What a perfectly beautiful day for Gina & Nick’s wedding!! I had been so excited for their wedding ever since they booked a year and a half ago. Their original wedding date was set for last September, but they rescheduled early on in the pandemic because they really hoped to be able to host a party uninhibited by health restrictions (or, at the very least, that a vaccine would be available; hurray!). So now, almost a year later, they are finally married and it was truly the most perfect day for them!

It was a hot (it’s August so that’s not a shocker), but breezy day in Galena and the views in the countryside at Ashton Hill Farm are incredible. I loved most of all the wall of windows in the reception space overlooking the ceremony space which also overlooks the as-far-as-you-can-see hills and valleys of mature trees. (I can only imagine how gorgeous this must look every fall, that last week of September, when the leaves are all at peak color!)

Gina & Nick chose a classic black and white color scheme and, truly, the venue itself, with it’s white walls and black trim and details, made the entire look so polished and classy. I have had so much fun with Gina and Nick all along the way, from the emails and planning to their arboretum engagement session to now their wedding and I am so thrilled to see their friendship and companionship continue throughout their lifetime.

Before their first look they both, separately, commented to me how they just missed the other. They couldn’t wait to see each other and it wasn’t strictly out of excitement, but more that feeling of missing someone who is usually always by your side. First looks are always so fun, and theirs was so sweet to see.

Their wedding party consisted almost exclusively of their immediate family members! Gina has one sister and Nick has two sisters and three brothers so all those siblings plus spouses and a couple of friends made for a beautiful, full party.

The ceremony space is a short walk down from the outdoor patio and the views are breathtaking. If this doesn’t give you reason to skip the church ceremony and opt for the great outdoors, nothing will.

Inside, Elle & Beck’s homemade gelato bar was serving up amazing treats (a perfect antidote to the heat outside!) and I made sure to get their information so that every other wedding I shoot can steal this idea!!

Bob & Lou’s coffee camper set up out by the patio for the evening, serving up the most delicious brew I’ve ever sipped. I couldn’t decide what to get so they offered to surprise me and I simply requested, “Something sweet and cold.” And my gosh…I am now an enthusiastic fan of Bob & Lou’s.

We made it out for sunset photos without a minute to spare. I nabbed these photos right before the sun dipped over the horizon!

They really wanted lots of photos of people dancing and having fun and given that there’s a lot more where these came from, I am happy to say we succeeded! Having a live band is always a great idea to keep the dance floor full!

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Venue: Ashton Hill Farm Galena

Videography: Salem Media Productions

Florals: River Valley Designs

Cake Artist: Wedding Day Bakery

Catering: The Rafters

Band: Soda

Hair & Makeup: Femme Beauty Lounge

Paper Suite: Allegra

Bridal Gown: Kitty Chen from Eva’s Bridal International

Maids’ Gowns: Bill Levkoff

Suits: Zazou’s Bridal Boutique & Skeffington’s Formal Wear

Decor: Anne & Ellis

Coffee Camper: Bob & Lou’s

Gelato Bar: Elle & Beck’s