Farm Romance Wedding for Katie & Joel

06.19.21 | Private Property, Streator, IL

I first meet Katie and Joel in April 2021 (yes, 2 months before!) with their wedding day planned for June 19th, 2021. Our initial consultation came from a referral from their wedding photography, as they were planning a full scale wedding at their private home. The couple at the time had moved to Joel’s family farm in which they were not only planning a wedding, but also remodeling! Katie and Joel had a wedding vision for all of their family & friends to celebrate in their journey and thank each of them for being a part of their life. As a wedding coordinator you don’t always know what dream day the couple is creating and little did I know, how special their wedding day would become.

As their wedding coordinator so close to the wedding date, my role was to let the couple know I was in their corner. Not only were we finalizing all the details for a 300 guests wedding, large wedding party and still in the pandemic shuffle, but also having to bring all the vendors in for a remote wedding on the farm. After we had our consultation, we quickly started confirming all the vendor quotes, working on logistics of set up & tear down over a few days and helping to assist in redesigning elements of the reception, for their English garden-inspired wedding.

Their garden-inspired wedding officially has us in the feels of spring. With classic ivory color palette made modern with hints of dusty blue and mauve, and incredible floral details at every turn was enticing to the eye. From the alfresco garden ceremony to the incredible chic tent reception, planned a day that brought this couple’s big dreams to life. You’ll fall in love with every photo captured by Rebekah Albaugh, with the details of how the day unfolded.

You could tell flowers were Katie’s love language, with elaborate designs to be their main decor/focus of our day. Their florist elevated the ceremony by lining the aisle with lush arrangements and hanging florals on the arch to perfect pair with the soft draping. Katie’ bridal bouquet was a large hand-tied arrangement which perfectly balanced her ball gown and enhancing her beautiful smile. The florist added greenery to the tent poles and created a featured sweetheart table for the couple.

As the wedding started, all the guests were smiling & laughing. The space was filled with a glow from everyone that was there with special intentional moments in the ceremony, a meaningful memory table “generations of love”, thoughtful designed reception tent and a full reception timeline with all the wedding to-dos. When planning a large wedding I have a few tips for the couple:

One, do mixed tables of rectangle, round and square as to break up the space. Two, do your guests list by last name, not table number so it is easier for the guests to find their seat. Three, decide on one element you will make consistent for the wedding look. With their wedding the table setting was the same for all of the tables, even though the centerpiece and table size were different.

So what was my takeaway from this wedding day?…weddings aren’t about checking tasks off the list, but creating memories special to you two. When I’m asked “Why am I a wedding planner?” It’s because for me, to be able to encourage a couple through an overwhelming experience and then see them on their wedding day beaming with love surrounded with family & friends, is one of the most rewarding and continue blessing for me in my life’s career! Thank you Katie & Joel for choosing me as your planner and entrusting me with your wedding day 🖤

The Creative Professional Vendor Team

CUT it. The Kakery | GLOW it. The Beaute Bar | DRINK it. Creme of the Crop | PLAY it. Yazz Jazz Band | EAT it. Creme of the Crop | SMELL it. Flowers Plus | SNAP it. Rebekah Albaugh Photography | RENT it. Create A Scene, BBJ Linens, Blue Peak Tent, Forget Me Knot Rentals | SELECT it. Private Residence