* Reichert’s Barn * Bluff Springs * Fall Wedding Photographer *
When I first started working with Aubrey and Jonny I knew I would enjoy my time with them immediately. They are a very good balance for one another as a couple with Aubrey being a bright shining ball of energy and Jonny being more on the quiet side yet incredibly caring. They are warm and welcoming to everyone they meet and they hold their family and friends very close to their hearts. All of these traits lent very well in making their wedding day at Reichert’s Barn in Bluff Springs, Illinois an event to remember. Aubrey had a vision of rustic and classy for their big day and I think they achieved this look incorporating mason jar mugs, distressed lanterns, wooden signs, and found objects!
Going into the wedding day, there was, unfortunately, rain in the forecast. We were talking reminisce of a hurricane that was making it’s way up to Illinois and stalling in the area for a few days. Needless to say, everyone was a bit uneasy about the issues it could potentially cause for Aubrey and Jonny’s plans. They made the call early on Friday to go ahead and move the ceremony into the barn. Although this was not the original vision Aubrey and Jonny fantasized about their positive attitudes were infectious and spread to everyone taking part in their day. The morning of the big day, however, the rain percentage seemed to continue going down by the minute. So when I arrived for hair and makeup with Aubrey, we made the plan to get outside as quickly as possible if there was no rain for photos before Jonny arrived at the barn. Aubrey and Jonny were not seeing one another for a first look so we had to get as many photos done outside when we could just in case the sky opened up and rain began to fall.
Aubrey was gorgeous in her gown, which had a lovely lace bodice that flowed into a beautiful full tulle skirt where the lace detail continued. The design of the dress fit in perfectly with the rural setting of the barn up on the hill overlooking the countryside. Aubrey chose her sister, Leryn to stand by her side as her maid of honor. And Jonny’s wonderful little sister, Maggie was asked to be his Best Lady and stand next to him throughout the day. Leryn and Maggie both wore emerald green dresses and all the ladies were complimented with incredible bouquets filled with white hydrangeas, white roses, and textured succulents. Just Amazing! And since the rain was holding off, I was able to get both Aubrey and Jonny outside separately leading up to the ceremony. And not to be outdone by the girls, Jonny looked very handsome with his white collar shirt, brown two-toned vest, emerald tie, and of course his go-to jeans. And although Jonny had his sister stand by his side during the ceremony he did technically have a Best Man. His loyal dog, Stag, in his matching emerald bowtie posed for photos as well as walked up the aisle with one of their nephews. He was adorable and I seriously considered taking Stag home with me!
The location in the barn where they set up the ceremony was quite cozy, intimate, and dreamy. Lights and tree branches hung from the ceiling and simply made the room glow. The barn was packed tight with loved ones who were there to bear witness to two souls who were meant to be together become one in marriage. When it was time for Aubrey to make her descent into the barn from the staircase, a soothing version of “Fools Rush In” played and…I definitely teared up a bit! The moment just hit me for this sweet couple and the excitement that had built up to this lasting memory. Seems like at every one of my weddings there is a moment that just melts my heart. Aubrey coming up the aisle to her soon to be husband was the one moment that Saturday! The nuptials included sincere vows, a unity candle lighting, and a gentle kiss to make them husband and wife! Once they walked back up the aisle hand in hand it didn’t take long for me to rush them outside for photos, as a few darker clouds had rolled in. I wasn’t taking the chance of missing out on capturing the new Mr. and Mrs. Tarr outside at this beautiful venue they chose for the special day. And Mother Nature stepped aside and allowed Aubrey and Jonny to enjoy their newly cemented marriage with a few amazing photos! The pair was very excited to share their excitement and party it up with their family and friends at the reception in the loft area of the barn. Between the funny and thoughtful toasts by Leryn and Maggie, first dance and the party getting started we were lucky enough to have the sun peek out at the last minute before dropping below the horizon, which allowed me to take the couple outside for a few more intimate photos now that they were officially married! We all stressed out a little in the days leading up to Aubrey and Jonny’s wedding day, but everything worked out in the best way I could think of! And in the end…they walked away with the same last name! Congrats to The Tarrs!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Huge Thank You To Each And Every Vendor Who Were Part Of Aubrey & Jonny’s Big Day!
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Reichert’s Barn https://www.facebook.com/Reicherts-Barn-1530613017171656/
Flowers: True Color Florals https://truecolorsfloralartistry.com
DJ: Superior Sound Entertainment http://www.superior-sound-entertainment.com
Cake: Specialty Cakes http://specialtycakes.biz
Hair Stylist: Hannah Davis from Willow & Birch https://www.willowandbirchsalon.com
Makeup Artist: Sammy Presker
Bride’s Dress: White Traditions Bridal House http://www.whitetraditionsbridal.com
Bridesmaids Dresses: Girls In White Satin http://girlsinwhitesatin.com
Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse https://www.menswearhouse.com/store-locator/4628
Caterer: Hamilton’s Catering http://hamiltonscatering.com
