Two days after Thanksgiving, we spent the day with Ethan and Megan for their wedding at the Celebration Farm just outside of Iowa City. From our photographer’s perspective, we love shooting there because we don’t have to leave the property and it’s easy to make things look awesome. In late fall, it helps when you have a relatively perfect day as well!
As I mentioned, we spent the entire day at the Celebration Farm, beginning with the girls getting their hair and makeup done. After they finished up, we took photos of Ethan getting dressed, which I’m relatively certain was the first time he has ever experienced that. He loved it, I’m sure, and I would assume he’s already hired an agent looking for more modeling opportunities.
We got Megan into her dress, and after she was ready to impress, she had first looks with her dad and with Ethan. We transitioned into photos of the bride and groom, and again, we were blessed to have such a nice November day that we were able to shoot everything outside comfortably. Even though there were no leaves on the trees, we found plenty of beautiful photo opportunities. You can tell that these two didn’t take themselves or this photo time overly serious. Some of these facial expressions … gold. 😆
As guests started arriving, the final preparations were made for the ceremony. During the ceremony, Scherie, the couple’s officiant for the wedding, the story of how they met. They matched on Tinder, and Ethan said that the thing that made him swipe right was that Megan had cows in her picture. 🙂 These two and their families are deeply rooted in farming, so that was a big deal. To further signify that, instead of mixing sand, or wine during the ceremony, their parents gathered soil from each of their family farms, and they took turns pouring that together instead. It was a particularly meaningful and emotional part of the ceremony that brought tears to many eyes. The tears were wiped away and a kiss was shared to finalize the ceremony. And then we immediately moved into the reception, which was in the same space.
There was dinner, there were toasts and then Ethan and Megan shared their first dance together. First dances in the DoubleRound barn have a grand feel to them with the vast space symmetrically surrounding the couple. Big fan. One bridesmaid, not to be named—but to be especially prominent in photographs here—was particularly fired up about the dance floor and keeping that area lively for the evening. Unnamed bridesmaid, we salute your efforts.
Ethan and Megan, we appreciate that you guys would choose to have us document your wedding story! Thank you for your trust and sharing your big day with us. We wish you guys all the best for a lifetime of love and happiness together!
Hair/Makeup – Steph Mueller
Flowers – Julie’s Fountain of Flowers
Catering – Ruzicka’s
Dress – The Bridal Shop
Officiant – Scherie Gates
Photographers – Carter Photography
