Debbie and Eddie | Wedding @ Richards Farm, Casey IL

We are slowly winding down our weddings for 2018 and what a crazy fall season it has been. Despite us cutting back a bit on our other shoots (outside of weddings) we have still been swamped as ever with clients wishing for the perfect fall weekend with the trees in the perfect shade of orange and red and the weather to be cold but not too cold. Well Debbie and Eddie lucked out because their wedding landed on the perfect fall weekend in October for an outdoor ceremony and we couldn’t be happier mother nature chose to bestow her kindness on this beautiful couple. In addition to a beautiful daughter, Debbie and Eddie have a fun and genuinely loving relationship which makes them easy to photograph for hours on end. We had a fantastic day with them starting off at the Tangles Salon in Mattoon where Debbie and her wedding party got decked out in bridal party beauty with hair and makeup appointments. We got to hear all about the rehearsal and the threat of rain as we made our way through the morning. Debbie was very relaxed and laid back throughout the morning and was very excited to see Eddie for the first time. We went over to Eighteen Ninety Sleepover Hotel in Casey to get ready and my goodness what a beautiful place to get ready. Each room is beautiful decorated and uniquely brilliant and we found the rooms to be a dream to photograph. It was the perfect blend of natural light, large windows, and great decor to photograph the wedding dress and details as well as Debbie getting ready herself. We shot several bridal portraits in this beautiful location despite the schedule because I thought the location was so interesting and beautiful. Even Debbie’s daughter got in on the action as she enjoyed playing nearing the dress and seeing her mom look like a princess. We headed over to Richards Farm where the couple had a very sweet first look (Eddie you’re a trooper for putting up with us shifting your location several times due to mud and wet conditions from the days prior) and when Eddie saw Debbie for the first time his smile was contagious. Debbie looked stunning in her lace dress and with her cascading flowers and Eddie looked like he knew he was a lucky man. They exchanged hugs and kisses and we dove right into family photos and bridal party photos. We know this can be challenging sometimes for family and friends but when you are limited in your post ceremony schedule and the early evenings of fall aren’t on your side, it’s sometimes best to do a first look and just knock out photos before the ceremony so you have it all behind you by the reception time (plus photos before hand are when your make up and hair are the freshest!) We find that many of our late fall weddings have to opt for this especially when the time changes and outdoor photos after 3-4PM become rather difficult with no sunshine left in the sky. We took photos of the bridal party as well as the family and couple all before the wedding and were met with beautiful blue skies and a sometimes harsh sun but our bridal party was awesome to work with as we moved through photos we hope the couple will treasure for years to come. We have this instinct to protect our couples from things that will distract them from enjoying their day whether it be the threat of rain or challenges with wedding vendors or what not and we thankfully got a warm enough day that we didn’t have to worry about Debbie and Eddie freezing during photos and for that we are super grateful. There are a lot of things that can disrupt the day and usually weather is one of them but we really lucked out in this late fall season. The ceremony went beautifully and the couple did a tree planting ceremony that was really unique. We shot a few low light photos after the ceremony to allow guests to filter into the reception before the grand entrance. We love Richards Farm as a wedding location it has everything you need for great photos. We headed into the reception where Debbie and Eddie had a marvelous cake with cupcake stands and a beautifully decorated reception hall. The couple entered and greeted their guests and the festivities began. The guests were treated to a wonderful meal by Richards Farm Catering and the guests enjoyed watching the memorable speeches and beautiful first dances. Poor Eddie was treated to a shock during the garter toss as one of the groomsmen switched places with the bride in the chair and poor Eddie, blindfolded and unaware fell victim to the prank. We like Eddie a lot so we won’t post embarrassing photos but it was certainly memorable and funny to watch. You were a good sport Eddie, your friends are hysterical. We really enjoyed working with this couple, not only where they flexible when mother nature crashed their engagement photos with rain and wind not once but twice during the reschedule they were so easy going and wonderful to work with. We were equally thankful that they were spared bad weather (because they had definitely had their fill during engagement photos) for their wedding day. We with them all the best in their marriage together.
Congrats Debbie and Eddie,

-The Keys