Samantha and Curtis’ Quad Cities family farm wedding can be described in one word. FUN. These two were such a pleasure to get to know, from their lighthearted snowy engagement session to all of our planning check ins leading up to the wedding. I don’t know how I somehow get the most relaxed couples, but I love it so much. The two of them were just so excited to get married, they didn’t let themselves get bogged down with all of the planning stress. I love how much their celebration on Sam’s dad’s family farm really revolved around family and having fun. I think you will see from the pictures that this group was definitely having a great time!
Some of my favorite highlights of the day were:
Taking a moment in the morning to write a quick note to each other to exchange before the first look. It definitely got the tears flowing and helped build their excitement for the day.
Samantha’s dress was made from her mom’s wedding dress. Such a great idea to modernize a family heirloom and make it usable again!
The ceremony site in the yard was so simple, yet totally reflected Samantha and Curtis’ personalities: down to earth, nature-loving, a little trendy and a little hippie.
The reception in the machine shed was the perfect mix of backyard family get together and elegant wedding decor. It set the scene for this fun loving wedding party perfectly!
I love old farmhouses, so I had to grab a photo to help set the stage for the day.Samantha had a photo of her mom in her dress displayed at the reception. Isn’t the redesign the perfect modern update? I love that she was still able to use her mom’s dress, but created something brand new that fit her style.The bridesmaids had a beautiful mix of dresses that totally fit the relaxed, slightly boho vibe of the day.Samantha and her family took care of all the florals themselves with these dried wildflowers.I’m obsessed with her stacked ring.Writing a note to Curt definitely got the tears flowing at the start of the day!Reading their notes from each other…How cool is it that they get to look back on these moments!I always encourage having a moment with your mom as you are getting ready. You both need a little one on one time on such an important day!I LOVE these black and white portraits of Samantha. Such a classic beauty.This dress was so much fun to twirl in! Oftentimes, I encourage brides to take a twirl…because most of us probably dreamed of this moment!The first look. First looks are a great idea to still have that special moment of getting to see each other for the first time on the wedding day, while being able to get the majority of your portraits to taken before the ceremony. Not only does this allow the two of you to have some privacy and really take in the moment, it also allows you to have more time with your guests during your party.Samantha’s redesigned dress really let her showcase some of her tattoos.
Simple, but full of personality, ceremony setting.
This was such a neat moment between Samantha’s dad and stepdad after Dad handed her over to Curt. Their camaraderie is so cool to see, and I’m so glad I caught this exchange! It made me tear up a little.
Laughter was the theme of the day!As you can see, this group was having no fun.They did such a great job of transforming the machine shed!Samantha’s mom baked a variety of cookies in lieu of cake. I love when people have fun with their dessert options!Toast time. Once again, lots of laughs.Samantha was hoping for a sunset for their portraits for months. It was a clear day the entire day, so we weren’t very hopeful for much color during the sunset portraits, but we lucked out with a beautiful sky! It only lasted for about 20 minutes, and we took advantage!One of my favorite first dance photos. I loooove the silhouette of the two of them.
