The moment had come. The music was playing, sun was beaming through the stain glass windows, the doors opened and everyone stood to see the beautiful bride coming down the aisle. But she didn’t see any of them because all of her focus was on the end of the aisle where her husband stood, dressed in black, ready to profess their love for each other.

Rachel reached out to me in June about shooting their October wedding and after getting to know both Rachel and Zac during their engagement session, I have been COUNTING down the days to their big day. Ethan and I made the quick trip to Oelwein on Saturday morning and man was it a windy one, but I was just thankful that their was no rain in the forecast and it was decently warm! I met up with Rachel in her getting ready room filled with bridesmaids, which is always one of my favorite parts of the day. Everyone was super laid back and just excited about the day ahead! We headed off to the church which was lined with the prettiest stain glass windows this girl has every seen, which coming from an art major who literally studied stain glass work, is saying a lot.

The ceremony was beautiful from start to finish, and before we knew it we were shooting bridal portraits on the edge of town in Rachel’s parent’s backyard. It was definitely chill, but at least the wind had died down so we didn’t have to worry about everyone’s hair attacking them (as much lol). Then we headed into the warmth of the reception where everyone was arriving in COSTUMES! It was the classiest Halloween party I have ever been to and loved seeing the wide variety of costumes. Seriously, make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom to see them as well as some epic date moves.

Rachel and Zac, it was such an honor getting to know the both of you and being able to capture your special day! There were so many moments throughout the day that pulled at my heart strings and can’t wait for you to relive them all when your gallery is finished. Congratulations again and I wish you both nothing short of a lifetime of happiness!