This stylish wedding at our bride’s family farm is southern charm at it’s finest. With a strong emphasis on family, the event brimmed with personalized touches that showcased the couple’s love and appreciation for their loved ones and each other. Sara Reddick Events planned and designed the romantic day, weaving a tapestry of vibrant colors and carefully curated touches that set the stage for a truly magical celebration. Every cherished moment of the day was exquisitely captured by the oh-so-talented Justine Wright Photography, preserving the beauty and emotion for generations to come. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the fun.
Lauren and Bryan’s enchanting outdoor wedding was held at the picturesque bride’s family farm in Ursa, Illinois on July 30, 2022. The couple’s sentimental touches and nods to their individual styles and upbringings made the day truly unforgettable. Lauren’s dress was Anne Barge from House of White Bridal Boutique in Newburgh, IN. Her pearls were her late grandmother Nancy’s that she wore and her veil was her sister’s. As many of their guests traveled to Ursa for the occasion, Lauren was determined to showcase her love for her family and their charming Midwest home. “I am a very sentimental person and every detail of our wedding showed just that. Marrying a farmer from Kentucky, I know I am going to live there forever so I wanted everyone in our lives to see where I’m from. Having the wedding at the farm was perfect and the tent had a view of my childhood home that my great grandparents built” Lauren fondly recounted. The invitation suite, masterfully created by Invited by LamaWorks, featured shades of blue and the couple’s highlighted flower, blue hydrangeas. Their personalized watercolor crest, skillfully crafted by Simply Jessica Marie, was used throughout the wedding design and could be seen on the couple’s invitations, welcome drink, bartender’s aprons, and bourbon bar placemats. Lauren and Bryan’s traditional floral arrangements had subtle pops of color and texture, with blue hydrangeas taking center stage. This stunning summer flower was a perfect choice for the couple’s Midwest summer day.
After the ceremony at Quincy University Chapel, Lauren’s father surprised her with her Grandma Nona’s 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk as their getaway car. This deeply sentimental gesture made the couple’s day both exciting and emotional. “When Bryan and I exited the church, I was shocked to see Nona’s Golden Hawk sitting there for Bryan and me to ride in… Nona was an important figure in my life and lost her battle with cancer in June. She was so excited for our wedding, and although she wasn’t there, I know Bryan and I had her blessing.” Lauren said. Two hundred of Lauren and Bryan’s nearest and dearest enjoyed a cocktail hour and reception on the beautiful lawn overlooking the family farm. The layout included a magnificent tent, personalized bars, a charming seating area, and nostalgic views. During cocktail hour, guests were treated to a refreshing lemonade adorned with Lauren and Bryan’s customized crest. This welcome drink was the epitome of hospitality and an excellent way to introduce guests to their enchanting reception. Dulcimer guitar music enjoyed throughout cocktail hour was a tribute to the bride’s late grandmother Nancy, who used to play the instrument. Lauren explained that “the music made me feel like she was there.”
The signature cocktails were named after the couple’s beloved dogs, Louie and Luna. Lauren’s cocktail, a margarita, was garnished with a pink ribbon tied into a feminine bow at the stem of the glass. Bryan’s Jamison and ginger beer was completed with custom corn branded drink stirrers. The bartenders wore light blue bow ties and branded aprons featuring their watercolor crest. While guests mingled and sipped their cocktails, a live painter, Florelle Rodenberg, captured the scene to perfection. Honoring the bride’s family’s midwest seed business, Lauren and Bryan’s wedding included a subtle theme of corn throughout. While remaining elegant and charming, touches of corn were included in the couple’s custom crest, drink stirrers, and bourbon tasting bar. Bourbon – a whiskey distilled predominately from corn – holds a distinctive sweet flavor and is a favorite beverage of Bryan’s. Guests were invited to sample Basal Hayden, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses Small Batch and Weller on custom tasting placemats. The Illini moment with my grandpa Larry was so special. He was part of the marching Illini at the university of Illinois where I also attended (and my dad and sister) so we had him sing the Illinois school song “hail to the orange” for everyone as the guests all joined in and swayed around him. Upon entering the magnificent tent for the dinner reception, guests were greeted by a stunning display of multiple textured blue and white linens, exquisitely arranged to create the perfect foundation for their place settings. The grand five-tier wedding cake, adorned with Lauren and Bryan’s custom crest, stood proudly in the center of the dance floor, commanding attention and awe from all in attendance. Guests were presented with a delectable array of blackberry almond, red velvet, and vanilla tea cake flavors. As the night progressed, family and friends raised flutes elegantly accented with blue chiffon bows, and joyously danced the night away, surrounded by the warm, flickering glow of candlelight.
Photography: Justine Wright Photography | Cinematography: The Film Jar | Design: Florelle Studio | Event Design: Sara Reddick Events | Event Planning: Sara Reddick Events | Floral Design: Right Touch Florals | Wedding Dress: House of White Bridal Boutique | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Cake: Sweet and Flour Cakes | Invitations: Invited By LamaWorks | Invitations: Simply Jessica Marie | Ceremony Venue: St. Francis Solanus Chapel | Reception Venue: Lewis Seed Co/Lewis Family Farm | Catering: Hy-Vee | DJ: Porta Party DJs | DJ: Jean Murray- Guitar | DJ: Judith Schmidt- Dulcimer | Beauty: Lana McPike | Beauty: Lauren Lee Beauty | Beauty: Hair Affair | Beauty: Tavish Artistry | Rentals: Celebrations Party and Event Rental | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola