Summer Four Mounds Wedding Day

Dubuque, Iowa

Some wedding days feel less like a production and more like a really good gathering of the people you love most. Alexia and Nate’s wedding day at Four Mounds in Dubuque, Iowa, was exactly that! A day filled with so much laughter, personality, and plenty of help from their family and friends… Their summer wedding was simple, beautiful, and completely them. And after photographing their engagement session, I was especially excited to be there to document the next chapter of their story! 

Set high above the Mississippi River, Four Mounds was the perfect backdrop for their day. The property is home to two beautiful historic houses, the Grey House and the White House, both of which can be rented as bed and breakfast rooms or as entire homes. Alexia and Nate rented the whole property, so their family and friends could stay on site. I love that everyone had plenty of room to get ready and enjoy the weekend together. The guys gathered in the Grey House while the girls got ready in the White House.

And in the middle of some very hot Midwest summer days, Alexia and Nate somehow ended up with absolutely gorgeous wedding day weather. It was warm in the sunshine, but the property had plenty of shade to keep everyone comfortable throughout the day. The beautiful summer light made everything feel even more magical.

One of my favorite things about this wedding was how much of the day was truly a labor of love from the people surrounding Alexia and Nate. Their family and friends helped with everything from the decor to the cupcakes to so many of the little details. And yes, the bride herself even made the cake! There was something so special about seeing all of those little details come together because of the people who love these two most.

Alexia and Nate also brought plenty of personality to their wedding day, starting with their footwear. They were both very excited about their wedding shoes, and for good reason. Alexia wore a gorgeous pair of handcrafted Corral Boots, while Nate sported shoes by Carlos Santana. Alexia was also especially excited about the copper earrings from Twisted Silver that she and all of her bridesmaids wore. These little details were such a fun reflection of their personalities and made their wedding attire feel unique.

The ceremony took place on the hill overlooking the Mississippi River, creating one of the most beautiful ceremony settings you could ask for. And there was an extra special family connection woven into the ceremony itself, with Alexia’s grandfather officiating. With their closest family and friends gathered around them, it was a beautiful way to begin their marriage.

Afterward, we took advantage of all the gorgeous Four Mounds property for portraits. Alexia especially loved the hydrangeas around the property, and the Grey House quickly became one of my favorite backdrops for their photos. The combination of the historic architecture, lush summer greenery, colorful blooms, and this couple made for so many beautiful images.

And then came the dress change! Alexia looked absolutely stunning in both of her dresses, but her shorter second dress was definitely a crowd pleaser. She made the last-minute decision to change into it for their choreographed first dance… I don’t think anyone was disappointed by that decision! Alexia and Nate compete in ballroom dancing, so naturally, their first dance was nothing short of incredible. Watching the two of them glide across the dance floor, completely in sync and having the time of their lives, was one of those moments that made everyone smile.

The rest of the evening was just as relaxed and joyful. There were no long speeches or elaborate formalities. Instead, Nate’s sister shared a blessing before dinner, and everyone settled in for a taco buffet, homemade cupcakes, yard games, plenty of mingling, and lots of dancing. It felt less like a carefully orchestrated wedding reception and more like the best summer party with all of your favorite people. I just love that!

Even the Four Mounds wildlife seemed to want in on the celebration. Throughout the day, several wild turkeys, rabbits, and a variety of birds wandered through the property, making occasional appearances as if they were on the guest list.

Alexia’s parents also captured video throughout the day! Her mom, who is a photographer herself, knows just how quickly a wedding day goes by. I love that Alexia and Nate will have both photographs and video to look back on the day years from now.

Alexia and Nate, your wedding day was such a joy to photograph! From your ceremony overlooking the Mississippi to the hydrangeas, cowboy boots, choreographed dancing, homemade cake, and all of the people who came together to celebrate you, it was a day filled with so much love. Thank you for letting me be part of it and for trusting me to document all of the special moments. I hope these photographs always bring you right back to one very happy summer day at Four Mounds!

Vendor Team:

Venue: Four Mounds

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

Hair: Brittany Jenson at Headz Up

Cake: Jessica Olson

Cupcakes: The Bride

Dress: Vintage Chic Bridal Boutique

Menswear: Knight’s Menswear

Rings: Helker Jewelry

Earrings: Twisted Silver

Jewelry: Riddle’s Jewelry

To see more weddings like this summer Four Mounds wedding day, 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.