Nothing short of a dream! That’s how I would describe Michaela and Alex’s wedding day at Walnut Hall Estate in Carrollton, Illinois! After meeting and photographing their engagement photos over the summer, I instantly feel in love with these two! They are both so laid back, thoughtful, and the way they each look at one another is playful yet, meaningful at the same time. I caught many of these looks from Michaela and Alex on their big day and it just added another level of delight as they said “I Do” to a lifetime of marriage! When I say their wedding day was perfect, I mean all aspects of it really were! The late September weather was warm, but with a cool breeze it was amazing. Walnut Hall Estate is a brand new venue and it was seriously gorgeous! It was my first time shooting there and Michaela and Alex, being the first couple to officially book them as a wedding venue, hyped it up a ton and there was zero disappointment! This historic property with a three story brick farmhouse made the perfect backdrop for getting ready photos as well as bridal party photos outside. And the new modern white barn reception hall was beautiful and ready to host the large gathering of Michaela and Alex’s family and friends, who had come to see these two tie the knot. I definitely hope to be back there soon!

When getting Michaela ready in the morning, she really was so relaxed. She was all smiles as she had her hair and makeup done with all of her eight bridesmaids, her mom, Alex’s mom, and any other friend, who she welcomed with open arms. The giant chandeliers, bay windows, and elegant staircase made for some pretty epic getting ready photos of this stunning bride! Michaela was absolutely glowing in her lace gown complete with her favorite part…That scalloped train! And her choice to have the bridesmaids in terracotta made the fall vibes just explode throughout the day and the handmade bouquets she and her family made were impeccable! Alex and his groomsmen wore navy suits, with matching ivory ties, and boutonnieres crafted by the bride. I loved everything about the look of the bridal party and with the energy and fun to match during the day, it made my job so easy!

Michaela and Alex chose to do a first look in the morning and finally getting these two together on their big day was wonderful! Alex couldn’t take the smile off his face after seeing Michaela if he wanted too! Their relationship began years ago after a night out when Alex saw Michaela and famously, sent her a Facebook message the next day, trying to get her number since he didn’t know when he would see her again! Mind you this was following him asking a friend if he knew anything about “Michelle”, Kurtis Weber’s little sister! Luckily for Alex, he was corrected about Michaela’s name and she happily gave him her number and launched their whole relationship. Once their first look was done they were joined by the large crew that made up their bridal party which was made up of family and friends. As I said, this group was a blast and shared many laughs during portrait time! We then made plenty of time for the soon to be husband and wife for photos on the lovely grounds of Walnut Hall Estate. From the porch of the fantastic farmhouse to the many trees throughout the property it really had a touch of magic with these two!

Then it came time to make it official! Ceremony time! Outside behind the old milk barn, the bride made her way down the aisle to her groom holding a bible that had been used in four generations of women in her family on their own wedding days. How special! Michaela and Alex shared their personal vows, their officiant gave tips from an excerpt of a Farmer’s Guide on how to have a good marriage (since Alex helps with the family farm), and they poured dirt from each of the home counties into the base of a tree they planned to plant at their home. So many wonderful moments during their nuptials! Once they sealed it all with a kiss they were pronounced husband and wife! Introducing the new Mr. & Mrs. Pembrook!

When these two said they wanted to throw a party, they were not playing around! The hall was decorated again, with handmade centerpieces on all the tables, a head table with lots of eucalyptus leaves, wooden lanterns, and candles, and a cake table with a custom neon sign highlighting the couple’s new shared last name with amazing cakes from Maxie B’s, the bakery in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Michaela’s brother, Ryan works. It was seriously delicious! From the sweet dances, the newlyweds closing out the dance floor, and the love felt all over the room I would say an epic celebration was thrown by The Pembrooks! Congrats to Michaela and Alex and many blessings on your marriage!

Warm Regards,

Huge Shout Out to all of Michaela & Alex’s vendors who made the day so amazing!

• Ceremony and Reception Venue: Walnut Hall Estate
• Wedding Planner: Chantelle Settles and Ryan Weber
• Videographer: Lydia Stuemke Films
• DJ/Entertainment: Porta Party DJs
• Dress: Maggie Sottero – Wild Rose Bridal
• Makeup Artist: Madison Coates and April Sheppard
• Hair Stylist: Madison Coates and Abby Schnettgoecke
• Cake: Maxie B’s
• Catering: Brass Door
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
• Groomsmen: Bev’s Baskets and Bows (Suits)
• Invitations: Magnet Street
• Ceremony Music: Robby Miles & Clara Green

Michaela was simply stunning on her big day!

First Look Time!

Loved every second with Michaela & Alex’s bridal party!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Pembrook!

Then I got to sneak the newlyweds out for a few sunset photos!

Are you engaged and looking for your wedding photographer? I have limited 2022 dates left so reach out to me today and tell me about your wedding vision!