“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Bronte
Jackie & Drew were married in a backyard wedding surrounded by their loved ones. The first look was in front of a big pine tree where Jackie had stood for a first communion photo years before.
Officiated by a good friend, the ceremony was full of belly laughs & tears. The words he said were chosen just for them, and resonated deeply with their guests. I could see people shaking their heads in agreement, looking at the person next to them with tears in their eyes. The happiness of all of the wedding guests was palpable. When it was time for the first kiss Drew lifted Jackie off of the ground, resulting in what must be my all-time favorite “first kiss” photo. Before the new Mr & Mrs walked back down the aisle, Jackie’s sister & maid of honor grabbed her for a hug. The family hugged on the couple for a minute before they happily moved back down the aisle.
Family formals were done by the tree line in the front yard, where family that had traveled to see the couple shared their excitement with each other. Drew’s Uncle Tom & Aunt Sonya were celebrating their wedding anniversary, 50 years after being married in their own backyard wedding. What a remarkable thing. The reception was an informal gathering under a white tent, with delicious wood fired pizza & plenty of beer. The toasts were tearful at times & hilarious at others. It was a beautiful day, and I left feeling so refreshed & grateful. What an easy, stress free day, celebrating two people who were meant to walk side by side forever. <3 <3 Congratulations Jackie & Drew.
Had to grab a photo with the happy couple at the end of the day! I feel so blessed to be doing this, & to have such amazing couples to work with! <3
{In Their Words}
- {3 words to describe Drew, by Jackie} handsome, intelligent soulful
- {3 words to describe Jackie, by Drew} energy, passion, exciting
- I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
- Jackie: Immediately. I never felt so intensely for someone. He is my soul mate.
- Drew: I think we both knew we were all in almost right away.
- What is something you both have in common?
- Jackie: We’re goofy bastards.
- Drew: Being weird and owning it.
- What is something that’s totally different about the two of you?
- Jackie: I have a lot of spastic, athletic energy & he is more mild-mannered & low key.
- Drew: I tend to run at a slower, more contemplative pace, whereas she fires on all cylinders until she’s wiped out.
- What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiance?
- Jackie: He speaks his own language that I understand. He’s one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet but you need to get to know him, first, and gain his trust as a friend. He truly values surrounding himself with people that positively impact his life. Also, he’s brilliant but I think a lot of people know that already.
- Drew: She moves out furniture out of the way to practice break-dancing sometimes. Even I don’t see it, I only see the aftermath.
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Hair | Angela O’Connell of Contempo Salon : Dubuque, IA
Makeup | Samantha Jones of Fringe Salon : Dubuque, IA
Dress Boutique | Cheryl Ann Bridals : Dubuque, IA
Tux Rental | Grahams Style Store for Men : Dubuque, IA
Caterer | L.May Eatery : Dubuque, IA
Wine | Park Farm Winery :Bankstown, IA
Florist | Konrardy’s : Dyersville, IA
Tent Rental | Riesburg Rentals : Dyersville, IA
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Planning your own lovely backyard wedding? I’d love to be your photographer! Drop me a line at candid.contrast.photo@gmail.com to see if I have your date available. <3
