Galena Illinois Wedding – Cathy and Jeff
Engagement, Love, Stories Documented //
I have so much to say about Cathy and Jeff’s incredibly special wedding celebration that I really do not know where to start… except for the very beginning! Way back on October 29, 2013, we received an incredibly thoughtful email from Cathy and Jeff, introducing themselves, sharing the news that they were getting married, and asking us to be their wedding photographers! I remember that email so clearly! It was the kind of the email where both Ryan and I gathered around the computer with crazy excitement reading it and re-reading it! Their hearts exploded from the computer screen and we just knew they were definitely “our couple!”
Cathy and Jeff planned an intimate wedding in their sweet small town of Galena, IL. Their closest family and friends gathered to witness them exchange vows that brought love out of everyone! The day was GORGEOUS… complete with one of the heaviest rain showers that came and went in pretty much the exact time of the ceremony! The rain could have very easily made any bride cry… but Cathy and Jeff rolled with it… as we know they will in all of the adventures of their years to come together! They definitely know how to make every day the best day of their lives!
Can I just mention how incredibly honoring and humbling it is to be asked by two professional photographers to come to their hometown and photograph their wedding day?! Goodness! They could have asked any photographer… and they chose to ask us to document this AMAZING chapter in their beautiful love story. That is such an incredible gift to us and one that we will always hold close to our hearts! It was such an honor!
Cathy and Jeff… THANK YOU. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of love. Thank you for your AMAZING hospitality in the sweetest mid-west town of Galena! And Thank you for giving us an opportunity to witness and document your fun love! Congratulations to you and we wish you a lifetime of AMAZING adventures to come! XOXO!
Cathy and Jeff put together a sweet team of wedding professionals to help make their wedding day the Best Day Ever! Huge thanks to all of you! And extra HUGE thanks to Rodney… he came to my rescue when the clouds opened up and held my umbrella for me the whole time! We are so grateful!!! ;)
Day of Coordinators: Rodney Rodriguez and Brandi Arnesdorf | Hair Stylist: Maggie Richardson | Makeup Artist: Merle Norman Cosmetics | Florist: Garden Party Florist | Venue: Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages | Officiant: Misty Emmons | Caterer: Victory Cafe Catering | Bakery: Wedding Day Bakery | DJ: The After Party | Bridal Party’s Attire: I Do Bridal | Wedding Bands: James Martin Jewelers | Photography: Liz and Ryan