Gretchen & I follow each other on Instagram, a.k.a. the better-than-Facebook. So I knew, leading up to the wedding, the time and energy that her, Mike, and their families and friends put into making it all perfect. I mean, months and months ago, she was making adorable hair pins for her bridesmaids! During the reception, I was laughing with a few of them because they said, “She can do no wrong. Like, she’s on of those people who, if she wasn’t so darn sweet & genuine & beautiful inside, you’d want to hate her!”

The reality is, Gretchen is all of those things. And her and Mike together, they somehow complement each other to be even better than they are as individuals, which is pretty great already.

Everyone got ready at the Hampton Inn in Muscatine. I love that it’s normal now for me to enter a calm, happy wedding suite. Somehow, it always still surprises me that people aren’t stressing, but, then again, leading up to the wedding day, I keep reminding them to enjoy and relax. My brides are definitely taking my advice to heart!

Gretchen’s stunning Watters gown couldn’t have been more perfect for her. The lace detailing and the stunning back (with the buttons–oh, the buttons!)…it was all so pretty. Further proving Gretchen’s generous heart, after the wedding she is donating her gown to Brides Against Breast Cancer.

This stunning pearl bracelet was a wedding gift from Mike.

Pay special attention to the bicycle. I’ll show you where it pops up again later.

They are huge Cardinals fans…that theme played out through many of their small details.

This gorgeous bouquet by Blooming Ideas pulled in the yellows beautifully.

Stunning!

See what I mean about the buttons? They went all the way to the bottom of the train.

We went to a trail along the river in Muscatine for Mike & Gretchen’s first look.

The view on the left is mine and the right is Kevin’s.

Part of Gretchen’s wedding gift to Mike were these Cardinals cufflinks. The funny thing was that he opened up the rest of the gifts and missed the cufflinks so, since I knew beforehand what he was getting, we had to call in some help to find them. Thankfully, he hadn’t thrown the box away!

This is the same quilt we used in their engagement session. It was made by Gretchen & her mom.

These ladies made me laugh so much! What an amazingly fun bridal party!!

Don’t they all have the same beautiful smiles?! Love this family!

Their ceremony and reception were at the Rendezvous in Muscatine.

Their vows were so sweet!

Remember how I told you to watch for the bicycles? Look in the banner to the right! Boom. It all comes together.

Their cake topper was so cute! Mike in his Cardinal shirt and Birdie, oh Birdie. Also, I love that their eyes are the correct color.

All the photographers getting in on the fun.

And the toasts made everyone laugh.

Gretchen’s mom made the cakes, which were stunning!

The dessert table…talk about delicious.

Their first dance was beautifully choreographed and so graceful!

They did a dollar dance and all the money is going to be donated along with her dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer.

The ladies had a special moment together…so obviously the guys decided to have their own.

Gretchen & Mike, I’m so grateful to have been part of your wedding day! You two bring such life to those around you and I’m so incredibly glad to have gotten to know you over the past 8 months! Xo, Emily

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Venue: The Rendezvous Banquet Hall

Officiant: Pastor Gary Ellis

Hair & Makeup: Candy of Salon Incognito

Florals: Blooming Ideas

DJ: Wink’s Entertainment

Catering: A Guy & A Grill