Spring Wedding Day at Deer Ridge Barn

Kankakee, Illinois

I’ve been looking forward to Leslie and True’s wedding day ever since their engagement session, and it was even more meaningful and joyful than I imagined it would be.

I first met Leslie and True back in 2023 when I photographed their sweet family at their home. From the very beginning, it was so clear how much love, laughter, and genuine connection they share. Getting to photograph their engagement session on their family property was such a special glimpse into their story, and from that moment on, I knew their wedding day would be something special!

And while their early spring wedding day at Deer Ridge Barn brought the cold (like, brrrr cold), it also brought so much warmth in all the ways that matter most.

Leslie spent the morning getting ready in the beautiful house on the Deer Ridge Barn property. It truly could not have been a more perfect space! It’s light, bright, and was filled with calm energy that every wedding morning deserves. One of my favorite parts of the morning was watching so many sweet moments unfold between Leslie and her daughter.

Meanwhile, True and the boys were getting ready off-site. Their time together had that same sense of connection and excitement. You could feel how much this day meant. Not just to Leslie and True, but to their entire family.

Their ceremony took place outdoors, and while the temperatures definitely kept everyone on their toes, it didn’t take away from how beautiful it was. Sheila’s Sunny Bloomers designed the florals, and Better Together Wedding Rental Co. provided the rentals, creating a space that felt both cozy and beautiful.

After the ceremony, everyone cozied up inside for the reception, and it was perfect! The reception space felt intimate, cozy, and welcoming, with so many thoughtful details woven throughout the design.

One of the sweetest moments of the evening was hearing Leslie’s daughter’s speech. It was so sweet and heartfelt. Moments like that truly remind me what wedding days are really about!

Leslie and True, your wedding day was filled with such joy and love. Looking back on this day makes me even more grateful to document not just your wedding, but the story of your family and this season of your lives. What a beautiful beginning to this next chapter!

Vendor Team:

Venue: Deer Ridge Barn Wedding & Events

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

Florist: Sheila’s Sunny Bloomers

DJ: Trendsetter DJ Productions

Rentals: Better Together Wedding Rental Co.

To see more weddings like this spring Deer Ridge Barn wedding, click here.

If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.