An equestrian inspired celebration in the heart of the Midwest

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jess & Jenn Photography

Kelly + Matt’s wedding was one of our absolute favorites from last year. We instantly connected with the couple—anyone who speaks fluent sarcasm as much as we do is A+ in our book!—and after planning Kelly’s brother’s wedding, they came to us to handle the planning and design of their big day. As busy professionals, it was important to them to have a team that could interpret their loose vision of what they wanted (and didn't want) and I felt so honored they trusted us with it all.

Like her brother's wedding, Kelly's grandparents' property played host to the weekend's events. However this setting has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl and according to her, Scott copied her decision when he couldn't come up with something better himself! Both lovers of the outdoors, Matt a hunter and Kelly an equine vet, this setting was picture perfect for their laid back affair and this love inspired so many details for their wedding. To celebrate Matt's style, antlers from an elk hunt he and his friends did adorned their ceremony arbor and antler chandeliers added a bit of rustic lighting to their reception tent. Honoring Kelly's love of horses, The Wandering Sidecar Bar* provided their horse box trailer mobile bar and her super crafty stepfather custom made the most gorgeous wood wall to display the horseshoe escort cards we designed in collaboration with On Three Designs.

In true outdoor wedding fashion, we had our eyes on the weather for weeks and as the weekend approached, the weather gods smiled on us. So much so that the sun came out from behind the clouds just as Kelly made her way down the aisle and it was pure MAGIC. And not to mention the sunset we got later that night. The photo is a must see!

This wedding is truly what dreams are made of. Often, when I reflect back on why I love this job so much, the people are always at the top. I cherish the relationships built and love how we all feel like family when the big day arrives (often, much sooner). With Kelly + her crew, the bond was even tighter. Having worked with the family already, we only became closer and by the end, I jokingly (but kinda not) said I'd see them for Thanksgiving. I'm fairly certain that if I had shown up, her mom or grandparent's would have just pulled out a chair and welcomed me with open arms. They are a real representation of what family is all about and it was an honor to watch it play out during the planning and throughout the celebrations.

Congratulations (again!) to Kelly + Matt. Thanks for letting us be part of your special day!