Outdoor Lakeside Wedding at Lakeview Country Club, Loda, IL

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Drew + Kailey’s wedding was everything you would expect out of an Illinois fall wedding, and then some. From perfect fall colors (from both the florals and the scenery) to unpredictable fall weather, I feel like we checked all the boxes and I honestly wouldn’t have had it any other way. Kailey had even texted me on Tuesday when it looked like rain was possible, and I told her that in IL, we never freak out until the day of, and even then, it still does whatever the hell it wants to. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Kailey was one of my seniors from one of the very first classes I ever photographed, and I knew right then that she was one of the most genuine, fun loving, sweet people I’d ever come across. I hadn’t known Drew as well other than around town (thank you, small town living) but with Kailey’s personality she was sure to find a match just as caring and outgoing. These two have been together since high school, which can be tough – I know! But marrying your high school sweetheart means that you’ve learned to grow and adapt and overcome so many things together, and I really think that says a lot for their future going forward already.

The day was a wonderfully chilly fall day, with overcast skies (perfect for an outdoor ceremony) and foliage just on the brink of changing as Kaula and I met up with the girls at the cutest salon uptown Paxton, Bijoux Hair Boutique. The owner, Dawn, was so gracious and sweet and let me almost totally rearrange the front half of the salon because, as we all know by now, light. is. everything. 😂 I’m soooo grateful that she did because WAIT until you see these photos, like OMG.

Once Kailey was dressed, we headed to Lakeview Country Club for their first look and it. was. precious. The love that Drew has for Kailey was so clear and he had all of us photographers and videographers in tears right along with him. 😂  He said it best though, that’s the best part about a first look: NO PRESSURE. You’re not being stared down by 100 of your friends and family as she walks down the aisle, it’s just you and the one you love, in a private moment together. They’re so sweet.

The ceremony started and the little bit of sun that had popped out was no longer, and with every song sang and prayer made it got darker and darker to the west. So once they were announced husband and wife and walked back down the aisle, we booked it to do their bridal photos before the rain came in. Of course, I think all we ever got was a heavy sprinkle, it was still great timing that we got them done when we did! The reception was a blast and I don’t think anyone could have had a bad time, with hilarious toasts and sweet dances to start out the night, but my favorite part was getting out IN that rain. Kailey had told me early in the day, “I’m only going to wear this dress once so if it’s worth it I’ll get it dirty if I need to.” – so immediately I knew we’d head out after dark in the rain for some lighted portraits, and daaammnnnnn they’re good if I don’t say so myself. 😂

THE PROPOSAL

“We went and saw my grandparents during the day and his one request was that we were back in time to “scout deer” around 6. We got to the house a little late, I was running around trying to get the dogs let out (he was putting along) screaming “come on, if you wanna go look for deer we better hurry!” He grabbed me in the livingroom and was like “I love you” and I’m like “I love you too come on!” And he’s like “no I really love you” as he got down on one knee in the middle of our livingroom. It was perfect with just the two of us!!” – Kailey

Kailey, Drew, thank you from the bottom of my heart for having the utmost trust in me for your wedding day. I had a blast with you both. Kailey you were a champ for overcoming obstacles (like having to CUT your train after getting stepped on and letting me help you with your “under dress”) and I’ll never forget those hilarious moments. 😂 Drew, I know you’ll take care of her as she will you, and it was so great to get to work with both of your families on such a big day. Here’s to married life! 🍻 #abouttimeSchrodt

I MEAN COME ON WITH THIS GORGEOUSNESS 🤩🤩🤩

Doesn’t this just SCREAM fall?! 😍

The Lakeview Country Club in Loda was such an adorable setting for this fall wedding! It was my first wedding on the grounds in Loda!

A quick stop to Murdock’s in Loda before heading back to the Lakeview Country Club in Loda!

A little rain never scared me away! Bring on any rainy day wedding and we can get amazing shots like THIS!