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Courtney + Bryce | Wankel’s in Petersburg | Petersburg Illinois | Wedding Photographer

Weddings

September 10, 2021

When a love story starts during high school and you are able to navigate the ever changing world life as a 16 and 17 year old will throw at you together, you know it’s meant to be. Courtney and Bryce are that couple. They found one another early and have been side by side ever since! And for their big day they decided to incorporate all the things they love including family, friends, and farming! The family farm where Bryce works was the perfect backdrop for their nuptials over Labor Day weekend before celebrating at Wankel’s in Petersburg for the reception! And although there was some rain in the forecast for their day, this never once damped the spirits of this amazing couple!

Courtney and all her ladies took the morning to get ready at The Loft on the Square in Petersburg. She had sent me a photo of her dress before her big day, but it absolutely didn’t give it justice! Her lace dress was beautiful and even more so when Courtney stepped into it! She was a vision and with each addition of her accessories like her earrings and veil she became the gorgeous bride she dreamed of! Then you bring in her lovely bridesmaids all wearing variations of one of Courtney’s favorite colors, Wine, and it made it all feel real! Bryce and the groomsmen were keeping it simple and relaxed the morning of the wedding. They paired tan suit jackets, white collared shirts, matching wine colored ties, and jeans together to give a polished rustic look. Bryce never wavered all day and I’m not sure I saw him without a smile on his face! When it was time for Courtney and Bryce to see one another during their first look their true calmness and silliness with each other came out when Courtney gave Bryce a little grab on the tush to let him know she was there! So cute! Bryce took in every part of Courtney as she showed off her look!

We got going on couple and bridal party photos pretty quickly since that chance of rain I mentioned was getting closer. This bridal party was ready to have a good time and I took full advantage of their energy to move through portrait time and make it a blast! This whole crew looked awesome next to Courtney and Bryce and you add in the fantastic florals by Verde and the couple’s vision was complete! We couldn’t make it through photos without showing off the combine either! Courtney was a champ climbing to the top with Bryce to make, what Bryce called, “His new profile pic!” Towards the end of photos with Courtney and Bryce, we started to get a few sprinkles of rain. But, before we called it quits, Courtney and Bryce were totally game to head out on the dock in the pond for a few epic dips and twirls! I would say they nailed it!

Then it was time for the ceremony and the on again off again rain was a little unpredictable. However, without skipping a beat these high school sweethearts weren’t going to let anything stop them from sharing a last name! And right as Courtney and her dad began walking down the aisle towards Bryce, the rain totally stopped! I am a true believer in some higher powers at hand during moments like this and I would say that Bryce’s father, who had passed away when he was young, might have played a little role in clearing the rain. The ceremony was beautiful as the couple shared their vows surrounded by loved ones. Then they were pronounced husband and wife! Introducing the new Mr. & Mrs. Ingram!

Everyone then headed over to Wankel’s to get the party started in celebration of the newlyweds! They shared dances, cake, and mingled with all the loved ones who came out to support their union! And even with the overcast skies all day, a little hint of sunshine came out for a few more photos to end the night with Courtney and Bryce! The new Mrs. Ingram even sported a jean jacket with her new last name to seal the deal! All around, Courtney and Bryce were an incredible couple to work with and I’m thrilled I had the opportunity to capture all of their special moments! I wish them nothing but a long life filled with joy and love!

Warm Regards,