I knew from the moment we started Ashley & Jon’s engagement session back in June that their wedding day was going to be a real treat! They are so sweet and just overflowing with so much joy. They just light up around each other and it is honestly so much fun to photograph, that joy!

We had the best weather for their wedding day (unusually warm for October) and we found Ashley, her mom, and sister all relaxing in the hotel room. These are the best situations to walk into on a wedding day; that calm peacefulness that just puts you in a great mood. Because they had an adjoining suite, we were able to shoot all the detail shots in one room, while they snacked and finished makeup in the next.

Ashley’s aunt was the mastermind behind those magnificent braids that I still cannot get over!

Ashley and Jon didn’t see each other before the ceremony, but they did pray together and their excitement was palpable!

After the wedding, we headed over to Vander Veer Botanical Garden, where we had done their engagement session.  It was busy with so many photoshoots that day (we saw two other weddings, a second birthday photoshoot, a couple of family sessions, and so many high schoolers heading to homecoming), but with some patience, some skillful maneuvering, and using lots of bushes, trees, flowers, pillars, fountains, and the couple themselves to block out the background folks, we were successfully able to make it appear as if we had the entire garden to ourselves!

I cannot even begin to pick a favorite which is why there are so many images here! I’m not even a little bit sorry.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Cake Artist: Davenport HyVee

DJ: Gr8Dane Music Entertainment

Makeup: Christa Janowiak 

Hair: Jennifer Schwarz 

Paper Suite: The Knot Invitations

Gowns: Mia’s Bridal

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Venue & Catering: The J Bar Holiday Inn & Suites

Church: Hope Church