Kathryn + David | Dubuque, iowa wedding

April 12, 2017

Kathryn & David were married outside on a sunny August day. They stood under a hand-made altar, with a cornfield, an expansive blue sky, and puffy white clouds as the backdrop. Their closest friends and family surrounded them, including their dog Ben, who was an honorary groomsman. They read handwritten vows, Kathryn’s brother officiated, close friends & family read & sung.

They celebrated in a barn that was impeccably decorated, showing the many hours that Kathryn had worked. She told me she had put her heart and soul into this wedding, and I can honestly say, it showed. Everything was beautiful and unique, her signature was all over it.

Guests danced the night away, only pausing for an epic fireworks display provided by the hosts. I’m not joking when I say it was epic, it was one the best fireworks show I’ve ever seen… and yes I watch fireworks every fourth of July. 😉

Over the course of the day so much fun was had, and many happy tears were shed. Brides always try to hold back tears on their wedding day. It’s so familiar to me to see their face scrunch up with worry as they comment about ruining their makeup. You may lose a bit of mascara (keep it waterproof ladies), but what’s gained is so much more. The emotion showing through in your wedding photos will always be a piece of that story that you’ll tell again and again.

It was my absolute pleasure to witness & to capture Kathryn & David’s wedding day. Thank you two for letting me laugh and cry with you. What an amazing day.

Be sure to scroll to the end to read advice from the Bride & Groom, their favorite wedding day moments, their wedding day playlist, as well as the local vendors that helped make the day happen.

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{In Their Words}

What was your favorite moment from the wedding day?

David : “When my beautiful life partner was walking down the aisle and I had all of my guys standing up with me – and was surrounded by family and friends.”

Kathryn : “Everything! but really any of the moments Dave and I had together that day..our first look, especially on the stage at the Busted Lift, saying my vows and holding Dave’s hands, and right after the ceremony when we could say ‘we did it.'”

Any advice for future brides & groom?

“Be honest with yourself and spouse-to-be about what is really important to you on your wedding day. It can be easy to get swayed by family and friends or pinterest – but make your day like you want! Nothing is mandatory. And the worst best advice, that everything will work out. I hated hearing this throughout planning, but magically it really did. Just BREATHE! All of the stress is worth it.”

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

“[our dog] Ben barking to the song during the ceremony! He really stole the show 🙂 ”

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

“No – there are some things that could have gone differently, but at the end of the day we are married and had the best day of our lives.”

Are you going/did you go on a honeymoon?

“We went to Sheboygan, Wi, but are planning an international trip in 2017. We had a blast in Sheboygan – ate a lot of delicious food, laid by the pool, and got massages.”

{Wedding Day Songs}

bridal processional : Sea of Love – Cat Power

groom processional : Ball and Chain – Murder by Death

wedding party processional : Tunnels #2 (Neighborhoods) – Arcade Fire

bride and groom recessional : Sirens – The String Cheese Incident

wedding party introductions : Electric Feel – MGMT

first dance : This Must Be the Place – Talking Heads

father/daughter dance : In My Life – Johnny Cash cover

***

Ceremony + Reception | Private Residence : Dubuque, IA

Hair | Tommi Walsh @ Fringe Salon : Dubuque, IA

Make-Up | Britni Farber Beauty & Spa : Dubuque, IA

Dress Boutique | Bhldn : Chicago, IL

Wedding Dress | BHLDN, Anthropologie’s Wedding Line

Tux Rental | Zazou’s Bridal Boutique & Tuxedos : Dubuque, IA

Caterer | Blue Oliver, Kira Stephenson : Dubuque, IA

Cake/Baker | East Mill Bake Shop & Catering : Dubuque, IA

Florist | The Flower Shoppe at Steve’s Ace : Dubuque, IA

DJ | LNS Sounds, Luke Schaefer : Waterloo, IA

Decor | Inside Decor Rental : Dubuque, IA

Shuttle | Hangover Express : Dubuque, IA

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  1. […] At 8 months old, it was his first time at the beach!5. Ben was the most handsome groomsman for his parents’ outdoor wedding. He got so much attention from the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer, and plenty of belly rubs from the […]

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Located in Bellevue, Iowa
Serving Eastern Iowa +
Madison, WI + Galena, IL

Modern wedding photography & family documentary sessions in Dubuque Iowa, the Quad Cities, and beyond. Located in Bellevue. Documenting love stories in the everyday moments & the life changing ones. Focused on creating honest images.