Derek & Kimberly were married on a perfect fall day on September 26 in Champaign, IL.  They held their wedding ceremony in the yard of their country home and filled it with their closest friends and family.  The wedding colors were beautiful and perfect for fall.  Rich wine colored dresses paired with grey and champagne accents.  Their flowers were all shades of purple and small contributions of white and green.  Their ceremony details were rustic and country and fit them perfectly.  There were mums and an amazing wooden arch that they were married beneath.  I loved looking at the ceremony location and seeing endless fields and blue skies.  It was absolutely beautiful.

Derek and Kimberly had one of the most fun bridal parties I have worked with all year. I loved hearing the girls chat in the morning about genuine girl stuff and crack up that the videographer (who was a male) was listening and probably recording them.  The boys were hilarious and spent their day out in the shed playing bags and drinking beer.  They were super outgoing when it came to photos and kept me laughing throughout every pose I put them in.  It is obvious how much Derek and Kimberly meant to this group of people and how excited they were to be a part of their wedding day.

The reception was held at The Refinery in Champaign, IL.  I always enjoy working at this venue and love how the room makes everyone feel a part of the events.  The reception was set up with head tables in the center of the room along with the dance floor, cake, and speeches. As I always find a way to tear up at every wedding I photograph, Kimberly’s dad and his speech got me.  The way he talked about his daughter and how excited he was for Derek to have found her was so moving.

Derek and Kimberly are such a beautiful couple.  Kimberly lights up a room with her smile no matter what the occasion but her smile was even brighter on the day she was able to marry Derek. It was so sweet to see Derek and Kimberly interact all day together.  It was also absolutely adorable when they incorporated their Labrador puppy Brian into some of their wedding photos.  I know that those photos will be the first ones Derek will want to hang up!

I am so thankful to have been able to photograph their wedding day and to get to know this couple.  I am beyond excited to share some of my favorites from their special day. Enjoy!!!