When some couples and their families come into your life there is a higher level of connection. Kayla, Nick, and their families are definitely one of those couples. I’ve known this beautiful bride now for almost eight years, since I photographed her sister, Kristin’s wedding to Stephen back in 2017. At that time, Kayla and Nick had just started dating and she had told me when it was her turn to get married, she wanted me to photograph her wedding! As a photographer, I hear that a lot, but it doesn’t always come to fruition. However, SEVEN YEARS LATER, when Nick finally popped the question, I was the first person Kayla reached out to! She’s amazing! She hadn’t even booked her venue or her date yet and wanted to make sure she knew what dates I had open. What an honor! When she and Nick officially booked Haven on the Farm in Edwards, Illinois last fall I knew we were in for a gorgeous day!

Upon arriving to the venue on wedding day, I was greeted by Kayla’s beaming smile! Her positive and infectious positive attitude uplifts everyone around her. I saw so many familiar faces including Kayla’s sister (and past LWP bride, Kristin) as well as their aunts and cousins, who had been part of Kristin’s day so many years before. The one lady who was missing, yet would be thought of throughout the entire day was Kayla & Kristin’s mom, Lisa. I met her at Kristin’s wedding as she was battling a neurological disease that sadly put her in a wheelchair and unable to speak. Unfortunately, not long after Kristin’s wedding she passed away. However, Lisa was felt in so many moments during Kayla and Nick’s wedding I know she was celebrating their love for one another. The girls even unearthed Lisa’s own wedding veil after Kayla had chosen her dress and the details were so similar it was crazy. When it came time to get Kayla dressed, her sister and Nick’s mom, Carrie stepped in to help her and she was absolutely stunning in her lace gown! With her hair in a high bun and big statement earrings, Kayla’s classic, but modern look was show-stopping.

For an early November wedding, we were wishing so badly to have a delightful autumn day. Yet, Mother Nature had a little different of an idea. Right before first looks with Nick and his mom, Kayla and her dad, Rich, as well as Kayla and Nick, the skies opened up and rain began to fall. But, that didn’t stop the tears from falling and the sweet emotions of these moments from happening on the front porch at the farm. Then it was time for a few bridal party photos. We had a quick break from the rain so we took advantage for a few photos with this energetic crew in front of the spectacular entrance to the barn. Kayla’s ladies were dressed in velvet navy gowns in various styles. OBSESSED! Kayla and her bridesmaids all held fabulous fall bouquets filled with oranges, pinks, peaches, and greenery to give so much texture. Nick and his guys wore navy suits with matching ties, while Nick stood out with a white tie. The rain then made its way back upon us so we headed inside to the dazzling inside of Haven on the Farm’s reception space. Luckily for us, the loft space provided ample light and a delightful backdrop for Kayla and Nick’s bridal party portraits. I was not surprised at all when their bridal squad was breaking out into dance and constantly having me laughing throughout photo time! Kayla and Nick surrounded themselves with incredible people who matched their joyful spirit and this was on full display! What a blast! We grabbed a few photos of the soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. before we looked outside and saw a little break in the weather. I asked Kayla if she wanted to go outside for photos even though there was the possibility of guests seeing her and without hesitation said, “Let’s Go!”

See…One of the many highlights about Haven on the Farm is “The Lane”. This spectacular long treelined drive is flanked with black fencing and bookended with stone gates. Kayla and Nick had planned to have their ceremony on the lane, however with the rain in the forecast, they sadly had to change those plans. But, when the opportunity arose to head outside with a break in the weather pattern, we rushed out to the lane for a few coveted shots! And boy…Were they worth it! Kayla and Nick took in every second together, enjoying the new memories they were making on their special day. On your wedding day, people don’t realize you really don’t get a lot of time alone with your new spouse. So these two were soaking in every moment before they finally said “I Do!”

Guests gathered at their farmhouse tables scattered around the barn as they awaited Kayla to make her way down the aisle with her dad. Almost eight years in the making, this was absolutely a moment everyone in the room was waiting for! Nick fought back tears as he saw his bride walking his way with her glowing smile. And within a few minutes, Kayla was also fighting her emotions with the mention of her mother and the long journey of her and Nick’s relationship. But, there were also so many laughs throughout their nuptials. Which is exactly how Kayla and Nick’s marriage will play out. So many laughs and lifting one another up in any time of need. Just like they have done over the years leading up to wedding day. After exchanging their vows and rings, they shared a kiss and became Mr. & Mrs. Hoefling!

Now knowing Kayla, Nick, and getting to know their families over the last few years (and recognizing how much fun their bridal party was all day) I knew we were in for one hell of a party! We did have a few formalities to knock out first. Kayla’s father, Rich, gave a hilarious and heartfelt speech. Followed by Nick’s brother, Tanner, bringing the laughs and tears to the whole room. Then rounding it out with Kayla’s matron of honor and sister, Kristin, who toasted the couple starting out with blowing a bunch of dust off her speech since it took Nick so long to pop the question! The newlyweds shared their first dance, then Nick danced with his mom, Carrie, before Kayla and her dad literally took a spin around the floor in a fun and laid back father/daughter dance together. Before you knew it, the time had come to get the party started! “The Brat Pack”, an 80’s themed band kicked off the reception in full costumes (which were changed out regularly) and were packed with energy! They had the dance floor filled all night!

I adore Kayla and Nick and I’m thrilled for this new start to this chapter of their lives! I’m absolutely honored to have captured all their happiness and so grateful to have gone on this journey to the altar with the new Mr. & Mrs. Hoefling! Cheers!

Warm Regards,

Venue: Haven On The Farm

Florist: LeFleur Floral Design & Events

Band: The Brat Pack

Videographer: Complete Wedding & Events

Makeup Artist: Loft Bridal

Hair Stylist: Loft Bridal

Cake: Designer Cake Shop

Catering: Raber Packing Co.

Bride’s Dress: Down The Aisle

Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: CS Menswear

Invitations: KJ Creative Co.