Farm Wedding with Emma & Austin

05.22.21 | Millers Farm, Gifford, IL

I first meet Emma and Austin in February 2020 with their wedding day a year away, and no anticipating for the year to come. 

Our initial consultation took place in my office in town, where I quickly learned their vision was to have a beautiful design and seamless wedding day. The couple had just got engaged in Costa Rica while on a friend’s trip, high up in the trees zip-lining! I immediate new after hearing that engagement story, what a fun couple this would be to work with as they started their wedding journey. As we continued to talk I could tell their wedding day was important to them both. They valued sharing the day with the close family & friends and have a big celebratory party! 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. 

Their wedding was originally planned to be at a modern barn in the prairie lands of Champaign. This barn venue had high metal beams, large windows and a one-of-kind modern wood exterior. We started the design process with the overall look to be elegant, modern, romantic and timeless with an overall style of French Country, but not Shabby Chic. However, once the pandemic started we had to pivot and move the wedding venue to a rural farmhouse in Gifford. Now, this barn venue was a bit more rustic but the property was on a beautiful secluded farmland. The venue had high beam ceilings, white brick walls and a large barn doors. The couple graciously worked with me to tweak their wedding vision as we brought their French Country inspired wedding to the farmlands. Their french country-inspired wedding officially has us in the feels of farmhouse chic. With classic ivory color palette made classic with hints of blush and sage, and incredible floral details at every turn was enticing to the eye. From the alfresco ceremony overlooking the farm, to the timeless barn reception, planned a day that brought this couple’s big dreams to life was a dream. You’ll fall in love with every photo captured by Brad Hart, with the details of how the day unfolded. You could tell aesthetics were Emma’s love language, with elaborate draping, lush florals & romantic tablescapes.

As the wedding started, you could feel a light breeze over the ceremony site as the guests took their seats with a beautiful wooden arch. As the violin music came to an end, and the ceremony concluded, the guests eagerly smiled to one another. When planning an indoor & outdoor wedding I have a few tips for the couple: One, make sure you have a back up plan if weather issues arise. Two, when you host your cocktail reception outside make sure food it is shaded, away from the sun. Three, decide on one element you will make consistent for the wedding look. We had beautiful ivory charmed table linens throughout the reception room with ivory napkins. So what was my takeaway from this wedding day?…the unity of two people is the culmination of the love & support of their family and friends. 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 Emma & Austin for choosing me as your planner and entrusting me with your wedding day. 🖤

The Creative Professional Vendor Team

CUT it. Pollen & Pastry | GLOW it. Hansen & Co | DRINK it. Miller’s Farm | PLAY it. Complete Weddings & Events and Barbara Hedlund | EAT it. Blue Dragonfly Catering | SMELL it. Floral Design Studio | SNAP it. Brad Hart Photography | RENT it. Herriotts, BBJ Linens, Willow & Ivory, Alpha Lit | SELECT it. Miller’s Farm