Gage and Amanda were married at Aerie’s Terrace in Grafton, IL on November 7th.  They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect fall day.  The beautiful views around them along with the oranges and reds of the fall leaves was completely breathtaking.  I had never been to Grafton, IL before but was blown away with how amazing it was.

Their special day had been a long time coming.  Gage and Amanda have known each other pretty much since birth and have been together for the past 12 years. They have experienced all aspects of their lives together and have no doubt in their mind that they are each others persons. They share the same passions and have their faith as a center in their lives together.  They 100% complete each other.

The morning began with the ladies getting ready and laughing at the little flower girl and the constant entertainment she provided.  She loved blowing kisses and made sure to send lots of kisses Amanda’s way throughout the day.  Gage and Amanda chose to not see each other before their ceremony but wanted to meet and pray together. It was one of the sweetest moments I have ever seen.  Amanda was chatting about not being nervous and just about the day so far and because she couldn’t see him, didn’t even realize that Gage couldn’t keep it together.  The second he heard her voice and held her hand he completely broke down into tears.  The minutes they spent holding hands together and praying were so, so special.

Their ceremony was held out on the terrace balcony and was surrounded by the beautiful views of Aerie’s Winery.  Just like when they met to pray before the ceremony, Gage couldn’t help his emotions throughout his vows, their kiss, and their exit.  It was so sweet to see his happy cries and how in love he was in those moments with Amanda.

I was in love with the banquet center and all of the big windows around it.  It was decorated with whites and purples and had golden accents on the chiavari chairs and chandeliers.  Gage and Amanda had attended a ballroom dancing class and had prepared a special dance for the wedding night. It was so sweet to see how well they performed it and how much time and effort that had put into it prior to their special day.  Their friends and family joined them on the dance floor after dinner and for the rest of the evening.  They had an assortment of ages at their wedding and several new babies! I loved seeing all of the dad’s dancing with their young babies next to the older couples who had been married for 25+ years.  There is just something about weddings that brings everyone together and is so incredible.  I am so happy to share Gage and Amanda’s wedding day with you all and know that their love shines through these photos just like it did on their special day.