Bethany and Hayden’s fall wedding in Bloomington, Illinois might as well have been classified as a winter wedding. With freezing temperatures and winds gusting around 40 mph throughout the day it was pretty chilly! However, you could also classify their day as gorgeous, fun-filled, and stunning! Those are more of the adjectives I remember when capturing their amazing wedding day.

Bethany and her ladies were all getting ready when I arrived and spirits were relaxed and laid back. Bethany was the quintessential bride as soon as she stepped into her lace gown and she was surrounded by her mama, sisters, and friends. The bridesmaids were in classic black dresses in various styles, which is a trend I hope never goes away. Before all of the formalities of the day started, Bethany and Hayden planned to meet up where their love story all began, Rosie’s! This little bar was where these two had their first official date! Hayden was waiting inside when we arrived and we did a quick, yet sweet first look where he could see his bride to be. Hayden looked awesome in his all black attire and he couldn’t take his eyes off Bethany if he tried! It was such a lovely moment of their day!

We all then headed to the amazing Reality On Monroe venue for bridal party and couple photos both inside and outside. This venue was perfect not only for the ceremony and reception space with it’s intimate industrial style, but it also gave us shelter from the cold. Because the winds were hitting this bridal party, who were incredible troopers throughout the day dealing with the cold temps, we found the alley right outside of the venue shielded us a bit. With the black theme of attire I would say it made for some pretty modern and amazing portraits! And when it was time for Bethany and Hayden’s photos these two stuck it out with me in the elements and kept warm by snuggling in close. How adorable are these two together?

Then the time came for their nuptials which were short, sweet, and lovely as Hayden’s dad, Mark, presided over their “I Dos”. The emotions from his dad meant so much to this couple and with their vows spoken and rings exchanged Bethany and Hayden were pronounced husband and wife! And there is no better way to announce that you are the new Mr. & Mrs. Kaufman then with a surprise sparkler send off! So fun! Then the night kicked off with special dances, meaningful toasts, and then this party was on! The dance floor was filled the entire evening and this crew made sure to bring the fun! I loved every minute of Bethany and Hayden’s big day and I couldn’t be happier to capture it all for them! Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Kaufman!

Venue: Reality On Monroe

Wedding Coordinator: Leah Powell with Reality On Monroe

Florist: Vera & Buck

DJ: Palma Entertainment

Makeup Artist: Carissa St. Clair / GlamGuru

Hair Stylist: Maitland Yuenger / H & Co. Salon

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Catering: Reality Bites

Bride’s Dress: Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: The Knot