I’m just here to declare what you already know. Sunshine in late fall just looks really, really good! As the leaves turned their brilliant hues for the last few days of fall, the Celebration Farm outside of Iowa City was the backdrop for Patrick and Sabrina’s wedding day. The forecast called for cloudy skies all day on their late October date, but nature seemed to join in the celebration, as unexpected rays of frequent sunshine pierced through the overcast skies, casting a golden glow that enhanced the magic of the day’s best moments.
We started the day with Sabrina getting into her bedazzled wedding dress. Trust me, ‘bedazzled’ is appropriate. She then shared a series of reveals, or first looks. The first of these reveals was with her dad, in the presence of their cherished “Struggle Bus,” a vintage VW bus they have been working on together as a father/daughter project. Things didn’t go exactly as planned though, as dad had to jump start the engine just to get the bus in position! After getting the Struggle Bus in place, dad still didn’t exactly understand what was happening. I asked him to turn around (with some sense of urgency) so that he would not see Sabrina, who was beginning to walk around the corner. He told me plainly, “She’s my daughter. I can look at her whenever I want.” Yes, except for right now. So dad learned what a first look with the bride was, and he also learned that it can make him cry, because his moment with Sabrina brought tears to his eyes. In fact, Sabrina went 3-for-3 in terms of making others cry when they saw her in her wedding dress. Patrick was next, and as he turned around to see his bride in her sparkling wedding dress, basking in the golden sunlight, he was overcome as well. It was a beautiful moment in an absolutely gorgeous setting. The final reveal was with Patrick’s parents, and they were also undone by the weight of the moment. Wedding days are a big deal!
The colors at the Celebration Farm were absolutely prime. Patrick and Sabrina leaned into the hues of the season with browns, oranges, yellows and greenery in their color scheme. We also found a spooky, yet hip Halloween mix on Spotify that set the vibe for our outdoor photo time. We were all in with fall, and we had a great time.
Despite the chilly temperatures, Patrick and Sabrina exchanged their vows in the outdoor amphitheater, which was enveloped by the vibrant fall colors that created a breathtaking panorama. It was a short and sweet ceremony, and before we knew it, there was a newly married couple that was walking back up the stairs in a storm of bubbles.
As the evening progressed, guests were treated to a delicious dinner in the warmth of the Double Round Barn, served by Peppercorn Food Company. DJ Nathan Kabat kept the celebration on track and the dance floor full with excellence. It was a great day, and a great night.
We finished the day with Patrick and Sabrina beneath the amphitheater arches, where they first saw each other on their wedding day. Now cloaked in the allure of nightfall, we captured the couple in a series of dramatic nighttime photos to put a bow on the day.
Patrick and Sabrina, thank you for choosing to have us document and be a part of your big day! May you guys be blessed and enjoy a lifetime of love and happiness together!
Hair/Makeup – Groovy Katz
Flowers – Hy-Vee (Dodge St)
Cupcakes – Scratch Cupcakery
DJ – Kabat Events
Dress – The Bridal Shop
Suits – The Bridal Shop / Groom – Men’s Wearhouse
Catering & Bar – Peppercorn Food Company
Photographers – Carter Photography
