Morgan and Spencer celebrated their union with an autumn wedding in the lovely backyard of Spencer’s folks’ property in Mahomet. The property is situated just outside of town, complete with a gorgeous pond and fountain to set the romantic tone for the day. I had the honor of getting a preview of the property earlier this year for their engagement session and was happy to be back for their wedding! They had such pleasant weather with the bluest of skies during their engagement session and their wedding day followed suit as well.
I arrived shortly before the girls got returned from hair and makeup with Lauren, owner of Thrive Salon and Spa. Spencer and his family were buzzing around like bees, putting the finishing touches on everything before it was time to transition into wedding attire for the day. While they finished up some last-minute details, I started photographing all of the pretty details Morgan had gathered and ready to go for me. What I love most about starting my day with details is it ignites my creativity for the day. Many of the details on wedding days are carefully hand-chosen for the day, reflecting the personality of my couple, and this wedding was no exception! Morgan’s ring could have been the only item I took pictures of and I would have been happy. But LOOK at everything! Her Vera Wang necklace and matching earrings were Morgan’s something borrowed and her Betsey Johnson sneakers were her something new! The girls’ deep maroon dress color brought everything together beautifully. Pair it all with Morgan’s off-the-shoulder wedding gown and it’s bound to be the prettiest day.
Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed! Morgan and Spencer opted for a first look offsite, so we had to be pretty strategic about where everyone finished getting ready inside the house so they didn’t see each other early, but we pulled it off! With their wedding party in tow, we headed to Lake of the Woods for their first look and portraits. The trees had just started shifting to that rich fall color palette so many of us midwesterners love and, with the sun shining through the canopies, it truly was the perfect fall day. We took some time for Morgan and Spencer to see each other as soon-to-be husband and wife. Their first look was private aside from me being there and I am happy for them that they took the time before the ceremony to see each other. Many times, that’s all it takes to calm the nerves that inevitably start to roll in as the ceremony approaches.
With the nerves behind them, I invited the wedding party over to hang out with us! This wedding party was special because it was nearly all family! Morgan’s twin sister was her maid of honor and Spencer’s sister was her bridesmaid. Of course, we cannot forget her best friend Mannie! He walked her down the aisle and gave her away. On Spencer’s side, we had his dad as the best man (what a sweet role for him!) and his brother-in-law as the groomsman. The laughs came easy since everyone knew each other and that made for some of the most genuine and relaxed wedding party portraits I’ve ever taken.
Once we were finished at Lake of the Woods, it was time to head back to the house for their ceremony! The fountain on the lake was framed by a custom-built arbor decorated with fall-colored flowers made by Southern Blooms and swags of matching fabric. This private residence autumn wedding in particular was so pretty because the landscaping was well-established with big trees and the layering was dreamy everywhere I looked. The ceremony faced the pond, arguably the prettiest view of them all! The arbor behind them was so pretty, we move it into the shade for family formals and bridal portraits.
Morgan and Spencer had a white tent put up for their reception on the other side of the garden, adorned with soft white garden lights and a greenery backdrop behind their head table. They had a table at either side of the entrance, one for their guest book, cards, and pictures while the other had their favorite candy for everyone to enjoy. Supper was smoked on-site by Likin’ my chicken & pulling my pork BBQ and it both smelled and tasted divine! Music by Mike DJ was there playing tunes for us the rest of the evening. We ended my coverage for the evening with a sparkler exit in front of their arbor.
Morgan and Spencer, thank you for trusting me with such a special milestone in your life. You have the house, you have the cute pup, and now you have the promise of forever to hold on to through thick and thin. Your love for each other was so evident throughout our time together and I will be in your corner for years to come. <3
Vendor Dream Team
Wedding Gown: Michelle’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Attire: Michelle’s Bridal
Menswear: Michelle’s Tuxedo
Hair and Makeup: Thrive Salon and Spa
Rings: Champaign Jewelers
Florals: Southern Blooms
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Jewelry: Vera Wang
Officiant: Jeanne Bohlen
Catering: Lickin’ my chicken & pulling my pork BBQ