How do you truly begin to describe the most magical day of your life? I found it nearly impossible to translate my wedding day feelings onto paper. That entire day was like an out-of-body experience, and some days I still have to remind myself that it wasn’t just a dream!
Andrew and I tied the knot on September 10th, 2016 at Fishermen’s Inn in Elburn, Illinois (featured on Chicago Style Weddings here). It was the most perfect fall day for an outdoor wedding. However, I will admit, it poured rain all morning long, but eventually the Sun Gods looked down on us and agreed to clear up the skies just in time for our ceremony. Rain is good luck anyways, isn’t that what they say? 🙂
When we got engaged a year and a half earlier, I already knew that I wanted something a little different for our special day. Our relationship has always been fun and easy-going, and we both wanted a wedding that reflected that (side note: we feel like posers in really fancy clothes). Enter Fishermen’s Inn. It was like someone had made the place just for us. We were blown away by the gorgeous grounds and by the incredibly regal barn. We knew that we would feel like ourselves getting married there, and that we could throw one kick ass party after we said ‘I do.’
Our self-declared style was whimsical romance with a mix of bohemian, vintage, and rustic elements. My dream was to feel like a woodland fairy. I know, I know, it’s weird, but it’s what I wanted. I’m very much a non-traditional bride and I knew I wanted something different. I think Andrew pretty much expected that I wasn’t going to be wearing something ‘normal’ that day, because that’s just not me. I love tulle and the Bella gown by Elaya Vaughn spoke to me when I tried it on (which by the way, she sold to BHLDN just a year later). I felt like a true fairy princess that day, but I was worried what people would think. I still wanted to look like a bride, but feel like myself! I finished the look with a sparkly belt from BHLDN and a flower crown. Andrew wore a custom navy suit from Suit Supply and finished his look with a slick blue tie and blue floral socks. I also made him a custom pocket square out of my dress fabric, so that the colors flowed nicely.
Flower crowns, candles, lush greens, soft colored tulle, and the most handsome groom in the universe, made my dream come to life. The bridesmaids wore a variety of Joanna August dresses in the color “Sea of Love,” which perfectly accented the dark blue groomsmen suits. We added pops of pinks and greens in the flowers to bring the full bridal party look together.
Our first look was so emotional. When Andrew turned around, he was already crying and I melted right into his arms. Nothing was more important in that moment than us.
My favorite part of the day was our ceremony. It was quick, but incredibly genuine. Even though Andrew and I had our first look just a few hours earlier, he still cried (for the second time) as I was escorted down the aisle by my dad. My heart melted for this man. When we were pronounced husband and wife, it was literally the happiest moment of my life. Our bond felt unbreakable. We grasped each other’s hands and gallivanted down the aisle, while our friends and families blew bubbles over our heads.
After cocktail hour concluded on the patio, our guests were escorted inside to the Great Room for dinner. At that point, Andrew and I still hadn’t really seen how the dining room had turned out with all of our decorations. I trusted the lovely staff of Fishermen’s Inn and my bridesmaids to put it all together for us. Our mouths FELL to the floor when we entered the room as “Mr. and Mrs”. The room was very dim, and the only lights were coming from the flickering candles on the tables. Our head farm tables were covered with beautiful, loose greenery and tall, extravagant candles. You could feel the romance oozing out of the room.
Andrew and I like to believe that we left a small mark on Fishermen’s Inn that night. A piece of us will always live in that barn, dancing together without a care in the world. Our hope is that all future brides and grooms will feel that same vibrant energy that we felt on our special day.
Advice for future brides: details. It’s all in the details. It’s the smallest things that will turn your wedding day into an event that people won’t forget. And, don’t forget to have fun!! There will be flaws and hiccups along the way, but you should laugh about it and enjoy the moment. The best memories usually stem from the unplanned moments.
Credits:
Photography: Nicodem Creative | Videography: Brittania Drew | Floral Design: Flowers by Frank | Flower Crowns: Kar-Free Flowers | Wedding Dress: Elaya Vaughn | Wedding Belt/Bridesmaid Getting Ready Robes: BHLDN | Cake: The Sugar Path | Bridesmaids Dresses: Joanna August ‘Sea of Love’ from Bella Bridesmaids | Makeup Artist: Beauty by Jacqueline Gamache | Hair: Blue Ruby | Calligraphy: Allie Hasson | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply | Groomsmen Suits: Formally Modern Tuxedo| Groomsmen Ties: Tie Bar | Venue: Fishermen’s Inn | Bridal Romper: Show Me Your Mumu | Invitation Design: Laura Harcar