* Arenzville Illinois * Family Farm Wedding Photographer *
As I’m writing about Jordan and Dale’s rustic wedding, a country love song came on from my playlist. This brought me back to their lovely day held in Arenzville, Illinois right outside of Jacksonville on a family farm owned by their good friends the McLain’s. Jordan and Dale are both more on the quite side, however when they get around their friends and family they open up and are ready for a good time. The morning of their big day rain was unfortunately in the forecast. Yet, spirits were positive since as Jordan said, “There’s nothing I can do about it!”. After the salon with the girls, we headed back to the Strut & Rut Cabin, where the girls were getting dressed, on the farm property and let me tell you….It was an interesting ride for a girl not driving a truck! The ceremony and reception locations were down a muddy road that literally went through a cow pasture. The cows greeted us as we arrived and made our way over the rolling hills to the cabin. Thank Goodness my car made it!
Jordan’s dress was gorgeous and even more so when she got buttoned into it! The top had stunning beading and the bottom was flowy and fun! Paired with her red cowboy boots it was perfect for her outdoor wedding. Plus to add to the playfulness of their day and show off their love for hunting, Jordan’s bouquet (as well as the guys boutonnieres) included shotgun shells. Dale looked very handsome with his suit jacket, navy vest and tie, and blue jeans. I fought with him most of the day to get his camo hat off, that on most days were atop of his head, but allowed it a few times including the first look. Just as the time came for the first look, the skies opened and the rain began to fall. It rained and rained and rained some more. We adjusted our original plans for the first look being along the wooded areas surrounding the cabin and simply allowed it to take place on the cabin’s front porch. But, for this couple and their love for the outdoors and hunting, I couldn’t think of a better spot.
We then proceeded just down the hill under a long quonset hut structure that fit both the ceremony and reception areas. The storm was moving quickly, but to keep the bridal party dry we started photos beneath the cover with the landscape behind them. Sometimes on wedding day you have to roll with the punches, especially with an outdoor fall wedding in Illinois! You never know what your going to get! However, Jordan and Dale, plus their bridal party, were awesome and went with the flow of what I asked and I think we captured some wonderful photos given the situation of dodging the rain and keep the beautiful bride from getting soaked.
The sun finally came out right as Jordan was about to walk down the pew lined aisle! YAY! Their ceremony was short and sweet and even included a funny moment during the ring exchange when Jordan accidentally put Dale’s ring on the wrong hand. She had the most adorable giggle over it and said after the nuptials that she couldn’t believe she did that! It was so cute! Following the ceremony the bridal party all hopped onto a bus and we headed into town to one of the couple’s favorite watering holes owned by their cousin, AJ’s! A few photo ops at the bar with this crazy group was exactly in line with how Jordan and Dale envisioned their day. After a few cold ones, we headed back to the farm and stopped for a few more bridal party and couple photos now that the rain had gone away. The groomsmen did give me a bit of trouble since I was impending them a bit from getting to their beverages with all my photos. One of them jokingly asked if he could call me the “General”! I accepted that as a term of endearment and we kept moving! Their crew was just a blast to work with! We were even photobombed by a herd of cows who were interested in exactly what we were up too. We had onlooking cows at Jordan and Dale’s engagement session, which you can see HERE. So it was only fitting they made an appearance on wedding day! I think they made a great addition to their photos! Not everyone gets curious cows in their wedding photos!
The night ended back under the hut for reception, where the Jarvis’ were toasted, celebrated, and stuffed full of an amazing array of down-home cooking and handmade desserts baked from the hearts of their mothers and other family members. YUM! Before the party got into full swing, I stole the newlyweds for a few more sunset photos. I was so happy that the sun came out for these two and we were able to secure a few more delightful photos of this sweet couple. Their true joy and love for one another came out when they were together and it was finally sinking in that they were officially married! Sequoia Drive, a fun country rock band, played into the evening and kept the party going!
Jordan and Dale kept their wedding day lite, full of affection for family and friends, and of course about their new journey together. I am overjoyed I was able to go through this experience with them and I wish them many blessings in their long marriage! Congrats again, Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis and Cheers to Many Years!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
