Emily + David | A Morton Winter Wedding

It is such a gamble, weather-wise, getting married in January in Illinois. We kept crossing our fingers and praying for little to no wind! It snowed the Friday before their wedding and Emily texted me and said “SNOW!!!!!” Haha! Emily wanted snow on the ground SO BAD! And God delivered on that request!

The first thing I noticed about Emily and David was that they were so calm! She walked through the church doors with her parents and sisters in tow and she couldn’t have been more ready! It was such a sweet time watching her sisters all help with last minute details and her sweet momma making sure she ate before we started pictures. The pond outside provided for some light-heartedness. The top was frozen over and Brett seemed shocked there was a swan chilling on the lake; as we walked closer, I couldn’t help but laugh because the swan was in fact fake. Lol!

It as such a sweet moment when David turned to see his beautiful, perfect bride!! We grabbed some portraits super fast, then headed back into the church to get the bridal party for some pictures! I was the mean one who made them all take their coats off for a few pictures, then realized I had to hold all the coats! Thankfully, one of the groomsmen offered to take the stack of coats from me so I could photograph the girls. Haha!

Shortly before the ceremony started, David and Emily had a time of prayer with their parents. It was such a precious time watching the parents pray with them for a final time before they became husband and wife. The ceremony was so sweet, complete with some beautiful hymn singing and wonderful words from their sweet minister!

Their bubble exit was so full of energy and their guests were a blast! We quickly headed to their reception venue, the Pekin Country Club, and snatched the bride and groom for some more portraits. David and Emily needed little to no direction when it came to posing. They snuggled, giggled, and just loved on each other, making our job so easy!! It is such a privilege to be such an intimate part of our couples’ lives on one of the most important days of their lives. Brett and I were so overwhelmed and blessed by their sweet families and just getting to watch them become husband and wife!

Their reception made Brett cry! Emily’s Dad gave a sweet speech and at the end gave David a key, which he and Emily had gotten at a purity dance. Of course, having a daughter, I knew Brett would lose it.. but then again I think we all did! The song they chose for David to dance with his mom made me cry because it’s one I sing to Everly very often! The bride and groom and all the guests danced the night away and it was SUCH A FUN NIGHT!! Brett and I left their wedding and laughed and talked the entire way home about how amazing the entire day had been!

David and Emily, we love you guys! We cannot wait to share your entire wedding gallery soon! Enjoy your honeymoon!!