Weekend two of our road trip week. After an awesome wedding in Fort Branch, and an engagement session in Chicago, we now wrap things up going the opposite direction of the other two, down to Makanda Illinois. Looking at google maps, I could tell that this location would be absolutely amazing, as it is surrounded by trees and great scenery. Upon arriving to Makanda, Natasha and I realized we had actually been there before on a rock climbing trip with some friends. Even though it had been 6-7 years ago, it felt as if it was yesterday as everything looked relatively the same. Leading up to the weddings, I also tried to find Makanda Inn wedding pictures, just to get a feel of how things were handled there and what it looked like, seriously, I found nothing. I know that’s not the case, as weddings had definitely happened there before, but, upon arriving, everything was fresh for me, as I had no idea what the layout of the place looked like. It did not disappoint! This place was absolutely stunning. In the middle of the forest, was this small inn with a handful of rooms and a large entry way and downstairs area for entertaining. During Brianne’s prep, Daniel was showering her with little gifts. All of them were so creative and each one had a little arrow with words of inspiration or meaning behind them. This was the beginning of the day. Of course, I had already done their engagement session so I was familiar with these two and the love they had for each other, but these little gifts definitely set the groundwork at what an amazing ceremony they would have.
The ceremony and reception were both outside of the inn. During the ceremony, as Brianne and Daniel read their vows to one another, you could tell immediately that these two have something special. Even in the silence as they looked at one another, love was definitely in their eyes. I mention this, because when it comes to pictures of couples, this type of love makes the pictures that much better. When a couple is like these two, you could take a picture of them in front of a landfill, and you would completely miss what’s behind them because you would find yourself captivated in the love story that’s being told. Not that I’m suggesting a landfill, let’s be real, I’d prefer a great love story in the picture AND great scenery. HA And great scenery we did have. We made our way out to a winery where we captured pictures of Brianne and Daniel with their wedding party. After a short time with them, we sent the wedding party back to the reception location so that we could have some private time with just the two of them. I love when we get this type of opportunity because there aren’t any distractions and they can easily focus on one another. We had a tremendous time working with Brianne and Daniel and I’m so floored with how the pictures turned out, I can’t wait for them to see all of them as we had so many amazing moments take place.
Reception Hall :: Makanda Inn, Makanda, IL
Reception Decor :: The Odd Bin
Band :: The Jed Adam Band
Dress :: The House of White
Shoes :: David’s Bridal
Jewelry :: Neil Lane
Floral :: Burkland’s
Hair :: Olivia Lind
Cake :: One Hot Cookie
Suits :: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering :: 17th Street BBQ