Carrying on a generational tradition, Caitlin and Brad were wed in the same church–St. Patrick’s Catholic Church–that her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were married. While that alone made their day a special tribute, Caitlin added in some more special details like this Bible that has been carried for generations. In the back of the cover is a list of names and wedding dates and I love that Caitlin & Brad will be added to that list now.

Caitlin and her maids got ready in the church. There was a beautiful bridal suite for them and Jenn had it filled with food, water, and everything they could possibly need. For me, from a photography standpoint, it had some big windows that let in natural light (as most people know, a really hard accomplishment in old churches!) and I was so glad to have the space to photograph all of Caitlin’s details.

Caitlin & Brad shared a first look and read letters to each other they had written. While I couldn’t hear what was being read, their smiles said all that I needed to know.

After the ceremony, we went to The Celebration Farm, where the reception was being held. While guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the Timber Frame barn, I grabbed the bridal party for some photos outside.

It would pay to make note of the weather at this point. We had one of the most humid, suffocatingly hot days of the summer. I have never shot bridal party photos so quickly because I knew everyone was just melting. Yet, surprisingly, just a few hours later when I took Caitlin and Brad back out for some evening photos, the humidity had lifted and suddenly it felt like a different day altogether! The best part of all of this is that everyone came with their A-game and best attitudes and even though we were all sweating buckets, we kept smiling and the photos don’t give away the discomfort at all. Aren’t they just the classiest??

The reception itself was held in the Double Round barn and the decor was all Caitlin had dreamed of.

While the guests finished dinner, I took Caitlin & Brad outside for a few more photos. Like I said, the humidity had lifted considerably and, though still a summer evening, it was much more comfortable! Love that we had this chance to slow down and relax a bit.

While Caitlin was attending the University of Iowa, Brad was a few hours away at Iowa State. The in-state school rivalries are strong and Caitlin’s grandfather built these bean bag toss games for their wedding.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Harper Hadley Events

Videography: Nepo Productions

Florals: Hy-Vee Davenport Utica Ridge

Catering & Cake Artist: Hy-Vee Davenport Utica Ridge

DJ & Uplighting: Unique Events

Makeup & Hair: Blaze Salon

Paper Suite: Zephyr Weddings

Bridal Gown: Liancarlo from Maggie Louise Bridal Boutique

Maids’ Gowns: Bella Bridesmaids

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

Reception Venue: The Celebration Farm