Maddy and John were off to a great start when they started planning their fall 2020 wedding. They secured the most popular date of the year, 10.10.2020, they picked out their venue, and made plans to be surrounded by all their loved ones. Well as you know, 2020 hasn’t really cared much for our well thought out plans. Yet, Maddy and John decided they would do whatever they could to make their day as amazing as possible and my goodness did they ever! They may have had to change their venue three times and reduce their guest list to keep family safe, however they kept their incredible wedding date and finally became husband and wife.

This lovely couple met many years ago on the grade school playground at Auburn Elementary school in Auburn, Illinois. We even returned to that same playground for their engagement session, which was so fun! Now it was their wedding day back in Auburn where they planned to tie the knot at a private family farm where loved ones spent months cleaning out the barn specifically for their special event! And did I mention that Maddy and John were doing all of their wedding planning from a distance? The pair, who have two beautiful children together, Emma and James, moved out to Charleston, South Carolina mear weeks after we photographed their e-session. So they leaned a lot of family and friends to help them pull their big day off! We joked that the one thing they brought back with them from South Carolina was the warmth! Their mid-October day was almost 80 degrees without a cloud in the sky! It was gorgeous!

Maddy was a dream when she put on her princess-like gown! The top was beaded with delicate straps and the bottom was perfectly layered tulle! Then she added on a cathedral veil (you all know those are my favorite) and she was a vision on her wedding day! And her six bridesmaids and two jr. bridesmaids complimented her so well in delicate coral dresses with mixed styles. John and his groomsmen cleaned up pretty well too! John sported a classic navy suit and white tie while his guys wore gray slacks, crisp white shirts, suspenders, and bowties. This bridal party brought their A-Game! And let’s not forget the couple’s sweet kiddos who were the flower girl and ring bearer! Before the ceremony, Maddy had a wonderful first look with her four-year-old Emma, her dad, Jeff as well as two year old, James. They were all so special.

Then it was time for the nuptials! Under a gorgeous arbor, John watched as his bride-to-be made her way up the aisle with her dad. Their ceremony highlighted the journey the two have been on together from a young age, the addition of their children as they grew their family, the moves they have made across the country, as well as their wedding planning ups and downs. These two have been through a lot! However, they have done it gracefully and hand in hand with one another. They shared their vows, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss to become Mr. & Mrs. McGlothlin!

After they officially got MARRIED, portraits out on the property continued as we got the entire bridal party together for some fun! Once those portraits were completed, it was the newlyweds turn! We found a PHENOMENAL spot with some tall grasses where the sun was just glowing for these two! Just watching Maddy and John together was so lovely. They still have some of that child-like relationship they started with as they snuggled in closely and John whispered sweet things to his wife. They are definitely adorable together! And once we finished a DELICIOUS dinner, we grabbed the couple for a few more magical moments as the sun set over the open field. I’m so thrilled these guys had a beautiful day! They deserve it!

Once the sun was down the party began! The couple had planned all their main events earlier before dinner where they were toasted, cut the cake, and shared their first dances. They wanted to make sure they could go quickly in the party! And before my time was over with these two, we ended the night with a spark! The bridal party grabbed a few sparklers as the couple and their kiddos had a few more photos to celebrate the amazing day they pulled off! Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. McGlothlin!

Warm Regards,

Huge shout out to all the vendors who worked so hard to make Maddy & John’s day so special!

• Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Family Property
• Entertainment: Epic Entertainment with J.R.
• Videographer: Skyview Studio
• Florist: Lurina Shaw (Maddy’s aunt)
• Dress: Gowns in Springfield, IL
• Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
• Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
• Catering: Nelson’s Catering
• Event Rentals: Signature Rentals

Maddy & John both looked fantastic on wedding day!

How amazing were these first looks? Now it’s ceremony time!

They’re MARRIED!

Some of my favorites!

Sunset Time!