I don’t think it’s possible to dream up a more perfect wedding day for Ally and Mike than the one they created together. The vision for their day was “to have the energy, love, and beauty of the day captured exactly as it is, in all of its messy, beautiful, chaotic, glory!” To say that I was obsessed with the vision for their wedding at Heritage Prairie Farm in the Chicago suburbs would be a massive understatement. Their day was the most intentional of celebrations, centered around their love for one another and the love they share with those who matter most to them, and I can’t wait to share the highlights here. First though, a huge shoutout to these two for the lovely review they left!
Their Review:
“Emma is everything you could want in a wedding photographer and more. Hard emphasis on the MORE. Not only does she take incredible photos, but she’s so attentive to her couples through the whole process and especially on the day of the wedding. Her communication and meetings pre-wedding made me feel confident in her but also confident in myself, and eased so many of my nerves about the day going well. On the day of the wedding, she was there for truly everything and kept us on schedule without us feeling rushed. She has an incredible way of anticipating your needs before you need them, like having a fan on a hot day, carrying your dress, or comforting you in an anxious moment.”
“Emma didn’t feel like a stranger photographing our wedding, she felt like a friend who happened to take really great photos and knew a lot about wedding logistics, but was mostly there to celebrate you. Saying goodbye to her at the end of the night felt like saying goodbye to someone I’ve known for years. And the best part is that it doesn’t stop there! Then you get your photos back and get to relive all of the emotions, laughs, and small moments again through her lens. The photos themselves capture everything in a way I’ve never seen from a wedding photographer. Truly, if you can have Emma with you on your wedding day, don’t pass it up!”
Getting Ready for Their Wedding at Heritage Prairie Farm
Ally and Mike weren’t just trying to be present for the big moments of their wedding day, they wanted to realllllly experience it all. This was true from the very moment I arrived at Heritage Prairie Farm as they were both having the best time with their wedding party members while getting ready. Smiles, laughter, and good vibes abound, their morning perfectly set the tone for the rest of their day.
It helps as well that both Ally and Mike were able to get ready on site at Heritage Prairie Farms, with both spaces having a homey feel to them. It gave the morning a more casual feel that really added to the good energy that everyone was feeling.
In addition to these casual moments of Ally and Mike being truly present with their favorite people, Ally also had a few incredible first looks lined up. First was with her father and brother in the house they got ready in, both of which were SO sweet. She then had one with her gals on the front porch who all hyped her up to no end. Then it was Mike’s turn, and both he and Ally were so excited to not only see one another but also spend the rest of the day together.
Spending Time with Those They Love at Heritage Prairie Farm
Following their first look, Ally, Mike, and I spent a bit of time walking around Heritage Prairie Farm, taking in the magic of the space before their wedding guests arrived. It was so sweet seeing these two really cherish this time together. So much planning, preparation, and anticipation went into this day, and now it was time to relax and enjoy it all.
Soon we met up with Ally and Mike’s closest friends for some less traditional wedding party photos. If you know me, or you’ve been following my blog for a bit, then you know that I am ALL about non-traditional wedding portraits. For Ally and Mike these photos happened while the group played cornhole together, and it was honestly so much fun. After a few family portraits and some time relaxing in the main house of the venue, guests began to arrive for the outdoor ceremony.
The stunning outdoor space of Heritage Prairie Farm gave the perfect garden party vibes for their wedding ceremony. As beautiful as it was though, the real beauty came in the form of the abundance of love that was in the air. Both Ally and Mike make such impactful, genuine relationships with their people, so everyone in attendance felt intimately connected to this incredible moment. After shedding more than a few happy tears and sharing their vows, Ally and Mike were officially newlyweds!
An Intentional Wedding from Start to Finish
Cocktail hour would happen immediately after their ceremony, and with the vast majority of portrait photos taken care of Ally and Mike were able to actually spend this time with their loved ones. With a soundtrack of live jazz music courtesy of Karl Knutson, Ally, Mike, and their loved ones got the festivities underway.
As the reception drew near Ally and Mike made their way to the tent’s entrance, making sure to greet each of their loved ones as they made their way inside. Moments like this showcase just how much their people mean to them, but my literal favorite instance of this was still to come! Earlier in the day, Ally and Mike had placed letters that they wrote for each one of their guests at their seats with a note not to open them yet. While giving their thank you toast they instructed everyone to read their letter, and it was SUCH a beautiful moment to witness and document. So many tears were shed and I’m honestly so in love with this idea.
Aside from sneaking out for some sunset and late night portraits, Ally and Mike would spend the remainder of their reception fully immersed in each moment with their loved ones. With a night of laughter, heartfelt hugs, and a TON of dancing to enjoy, Ally and Mike’s wedding day came together perfectly as the one of a kind day they’d dreamt of!
Head to my blog to see more of my work, and if you’re looking to book me as your photographer head over to my contact page!
Vendors
Photographer: Emma Petersen Photography
Florist: Flowers by Land
DJ/Band: Karl Knutson
Venue & Catering: Heritage Prairie Farm
Makeup Artist: Daniela Garcia Beauty
Hair Stylist: Nikki Layne/Wavelengths Salon
Wedding Dress: Volle’s Bridal
Suit: Indochino
Groomsmen Attire: Stitch & Tie
Jewelry/Rings: Madberet Fine Jewelry
