Jake + Laura | St. James & Madden Hall Wedding

Sometimes, you meet a couple and you just think to yourself ” You are my people!” That would be how I feel every time I’m with these two. How did I get so lucky to meet them and know them?  They are friendly, laid back and best of all fun. I remember meeting with Laura before she booked with us. She brought her mom and sister to the meeting. I felt a little nervous you guys!! {three women asking me questions}  but after we all started talking, we began laughing and enjoying our Starbucks meet-up. That’s when you know you are a great fit. The next day I got an email from Laura. I was so excited! I knew this wedding would be amazing and it was. Laura is the kind of person who will start an email with “Happy Friday!” and I can’t tell you how great it feels to get emails from someone who is so constantly happy and upbeat. She’s so uplifting  and just a joy to be around. Jake is literally her equal in this way! Every-time I see him, he wears a smile. Recently, at Madison’s wedding, Jake and Laura came over to the table that Becca and I were sitting at with HUGE smiles. They were like “hey!” And that’s why connecting with our couples is SO SO SO important! Laura and I were such a great fit style wise and personality wise. When I say “I want to be your friend” I whole-heartedly mean that during this entire process, I want to be your friend. I want you to be able to talk me freely, candidly, pop jokes with me and all that fun stuff. Because on the wedding day – that’s how it feels. Fun. Candid. Open and joyful!

 

Our time together started with their engagement session and was it dreamy?? YES!

 These two decided on family property, a lake, a dock and a small boat. It was the most beautiful fall engagement session ever!  You can check out their session here: Jake + Laura | Elberfeld Engagement Session

Jake + Laura had such a fun + romantic wedding day. It all started with weddings details and then onto Laura getting into her gown. I wanted to find great light for them to get ready in and the church was just the place. Her bridesmaids stood around her as her mom helped her into her gown and then giving her a gift. This moment was so special and Laura’s mom had a few tears. There is nothing like documenting these special moments in someone’s life. I seriously and constantly get teared up myself. This day was full of emotion for everyone and what a memorable day it was.

I remember Laura walking down the isle and Jake wiping his tears. Laura hugging her dad who was giving her away. After the ceremony and the tears were gone, Laura walked right out of that church with her man on her arm and the BIGGEST smile on her face! WE. ARE. MARRIED!!! It was such an amazing moment.

These two followed formal portraits with a hay ride. It was the perfect representation of what these two love. After they returned,  each member of the wedding party made a grand entrance to the reception with their own little dance. When they were inside and listening to Laura’s dad and new father-in-law make their speeches, Her dad made sure to announce “Laura wanted string lights, and Laura got her string lights” I’ll never forget walking into their reception and seeing the string lights. It was absolutely romantic. Everyone was so proud of all the work that went into this wedding but most of all proud of the people they raised up and of the love they have for each other.

Their first dance was perfection. Laura wrapped her arms around Jake and sang their first dance song to him. Everyone ended the day with dancing, drinking and smiles. This was quite the reception too! I loved every minute of it! Before the night ended, we attempted to sneak out for sunset pictures. The sun had JUST set but…we got lucky. There was just enough light to create these super romantic black and white images. These are the icing on the cake. Just the two of them together. No distractions. Love it!

Jake and Laura, you two are amazing. I am so incredibly honored to be a part of something so special! Your wedding day was absolutely amazing. I will never forget all of the out-take images that you guys had for your wedding day! The groomsmen photo-bombing you during formals, the other groomsmen hiding in your veil, Jake holding his beer HIGH in the air as you two walked off into the sunset. Just everything about your day was so romantic but totally not on purpose. It’s just how you two are. I adore you both and am so excited to share all of your wedding day images! I hope you two are snuggled up warm tonight while looking through your wedding gallery!

 

 

 

Team Of Vendors

 

Ceremony || St James Catholic Church

Reception || St James Madden Hall

Gown || Ella Park Bridal

Suits || Paul’s Menswear

Bridesmaids || Ella Park Bridal

Florals | J Petals

Hair || Harper Speciale with POSH

Makeup || Amber Ankers

Rings || Droste’s

Grooms Wooden Ring || Paul Osburn

Invitations || Welte Design

Catering || St. James Church Cook Team

Bar || The New Frontier Restaurant & Bar

DJ || All About You DJ

Ceremony Music || Lauren Fendrich

Videography || Andrew Gill