On the first day of July, the sun shone down brilliantly on the barns at Celebration Farm. Inside the Double Round, the reception details were being put in place, while inside the Timber Frame, the ladies were eating sandwiches and finishing up hair and makeup. Maddie was relaxed and calm, excited to see her groom.
Maddie & Matt had their first date back in February of 2014, having met a couple weeks before. “Matt first laid eyes on me when I was out for a friend’s birthday [in downtown Iowa City]. One of my friends started talking to one of his friends and she kept trying to set us up.” It wasn’t until later when both of their parties moved to another bar that she finally went over and sat next to him and started talking.
Their first date was 10 days later. “I was so impressed because Matt called me to set up our first date! In an era full of texting, this gesture was very meaningful to me. I was very nervous because I wasn’t sure if he would still like me, but I was hopeful because I knew we had so much in common,” she says. One of Matt’s coworkers, a mutual friend of mine, told me she takes credit for that phone call saying she encouraged him to call Maddie specifically for the reason that Maddie would most likely only be expecting a text.
So now, a little over 3 years later, they were married under the blue skies in the outdoor amphitheater. Congratulations, Maddie & Matt! I wish you a lifetime of true joy and happiness together!
These earring studs were a gift from Maddie’s dad to her mom on their wedding day and now a gift from her mom to her on her own wedding day.
Maddie’s stunning gown had no zipper so she had to shimmy into it (with lots of help) early in the morning before hair and makeup. If you look closely in some of the other photos, you can see the high illusion neckline, though it was nearly invisible to spot!
Maddie & Matt exchanged gifts just prior to seeing each other for the first time. I loved seeing these sweet, calm moments in the day.
Maddie and Matt chose a first look so they could do all of their photos beforehand. This is also a huge relief for anyone who gets nervous or anxious about walking down the aisle with everyone watching (that was me on our wedding day!). Seeing each other breaks all those nerves and helps you focus exactly on what your day is all about: your commitment.
These beaming smiles!! <3
Maddie, you are a vision!!!
As I took this photo of Matt, Maddie was over to the side whistling. 🙂
There were very few shaded areas for a large group, but we managed to find this spot close to the trees for the bridal party photos and I think it’s perfect!
Cocktail hour was held in the Timber Frame barn and while that was happening…
…we took a quick trip to the fire station for a couple of photos of Maddie & Matt with the fire truck. (Matt is an Iowa City firefighter!)
They chose donuts in lieu of a cake!
During the reception, I snuck them back outside for a few quick sunset photos. The light was stunning at this time of day and these photos are always some of my favorite, wedding after wedding.
While back inside, the party continued!
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Photography: Emily Crall Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Town or Country Event Design & Coordination
Venue: The Celebration Farm
Videography: Kerschner Candids
Florals: Hy-Vee Wilson Avenue
Donuts: Hurts Donuts
Catering: Local Burrito
Makeup: Lindsey Coblentz
Hair: Salon Aria
Paper Suite: Zephyr Weddings
Bridal Gown: Olvi from Panache Bridal
Maids’ Gowns: XOXO Bridal
Suits: Holley’s Shop for Men
Photo Booth: Weddings by Carue
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