Tacos, yard games, and fun! These were the expectations of Alex and Brandon for their wedding day at the gorgeous Hesed House Venue in Heyworth, Illinois! I think if it was up to bride, Alex, she would have skipped the formalities (and dress) and gone straight to the vows followed quickly by hanging with family and friends and eating from the taco bar they had! However, even after having to reschedule their date and changing venues, Alex and Brandon had the most gorgeous fall wedding! And I am so very thankful I could be the one to capture it all for them!

I knew Alex and Brandon’s wedding day would be one that I would enjoy from the moment I met them at their engagement session! They don’t take life too seriously when they don’t need to. Yet, since they are both police officers, they work hard and care about their community. So on their big day both the bride and the groom surrounded themselves with loved ones who were ready to party and enjoyed every piece of what they had planned. Like I had mentioned before, Alex, by her own admission is not a “Girlie Girl”. Yet she was an absolutely stunning bride! She was glowing in her gown and with all of her sisters and bestie helping her into her dress wearing their own varying styles of dusty blue dresses, she was ready to see her groom! Brandon and his groomsmen cleaned up nicely in gray suits, amazing floral ties, and lovely blue boutonnieres. And when it came time for Alex and Brandon to see each other for the first time, Alex wasted no time getting her groom’s attention with a little pinch on the tush! They are seriously so cute together! Their bridal party joined us for photos before the ceremony and were ridiculously good sports since the November weather was super cold and damp. We even had to wait a few minutes before going outside because it had started to sleet a bit. But, Thank Goodness it stopped and we were able to take all of this wonderful couple’s photos without any trouble! The fall colors were even popping beautifully in the background of the venue, which really highlighted the soon-to-be newlyweds.

The couple’s ceremony was short and sweet, but filled with such love. Alex and Brandon stood under a simple wooden arbor with all of their family and friends looking on as they pledged their lives to each other. Once they had sealed their marriage with a kiss (and their signature handshake) they were pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Finke! YAY! After the couple and their guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner of tacos, salsa with chips, and plenty of cervezas, the newlyweds cut the cakes, listened to a few sweet toasts, and Alex took a spin around the floor with her dad followed by Brandon dancing with his mom. Alex had told me they didn’t really want to do a first dance, but rather they were going to play a “First Yard Game” together! So when they snuck off to play a little Connect Four I made sure to grab a few photos of this moment!

All day was full of laughter, camaraderie, and love. I’m thrilled for Alex and Brandon to begin this new chapter of their lives as husband and wife and I’m wishing them continued fun and love in their long marriage together!

Warm Regards,

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

• Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Hesed House Venue
• Dress Designer & Place of Purchase: Allure Couture Adore Bridal & Specialty
• DJ/Entertainment: Elegant Events
• Makeup Artist: Flaunt by Jen
• Hair Stylist: Cynthia Hice
• Cake: Janet’s Cakes and Catering
• Catering: El Toro
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
• Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
• Rentals: Cash Decor Rentals

Alex & Brandon are both police officers and I am so thankful for their service to our community!

Having your twin sister zip you up on your wedding day is something special!

These beautiful ladies were smiling all day!

First look time!

This couple has such a fun-loving attitude and focused on having a blast all day!

Isn’t Alex a stunning bride?

MARRIED! And sealed it all with their signature handshake!

Instead of a first dance, Alex & Brandon played a “First Yard Game”! Have I mentioned I love how these two absolutely made their day exactly what they wanted?

Alex was ready to relax and finish out the party in comfort! She snuck out before I could grab a photo with her in her dress, but I’m couldn’t be happier for Mr. & Mrs. Finke!

Now booking limited 2022 and 2023 wedding dates! If you are engaged, I would love to hear from you about your wedding day vision! Contact me today!