Ever since meeting Samantha and Paul for their engagement session last September at their gorgeous wedding venue, Lakeview Weddings in Camp Point, Illinois, I could not wait for their big day! These two are thoughtful, kind-hearted, and deeply in love. So clearly, it was going to be a special one for sure! Before we knew it the day had come! We were back at this beautiful venue on the most lovely spring day for Samantha and Paul to say, “I Do”! The bridal suite was energetic and busy with hair and makeup when I arrived in the morning and Samantha was all smiles! And let me tell you…this bride has one of the best smiles! The ladies were laughing and reminiscing of memories from their past, which is exactly how the morning of your wedding should be. When it came time for Samantha to get into her gown, she and her mom took in every moment. She told me she dreamed of a dress like this and was over the moon she found the perfect gown! Samantha was an absolute vision as a bride on her big day! Simply stunning!

Samantha and Paul chose not to see one another prior to their ceremony, so we kept them separate in the morning yet still knocked out a few bridal party photos. Samantha and her girls were up first and were beaming in blue with bursts of spring colors and textures in the bouquets. And let me tell you, we had a blast with Samantha and her veil! The little details of the pearls were…Chef’s Kiss! Then it was the guys turn! Paul and his gentlemen were looking dapper in their navy suits and ties. Paul had some pizazz with an extra pop of colorful blooms in his jacket pocket. We had a great time using the venues mirrored building and alluring willow tree. Paul was enjoying his time with his groomsmen made up of family and friends. Now it was time to get these two together and married!

The nuptials was held in the strikingly fabulous chapel with soaring ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and a remarkable floral archway to highlight this couple as they state their intentions. Paul waited for his bride with anticipation as Samantha made her way up the aisle with her father. Paul, Samantha, and I think most everyone in the room were fighting back tears as they locked eyes down the aisle. What a moment. They exchanged rings, sweet vows, and poured dirt from Samantha’s home, Paul’s home, into a pot with dirt from their new home to plant roots of a willow branch from Lakeview. LOVE THIS! The two shared a kiss and they were pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Crowe!

After some family photos, we headed back outside for full bridal party photos, which was wonderful to get this whole crew together! The different hues of blues were incredible and the spring blooms brought the whole elevated look to a ravishing level! Then it was time for the newlyweds to shine! Samantha and Paul just make sense together. He spends most of his moments making sure she is taken care of and when they look at one another, everything is right in the world. These two took in every second sharing these intimate moments as husband and wife. We all got lost in seeing Samantha and Paul in one another’s arms and before we knew it the reception was upon us!

The reception space at Lakeview was positively remarkable! Surrounded by windows, filled with a mixture of family style and round tables, which were covered in clusters of baby’s breath as well as spring inspired pink and blue floral linens. Touches of gold could be found throughout and since the couple’s wedding day fell on Mother’s Day weekend, they surprised each guest who was a mama with a single stem carnation and a lovely note from the newlyweds. Their reception celebrated their love and milestones in their relationship with amazing toasts, including a surprise pre-recorded video from Samantha’s dad recollecting stories from when she was little. As well as emotional and welcoming speeches from the maid of honor and best man. Then before the sun dropped below the horizon, we snuck Samantha and Paul outside one more time for the most perfect golden hour! They giggled, snuggled, and most importantly realized how beautiful a lifetime together will be! Cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs. Crowe!

Warm Regards,

Venue: Lakeview Weddings

Videographer: Steve Weber Films

Florist: Rosebud & Co

DJ: Mike Howerton Entertainment

Makeup Artist: Beyond Beauty Makeup Artistry

Hair Stylist: Whitney Miller / Adore Studio

Cake: Baker Street Sweets

Catering: HyVee

Bride’s Dress: Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Savvi Formalwear

Transportation: Lakeview Weddings