Penny and Garrett are such a down-to-earth, friendly couple, and their love for each other is so sweet and so true. I loved photographing their Pere Marquette Lodge Wedding in early April.They were married on a cloudy and later rainy Sunday morning, but you would have never guessed the awful weather by gazing at the two of them. Their love for one another and cheerful, happy smiles were infectious and brighten up the entire lodge. I absolutely love this rustic wedding, and hope you will too!
I first met Penny and her family at a local Starbucks in St. Louis. She and her family drove all the way from Hannibal, Missouri (2 hours away) to meet with me! It was so sweet and thoughtful of them. I adored Penny the minute I met her. She came to our consultation with a big smile on her face, and she was so sweet and kind. I was so honored that she chose me to be her wedding photographer. Although I didn’t meet Garrett until their wedding day, I knew he had to be a great guy.
Penny and Garrett worked together and were friends for many years before their friendship transformed into true love. I think the best relationships start out that way! Your best friend should be your husband! Garrett did the time-honored tradition and asked for Penny’s hand in marriage a month before he proposed. She was delighted and of course said “Yes!” Their love was so sweet to behold. Enjoy these beautiful photos of their Pere Marquette Lodge Wedding in the small, fishing town of Grafton, Illinois.
Penny’s bouquet was made with sunflowers, a combination of real flowers and artificial ones. They brought a sweet touch of color to her champagne colored dress.
So many family heirlooms made this wedding so special to me. These pearls were Penny’s grandmother’s, and the wedding rings were kept on a checkered square, made from one of her late grandfather’s old shirts. I loved this sweet touch!
During their first look, there was nothing but love between the two of them. Penny smiled and giggled the entire time, and handsome Garrett smiled back at his gorgeous barefoot bride.
After their first look, we had a wonderful time shooting some bride and groom portraits around the Pere Marquette Lodge. The woods surrounding it are just stunning!
Penny wore a beautiful champagne wedding dress that she bought on Amazon. There as a small heart pinned on her dress in memory of her late father, who passed away unexpectedly when she was in elementary school. For her something borrowed, she wore her grandmother’s pearls and ring. Penny’s bouquet was made with sunflowers, a combination of real flowers and artificial ones.
What made this wedding very special for me was the “marriage rug” that they stood on during the ceremony. The wedding rings were kept on a checkered square, made from one of her late grandfather’s old shirts. I loved this sweet touch!
A family of musicians played gorgeous violin music as the ceremony began.
Penny’s stepfather walked her down the aisle, and he gave a sweet speech to the couple before giving her away. One of their close friends married them in this rustic Pere Marquette Lodge wedding.
After their wedding, the guests dined on coffee and a delicious brunch. What better way to spend a rainy Sunday morning than with delicious breakfast food, surrounded by your family and friends?
This wedding was darling, and I was surprised to learn that her total budget was only around $5,000! It was a gorgeous budget wedding, and I am honored that Penny and Garrett chose me to photograph such a special occasion!
Photography: Zoe Life Photography
Venue: Pere Marquette Lodge
Caterer: Pere Marquette Lodge
Florist: Griffen’s Flowers
Dress: Ubridal on Amazon
Jewelry: Kay’s Jewelers, McAdams
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Beautiful wedding !