail hour. It’s so important to be able to really enjoy your people on your wedding day! And, of course, we finished up the night with some golden hour photos before I headed out.
Lacey & Dan, I wish you all the best in life and your marriage. I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon!
Vendor Team:
Venue: Oak Hill Farm
Video: Jani Marie Productions
Photo: Karen Shoufler Photography
Florist: Handpickd 4 U
Bakery: Wedding Day Bakery
DJ: Reception Entertainment Chicago
Bridal Boutique: Wolsfelts
HMUA: Jocund Artistry
Rentals: Borrow My Vintage, Luxury Utensils
To see more weddings like this Oak Hill Farm wedding, click here.
If you are a joyful, adventurous couple looking for a wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.
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