Rachel + Neal | Wedding @ St. Anthony Church, Effingham IL

It is fitting to me that the last wedding of 2019 included a perfect day, a perfect couple, and all the feels. We knew booking our friends Rachel and Neal that we were in for a great day and it didn’t disappoint.

We started the morning at Serenity Salon where Rachel and her bridesmaids gathered for morning fun and wedding glam. Rachel was calm and happy while Jackie gave her a beautiful updo with a sparkling headband and beaded veil that completed her look to a T. Rachel was glowing with excitement through her makeup session and her excitement to head down the aisle was infectious. The weather was perfect as we moved in and out of my favorite church, St. Anthony taking pre-wedding photos before the big “down the aisle reveal” to the groom. We were so happy that Father Mark was the officiant, he gives a fresh energy to weddings and he has been a breath of fresh air at St. Anthony – he is so easy to relate to and work. As we took photos throughout the morning, we were able to capture so many beautiful memories – including the couples gifts to one another. Rachel gifted Neal with a T-Shirt blanket that was composed of his many high school memory t-shirts and Neal really loved the gift, it was so unique. The big walk down the aisle didn’t disappoint, Neal was so excited too see his bride and Rachel looked absolutely perfect. The ceremony went off without a hitch and the couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends. We soaked up the beautiful light in the church taking photos after the ceremony before heading to Community Park (a wedding day mimicking our own 11 years ago) and took pictures in the beautiful garden area and the shade. The couple was so happy all day, it made for some amazing photo opportunities. The bridal party enjoyed some good times on the party bus as we headed to the reception hall at the Carriage House for the party. The couple had their grand entrance down the staircase to the beautifully decorated Carriage House and enjoyed a lovely cake cutting ceremony (surrounded by mini cupcakes that were devoured by guests). We enjoyed a fantastic meal and heard some great speeches from the best man and maid of honor. Since this was a special wedding for Doug and I we enjoyed sticking around longer than normal to catch some dance antics as the night went later and enjoyed visiting with some familiar faces. This was an epic wedding with a great party and we couldn’t be happier for this couple as they start their lives together. It’s so clear how much they love each other and we are so glad they had the perfect day. Congrats Neal and Rachel – your wedding will always hold a special place in our heart.

-The Keys