Grace & Dane | The Bates Building Carlinville, IL Colorful & Elegant Summer Wedding Photographer

Grace and Dane both grew up just miles apart and their families knew each other for years, but the two of them had never met. Dane’s father introduced them one night at The Anchor, a local bar in Carlinville, after Grace moved back to the area from Chicago. Dane proposed to Grace on Christmas Day 2017. After the couple, exchanged gifts Dane told Grace there was one more left to open and that’s when he got down on one knee and proposed. The rest is history!

They say rain is lucky on your wedding day, well Dane and Grace had enough to last a lifetime, but that didn’t stop them from having a lot of fun. From the moment I met Grace and her bridesmaids at the hair salon until the last wedding guest was left standing on the dance floor, those two, their friends and family, partied their way through the day.

Grace was so calm and collected, even with the monsoon-like weather. I had so much fun hanging out with the wedding party. The bridesmaids wore fog blue dresses, each with a unique style and the groomsmen wore navy with floral print ties, which were the perfect touch. Graces florals were to die for with a mix of greenery, white roses and contrasting magenta and pink peonies.

When we arrived at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds for Dane and Grace’s first look the rain finally eased off just enough. Grace was so excited to have her special moment with both her boys. When the rain started up again, we took cover in the barns for portraits, which was actually a really cool and unique location. The rain kept coming, but Dane and Grace laughed through it, both in high spirits surrounded by their bridal party on their special day.

We then traveled to the historic Macoupin County Courthouse so that Grace and Dane could make it official. The courthouse is such a gorgeous staple in the Carlinville community, so it was very special for Grace and Dane to tie the knot there. Grace’s dad walked her down the aisle to a smiley Rhett and anxious Dane, who took her hands as they exchanged vows. When I first met with Grace, she told me how she was most looking forward to walking down the aisle to meet Dane holding Rhett. It was an incredibly special moment for their little family. Afterward, they exited the courthouse, down the large steps as their friends and family cheered the newlyweds on!

I had such a great time riding around with the bridal party after the ceremony, it was a great way for Grace and Dane to start their celebration and enjoy time with their friends. Grace’s mom transformed the Bates Building at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds into a beautiful all-white reception space. There were so many lovely details to photograph; rustic touches with an elegant mood. With help from True Colors, The floral covered tables added so much greenery and color.

Mother Nature paid us back for all the rain to end the evening and delivered a gorgeous golden hour sunset. We found the perfect little spot outside their reception to chase the light and create beautiful images of Grace and Dane. I really enjoyed this time spent with them as we got to reminisce over the day and laugh with each other. This was such a special day for Grace and Dane’s little family and a very beautiful wedding. I captured so much fun on Grace, Dane, and little Rhett’s faces time and time again and I cannot wait to share more!