My adventures with Dalton and Emily are some of my favorite. They found me through Facebook and some mutual friends as Emily went to college with my husband at Culver-Stockton College. At the time of their engagement they were located in Florida, and I just happened to be coming to Florida to visit. We met up at Indian Rocks Beach and snapped the SWEETEST engagement pictures in a landscape that felt more like home to them. They returned to the midwest for their wedding on Saturday, May 21, 2022. It was a day full of blue hues, lots of cheers, and so much love. They had a large and incredibly supportive bridal party with eight bridesmaids and eight groomsmen. Their families were ever present. Their wedding day had a large chance of rain but Dalton & Emily did not blink an eye at it, and we even got some sunshine for their portraits. Keep scrolling to get just a sneak at their day step by step.

We started our day with images of their details and the couple getting ready.

After the ceremony, we headed to The Carthage Lake for their bridal party and couple portraits. I’m not going to lie; this bridal party was intimidating to walk into at first. Normally the larger the bridal party, the more chaos. But not with this group. They had nothing but love and celebration for their sweet friends that were getting married. We had SO much fun while cruising through portraits so the *real* party could get started.

I did mention that this bridal party was the most fun, right!? I think those pictures prove that.

After the first dances at the reception, we snuck away for some GOLDEN hour portraits on the steps of the church next door to their reception. I always recommend my couple to do this. Yes, the pictures are gorgeous, but even more important, it gives you a moment to breathe and relax on your wedding day. It’s a moment to step back and soak in all of the love that has already happened on your wedding day.

Kind words from the bride:
“Rachel is amazing as a photographer in every way. She responds quickly, answered all of my questions, and made me and my fiancé/husband feel incredibly comfortable! The pictures she gave us were beautiful and so natural looking. I was literally crying over how good all of the pictures turned out. She is seriously such an amazing photographer and we are so happy we chose her to capture our day!!!”

Vendors:
Makeup: Blush by Cassidy
Wedding Dress: Sarah’s Bridal Gallery
Church: Immaculate Conception Church in Carthage, IL
Reception Hall: St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Fort Madison, IA
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Engagement Ring: Diamond Mansion