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Nyki + Dyllan | Jacksonville Illinois | Turquoise, Orange, & Terracotta Wedding Photographer

Weddings

September 10, 2019

From my first meeting with Nyki to chat about her wedding day vision I knew I would be head over heels in love with everything about her and Dyllan’s September wedding out at The Western Illinois Youth Camp in Jacksonville, Illinois! She totally had me at Turquoise, Orange, and Terracotta! I mean come on, right?! Then she told me all about how she and Dyllan met. And my soft spot for a good love story melted my heart as she shared their journey together!

Nyki & Dyllan’s love story began back in junior high school at a dance. They had a mutual friend, who at the time thought they would make a cute couple even though they had not met one another yet. Instead of the friend introducing them with a simple handshake, the friend asked the DJ to dedicate a slow song to the pair. So their very first encounter was a school dance where they awkwardly slow danced together. Although most fairytales would conclude with them walking hand and hand into the sunset forever, sparks, unfortunately, did not fly at this point and they didn’t talk again until high school. Luckily for fate, they were reintroduced and became inseparable best friends a little after their first dance floor meeting! At this time, they were still not dating, yet everyone except Nyki and Dyllan saw how much they should be a couple. In college, at McKendree University, Nyki finally realized she had feelings for Dyllan that were more than just friends. They took the plunge moving forward as boyfriend and girlfriend and six years later…They are now walking hand in hand into marriage! An incredible story!

When I say Nyki and Dyllan’s day was perfect, I couldn’t mean it more! Between the mild fall temperatures, the beautiful landscape of the youth camp, the gorgeous decor created by Nyki’s mother, Karen (I wanted to hire her right on the spot and it’s not even her job), and the amazing loved ones Nyki and Dyllan were surrounded by made the day so relaxing and enjoyable to capture. This adorable couple gave me so much precious time before their ceremony to really secure images to show off their laid back and sweet natures. Plus lots of time with their wonderful bridal party, who kept the energy high and the jokes flying! Their bridal party even included their furbaby, Molly, who I met at their engagement session, last fall. Molly brought plenty of comic relief for us all! The ceremony was gorgeous overlooking the lake in the late afternoon of the day. Nyki, who had been solid as a rock all day weld up with tears along with her dad as they made their way down the aisle. Such a lovely moment. Of course, if you follow me, you know I tear up at least once at every single wedding I photograph and Nyki walking down the aisle with her dad was the first round. Then their officiant, Tracy Armstrong, was about to announce them as husband and wife, when she shared how this was a special moment for her since she was the one that baptized Nyki when she was born, I almost lost it! How cool is that?!

The reception was just as fun as the rest of the day! Beautifully decorated in the continuing theme of pops of color, terracotta, and sparkling lights. And before all the big events got underway Nyki and Dyllan actually got a double dose of sunset photos! Clouds were beginning to roll in and cover the sun so I raced the newlyweds over in an attempt to get pretty glowy light with the couple. Yet, as we were waiting for dinner to wrap up, the clouds disappeared and even better golden light came out. I couldn’t help myself and luckily for me, Nyki and Dyllan were up for a few more photos as well! They are the best! Once sunset photos were finished the party got started in the pavilion with hilarious and sentimental toasts, followed by first dances including a pretty awesome one with Nyki and her dad tearing up the floor with a choreographed dance to their song entitled, “Nicole“. It was so cute and a blast to watch! Then the band, Hat Trick, took over with their classic rock cover songs to close the perfect day out with a bang.

My journey with Nyki and Dyllan has been one I will never forget! These two have pure hearts, sweet souls, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to capture their memories! Best wishes to the new Mr. & Mrs. Long!

Warm Regards,