Mackenzie + Ethan / a simply elegant wedding celebration at Lavender Crest in Colona, Illinois
I heard a lot of references at Mackenzie and Ethan’s wedding along the lines of “the day has FINALLY come,” and “it’s about time,” and “we’re so happy this day has arrived!” So obviously, it’s been a long time coming for these two high school sweethearts to have celebrated their new marriage alongside all of their many loved ones!
One of the big challenges they faced was changing, you know, ALL of their original plans because… 2020. So while they held an intimate ceremony in July of last year, this day, June 26, 2021, was the big event they had been hoping for all along. I would be willing to bet everyone feels the same when I say… it was worth the wait!
This was my first time shooting a wedding at this venue, and I must say, it was awesome! If you’re newly engaged and looking for a gorgeous vineyard for your special day, add Lavender Crest to your list!
Despite the unfortunate weather forecast we all obsessed over for the week leading up to Saturday, the day of their wedding turned out incredible. I said it before and I’ll say it again, those clouds parted ways for these two to have the wedding of their dreams! We may have experienced four different climates in a single afternoon, but after 45 seconds of rain at the ceremony, it stopped completely! Mackenzie admittedly cursed the skies so maybe Mother Nature felt threatened but regardless… everything went according to plan!
I had to stop myself from wanting to take pictures of these two the entire day because just LOOK at how stunning they are!
I can’t get over how accommodating and caring their families are, not only to each other but to my assistant, myself and undoubtedly the rest of the vendors. Anyone would be lucky to be joining either one of their families so these two have it made!
All of the personal touches were so well orchestrated and fitting for the bride and groom. The dessert was delish and made by a family friend (incredible flavors!), the welcome quilt squares were so well done and uniquely handmade by Mackenzie’s sis-in-law and a fellow Artsmith Bride, Kate, the couples first dance song was written and performed by the father of the bride (I bawled), and their wedding party stepped it up like none other. They were all so supportive and present and worked hard to help make the day a success.
I want to sincerely thank Mackenzie and Ethan for asking me to be the one to photograph this momentous occasion in their lives. I left that evening with a big goofy grin on my face because their wedding day reminded me how thankful I am to be able to do a job that I love!
Congratulations again Mr and Mrs Lemke! I hope you’re enjoying the heck out of your long-awaited honeymoon!
Shoutout to the amazing wedding vendors who helped with the beautiful
Lemke wedding on June 26, 2021!
Venue: Lavender Crest / https://lavendercrest.com/contact-us/ / gloria@lavendercrest.com
Wedding gown by Adrianna Papell from https://www.schaffers.com/
Bridesmaids Dresses from David’s Bridal / Davenport, IA
Menswear from Boegel’s / Clinton, IA
Flowers from HyVee / Clinton, IA
Hairdresser: Chelsea Jenkins / 563-321-2624
DJ Services by Cody Bingham / Gateway Mobile DJ Service / Cody@gatewaydj.net
Invitations from Clinton Printing / Clinton, IA
Decor from Mary Hamilton & Clazzy Designs