Shannon was a little bit nervous; the day was busy and overwhelming. She couldn't wait to get into her dress, because she knew exactly what would come next - seeing her man. When she finally caught a glimpse of him among the trees waiting for her - she breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that she would never have to say goodbye again. Joe is the epitome of relaxed, and his wedding day was no different. He handled the details and schedule like it was a breeze, but something was missing from his smile - his girl. As he anxiously waited for her among the trees - he breathed in the moment, knowing that today she would finally be his.

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I feel like I've known them forever. Shannon was a homeschool friend growing up, and Joe and I met through my oldest sister, Mel. These people love Jesus so so much, and they've both become like family to me. Let's just say I was THRILLED when they asked me to photograph their wedding! People ask me if I ever regret photographing friends' weddings; if I feel like I don't get to enjoy it as much... never! I loved experiencing the day along side of them and I loved being able to capture it more fully because I understand them so well! :)

Shannon got ready at her parents house - surrounded by her besties.

Shannon's dress was exquisite - and it fit her personality so well! Simple, elegant, and fun. :)

She received her Tom's as a gift from a friend - aren't they perfect wedding shoes??

Shannon was SUPER excited to put on her dress and go - we were so early for pictures! :)

Joe got ready at his parents house - where the ceremony and reception would also take place.

Joe and his family (the Timm's) make meat the best way possible - in the SMOKER! (No joke... I started drooling....)

Joe's dad owns a family run sawing and lumber business. (You may even recognize it from the photos I took last year!) Since the shop is right outside their home, the guys decided it would be super manly to get ready out there.

Makes for some sweet backdrops! :)

LOVE THESE!!

Shannon made these boutineers... aren't their adorable?

Awww... :)

We did pictures at Baker Park and the trees made a stunning backdrop for photos!

You. Guys. Meet the best bridal party EVER:

Since I know more than half of them super well (I'm even related to some of those peeps!), we had an absolute blast! :)

So cute!

Shannon, you are gorgeous.

And Joe... you clean up super well yourself. :)

Here's how cool God is: There was a chance of rain ALL of afternoon and I was so worried we'd have to do pictures inside! Well, the minute we got done with pictures, it started raining. I was SO thankful!

Shannon was also thankful... thankful that she chose a very simple dress with no train to drag in the mud! :)

Joe cried when he saw his bride approaching - so sweet!

Love this!

Anyone who knows Shannon and Joe knew their wedding would be full of lots of laughs...

And LOTS of tears!

After they said their vows, they washed each other's feet...

And spent a few minutes worshiping through song.

Then the fun started! :)

(Look! Gluten free cupcakes! YUM!)

Since Shannon was young, she's always wanted Contra Dancing at her wedding. Never heard of it? It's SO MUCH FUN!

Then, a little bit later, some of their closest (musician) friends and family closed out the evening with some amazing dance music!

And even though it rained the entire evening...

The day could not have been more perfect. :)

Joe and Shannon, first of all... you are loved. SO MUCH. I'm so blessed to know you both and I had an absolute BLAST photographing your wedding! Enjoy your trip to France and may God richly bless your marriage. Love you guys! :)

Vendors

FLOWERS: Dundee Nursery

CATERER: Coborn's

DRESS: David's Bridal

BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE: Target

TIES: Tie Bar

TENT/CHAIRS/LIGHTING: Highway 55 Rental

MUSICIANS: Brenton and Missy

She swore she'd never date him, and he wanted nothing to do with her. Only a few weeks later, they started dating. A year later, they were saying I Do. Heidi - the epitome of grace, spirit, and charm - never had a nervous thought. Through the flurry of the morning, her thoughts were fixed on one thing: marrying the man of her dreams.

Evin - cheerful, resilient, and so incredibly gracious - handled the day with ease, making everyone comfortable with his smile and easy-going charm. Amidst the busy details of the day, he never lost sight of one thing: making Heidi his bride.

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Laid back weddings are my absolute FAVORITE, and this wedding was no exception!

Heidi, being a ballet dancer, chose a beautifully elegant dress - loved it!

And of course... ballet shoes. :)

She was so laid back the entire morning - not many brides can make their own bouquet the morning of their wedding!

Their rings were so incredibly unique - I love the solitary diamond. :)

Heidi made such a beautiful bride. :)

And so the sweet moments began...

And didn't really stop all day!

Evin began his day like a groom should - with steak and tight-roping. :)

Their first look was adorable. Heidi requested that Evin be able to see her coming - just like when she would walk down the aisle. Seeing them run to each other's arms made my heart swell. :)

These two were so wrapped up in each other that I had SUCH an easy job of capturing their love...

LOVE this!!

This girl is FIERCE!

Evin was a little bit excited to get married that day... :)

Their bridal party consisted of some of their closest friends...

And they all had SO much fun together!

After photos, everyone was able to relax before the ceremony - even the bridesmaids. :)

Evin cried the instant Heidi appeared - it was SO sweet.

Husband and wife!!

Their reception details were filled with little bits of nature - rocks, sand, and roses.

So simple and sweet. :)

Since Evin has Celiacs Disease (allergic to gluten), all of their desserts were gluten free. Since I'm also gluten-free, I was in cookie heaven!! :)

I love these moments from the reception:

Evin and Heidi, thank you SO much for allowing me to photograph your beautiful wedding! It was such a huge priviledge to be able to spend the entire day with you. Thanks for trusting me with your images. I hope you have a beautiful new life together, and may God richly bless the future ahead of you! :) Love you guys!

Vendors:

DRESS: Wedding Shoppe

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Athleta

CATERING: Shortstop Custom Catering

CEREMONY: Mississippi River County Park

RECEPTION: Regency Plaza 912

HAIR: Studio 505