I don’t know that I’ll ever find the right words to fully describe Lauren and Jacob’s amazing Revelry 675 wedding day. These high school sweethearts are givers, both of them working in service to others. She is a teacher; he is a police officer. Their wedding day was full of big laughs, crocodile tears, good food, and the sweetest personal vows I’ve maybe ever heard from a bride.
Spending the beginning of the day with Lauren, her mom, and her bridesmaids (and their sweet dog) was so fun and relaxing. The girls were almost all ready when I arrived with final hair and makeup details happening by the amazing Francesca and her team of artists. Everyone was so relaxed and enjoying the morning before heading to Revelry 675. Lauren got into her dress at the venue in their beautiful bridal suite with the help of her sweet mom, then we did a first look with her bridesmaids. I loved their genuine reactions when seeing Lauren for the first time as a bride. After Jacob and the guys arrived, we took him out to get ready for their first look.
You can see through the progression of the photos, the raw emotion that came spilling out of the two of them as they saw each other. In fact, I think as soon as Lauren said Jacob’s name, the two of them lost it before he even turned around. *not me hiding my own tears behind the camera* Revelry 675 is nestled right along the Fox River in Batavia, Illinois, so we did some photos along the river and with the stunning venue in the background before bringing out the wedding party for their photos. Most fun and cooperative wedding party ever! I could work with these guys every weekend and just be the happiest photographer.
One of the sweetest moments of the day to witness was all of the moments that included the couple’s daughter Emilia. While I am not sharing any of those photos online for her privacy, if you know this couple and call them friends, they might show you some if you ask very nicely. They are priceless. Lauren got Emilia into her dress in the bridal suite before she got to have her own first look with her daddy. *cue more tears* She was so proud to show her daddy her pretty dress.
As guests started arriving, the wedding party tucked away. The venue has the prettiest outdoor ceremony location with grand steps leading down to the arbor that was beautifully decorated by Floral Wonders. I’m telling you, the florals at this wedding were stunning! They did such a great job! The ceremony started as usual with the entrances of the parents and wedding party, followed by Emilia and her little bestie ring bearer. (You should SEE the photos with the two of them!!) As Lauren and her dad made their way down to the ceremony spot, Jacob was trying to hold back the tears. The couple shared vows that they wrote themselves, and Lauren’s were possibly the most beautifully written, thoughtful vows I’ve ever heard.
Following the ceremony was a cocktail hour on the deck of the venue, complete with drinks and appetizers before everyone headed inside for the reception. Through dinner, we got to hear some amazing speeches from the parents of the couple and their best man and maid of honor. I’m telling you. I think these people are all expert speech writers. Every speech was funny, meaningful, and pulled on the ole heartstrings.
Before opening up the dance floor, the couple shared their first dance, along with the usual parent dances. But my favorite was the dance between Jacob and Emilia. Absolutely precious.
Lauren and Jacob, your wedding day was a dream to photograph. Not because of the beautiful venue, or the amazing details, or the delicious food (although those were all great), but because of the two of you and your people. You can tell a lot about people by who they surround themselves with, and you guys have the best people around you. I wish you all the best in life and marriage and pray you continue to choose each other, adventure together, and fall more in love with each other every day.
Vendor Team
Venue: Revelry 675 in Batavia, IL
Florist: Floral Wonders Events
Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography
Videography: Rhys McIntyre Videography
HMUA: Artistry by Francesca
Gown: Wolsfelts Bridal
Catering: True Cuisine
Rentals: Satin Chair
If you are a sweet, joyful couple who loves your family and friends and are looking for a wedding photographer, I would love to chat with you. I photograph weddings all over the midwest, SW Florida, and am available for travel anywhere.
Contact me today!
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