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Christy & Luke | The Homestead | Tallula, IL | Fall Wedding Photographer

Weddings

November 7, 2024

Christy and Lucas had the most lovely September wedding day out at The Homestead in Tallula, Illinois and I’m so grateful I could be a part of capturing it all! Their fall day began early and the bridal suite was busy as Christy and the ladies were finishing up getting ready. Christy was running around wearing a beautiful robe, which I found out her mother, Nikki, had made for her out of her own wedding dress! So special! When it came time for Christy to step into her gown she was absolutely stunning! The high illusion neckline sprinkled lace florals on her shoulders and down her back along with a long row of buttons. And a lace train brought the drama for this bride and her incredible look. Christy topped it off with a pearl embellished veil every little girl dreams about! The bridesmaids all wore various styled dresses in the same shade of sage green. It was such a simple, yet classic look but when you handed the girls their white bouquets everything just popped! Christy and Lucas chose not to see each other before their ceremony so I took Christy and her ladies outside for a few photos separately. We had to compete with a little bit of wind, but these ladies were all champs and looked amazing! Now it was time to get this gorgeous bride tucked away so her groom could have a few photos!

Lucas was cool, calm, and collected in the morning getting ready with all of his guys.They were watching a little college football, enjoying each other’s company, and anticipating what was to come for the day. Lucas and his groomsmen were all donning tan suits. And while the guys all wore sage vests and ties, Lucas sported a matching tan vest and tie, which set him apart. I’m not gonna lie, I loved this look! Christy even gifted Lucas a special pair of socks with her and their dog, Lilly’s faces on them! Hilarious! I took the guys outside as well to have some fun for portrait time. Lucas and his crew were laid back and did an awesome job during photo time. I knew we were going to have a wonderful time with this bridal party once we got everyone together! Once I got Lucas and the boys back inside I had one more task before the ceremony. Christy and her dad were going to have a first look. If I haven’t told you before, I love first looks! But, father/daughter first looks are probably my absolute favorites! What a moment! Christy’s dad, Joe, immediately broke down upon seeing his little girl in her white dress! It was such a lovely part of the day to be a part of. Before we knew it, however, it was time to get Lucas and Christy married!

The nuptials were held outside overlooking the pasture and under the arbor, which was draped with flowers and sage fabric. The bridal party made their way down the aisle, including one of the smallest members, cutie Oliver, who carried a sign saying, “Too Late to Run Uncle Bubba, Here She Comes”! Then the moment arrived when Christy, escorted by her father, made their walk down the aisle toward Lucas. Fighting back tears, Lucas eagerly waited for his bride to arrive. Their ceremony was short and sweet, officiated by Christy’s brother, Cameron. They read vows they wrote to one another, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss to officially make them Mr. & Mrs. Robinson! As they walked up the aisle, bubbles blew in the wind as they shared one more kiss to celebrate them tying the knot! Now onto bridal party photos! Although, we didn’t see much of the sun on their wedding day, it actually gave us free range to roam about The Homestead’s open fields and not have to worry about glaring sun. Christy and Lucas’ energetic group brought the fun and made photo time a blast! They all looked phenomenal and made sure their bride and groom were the stars of the show. But then, it was time for some solo shots of the newlyweds! Christy and Lucas took in every second in each other’s arms as we went from photo to photo. They embraced the winds and laughed with one another, enjoying the little bit of quiet time they got to spend together on their big day.

The reception was beginning and it was charming with classy touches of sage, white florals and linens. Candle light, lanterns, greenery, and wooden elements brought the rustic feel of the venue together with the elegant feel of the day. The bride and groom were honored with a few wonderful toasts from the best man, maid of honor, and the father of the bride. Now there was a bet going around, I heard, on how quickly it would take Christy’s dad to start crying once he began his speech. I believe the over/under was 7 seconds. He was happy to report…He won the bet and beat the time! The bride and groom shared their first dance before I snuck them back outside for a few more photos and our fingers all crossed that the sun would pop back out at the end of the day. Spoiler alert…We did not get our wish, even though we were all praying pretty hard for some golden glow from the sun. However, just a few more incredible moments with this lovely couple as husband and wife was enough for me! We went back in for the party to continue into the night! Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Robinson!