I’ve been looking forward to Savannah and Brett’s fall wedding in Salem, Illinois at the gorgeous venue A Fair Barn for a long time! These two won my heart when we met outside of Brett’s family farm last year for their engagement session. Both Savannah and Brett are laid back yet ready for anything. Turns out these were the perfect combination of characteristics to have on their wedding day when rain was in the forecast all day. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just a little rain either. The downpour was great and the winds were strong. However, this obstacle was not going to stop Savannah and Brett from tying the knot.

Savannah and her lovely ladies were getting beautified when I arrived at A Fair Barn the morning of the big day. There were a little more logistical talks and reassurances with the bride that day, but it was so important. Savannah was calm, but at times I could tell she was close to tears. That is when my “vendor hat” came off and my “friend hat” was put on in order to provide as much help and hugs Savannah needed. I moved forward with bridal details, which were awesome! Savannah and Brett went with a wonderful mix of darker fall tones like navy, purple, and gold, to make their day feel fall-like without being too overstated! Everything was gorgeous! Brett and Savannah decided not to see one another before the ceremony so the anticipation of that moment was something I think everyone, including myself, looked forward too. Savannah put her dress on in the barn loft with the perfect window light and her mother, Kim’s help. I think this quiet time of the day with her mom was exactly what Savannah needed. And let me tell you, Savannah was a vision in her gorgeous lace wedding gown! She made the most stunning bride, wouldn’t you agree?! Right before the ceremony, Savannah asked to have two first looks with her dad, Steve, and her bridesmaids. Both of which brought tears. During her reveal with her dad, she couldn’t hold her composure, yet kepts saying, “I’m not a crier!” as she wiped back her tears. It simply shows to wonderful connection she has with her loved ones. And her bridesmaids left little to be desired after their excited and tearful reaction to seeing their exquisite bride!

When it came time for the ceremony, the temperature had dropped a bit, but the couple was prepared with blankets available for their guests to stay warm. Brett was in place and awaiting his bride as she walked out to the covered outdoor pavilion and down the aisle to the man of her dreams! Brett couldn’t take his eyes off of Savannah, even shedding a few tears himself, and after an emotional morning for everyone, there weren’t too many dry eyes in the place (including my own). The nuptials were a wonderful fusion of bible verses and references to great movie couples who we all cannot forget like Westley and Princess Buttercup from “The Princess Bride”. It was really cute! The couple was announced Husband and Wife and they sealed it all with a kiss! YAY!

Following the ceremony, it was time for the bridal party and couple photos. Now although the rain was providing us with some trouble, I will say the fact that A Fair Barn had an open-aired space, which was covered, really helped make photos possible with all the natural light. And I am so grateful! We captured bridal party photos as this delightful group stayed dry right under the pavilion! Can we also stop to talk about the flowers for the day!?! Savannah’s bouquet was a complete showstopper with a blend of different colors and textures and her bridesmaid’s bouquets were smaller versions of hers! With their deep plum dresses, it was truly magical! Brett and his groomsmen couldn’t be totally outdone by the ladies as they cleaned up pretty well too! The guys wore navy suits and purple ties and had a pop of color in the boutonnieres. What a good looking group! Then something magical happened! With no sign on the radar of any slowing down in the rain, I stuck my hand out from the umbrella and…It stopped! Mother Nature gave us a blessing of about 45 minutes with no rain at all. And by this time Savannah and Brett were game to do anything for photos! So out from under the cover we went! I have to give major props to this couple for rolling with it all and taking the risk to get a little wet in order to get memories they will cherish forever! Savannah even pointed out a splendid fall tree to capture the newlyweds together on their special day. I’m so thankful we had these moments with Savannah and Brett as they deserved to have a few minutes with no rain in order to capture their joy!

The reception was full of so many fun memories including Savannah shoving cake into her new husband’s face, lovely dances with the newlyweds, Savannah and her dad, and Brett as his mom. Then the dance floor was opened up and full the rest of the evening! Before I left for my drive home I was able to finish the night off with Savannah and Brett all smiles with their loved ones surrounded by sparklers! The new Mr. & Mrs. Steiner are incredible as a couple and their souls are pure! Although their day had a few bumps in the road I feel so blessed to have been a part of their love story!

Warm Regards,

Huge shout out to each and every one of Savannah & Brett’s wedding day! It never would have all come together without everyone’s hard work!

Ceremony/Reception Venue: A Fair Barn

Videographer: Tower Studios

Florist: Grimm & Glory

Bakery: Patty Cakes

DJ: Complete Wedding + Events

Makeup Artist: Simply Breathtaking

Hair Stylist: Simply Breathtaking

Bridal Dress Shop: White Traditions Bridal House 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Elegant Brides

Tuxes: Elegant Brides (Jim’s Formal Ware)

I told you Savannah was a dream in her lace wedding gown!

So much love to go around!

Rain or Shine Savannah and Brett are MARRIED!

Seriously the colors all day were magical!

The wet weather didn’t matter once these two shared the same name!

I’m so grateful Savannah and Brett received the gift of a break in the rain on their wedding day!