Fall Wedding at The Barn at Fairview Acres | Abby + Kristopher

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Abby and Kristopher’s wedding day at The Barn at Fairview Acres really had it all. From intimate moments where they could just be present and exist with one another, to the genuine connections they create with their people being on full display, it was a day of love through and through!

I loved being able to play my part in this amazing experience, and while I’m sad that I can’t go back and do the day all over again, I AM thrilled that I can relive it here through their photos!

Getting Ready for Their Wedding at The Barn at Fairview Acres

The Barn at Fairview Acres isn’t a usual venue of mine as it strays a bit far from Central Illinois, but Abby and Kristopher chose it for good reason. The two knew they wanted a venue that had EVERYTHING they needed.

Between the separate getting ready spaces, the on-site coordinator, and the serene beauty that’s found both inside and out, the two immediately fell in love with the venue and never looked back!

From the very beginning of the day Abby and Kristopher were having the best time with their wedding party members and family. Abby’s mixed gender wedding party got to hang out together in their PJ’s the morning of, taking photos with newspapers covering the wedding day.

Kristopher and his guys spent their time playing pool, cracking jokes, and helping one another button their shirt cuffs as they prepared for the big day.

Once Abby was ready it was time for a special moment with her father. After seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time he gifted her a pearl necklace to wear, something he’d been putting together piece by piece since she was a kid. Little details like this are some of my favorite parts of any wedding as while small they add SO much personal feel and emotion to the day!

Next was Abby and Kristopher’s private first look and vow reading down the road from the venue.

I am a HUGE advocate of this as sometimes couples don’t want to read the super personal stuff in front of their guests. It also helped Kristopher as he was a little nervous as it was, but we also had some friendly ladybugs swarming us which kept things light!

After a sweet exchange of words it was time for some portrait photos.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at The Barn at Fairview Acres

We made our way back towards The Barn at Fairview Acres for some couples portraits, wedding party photos, and some family photos. By now the nerves had long since passed, and both Abby and Kristopher were goofing around and having THE best time together.

The nervous butterflies would be back soon enough for the ceremony, but for now they both were able to let loose and have some fun with those they love! The gorgeous grounds of Fairview Acres really set the scene for some wonderful portraits, as well as the ceremony space itself.

Soon guests began to take their seats for the outdoor ceremony, and it was time for Kristopher to walk down the aisle.

As he waited, members of his and Abby’s wedding party began to make their entrance, each stopping to give him a HUGE hug.

Then came the three flower grandmas who crushed it and had everyone smiling.

Then it was time for Abby to make her entrance, and WOW what a moment! The lighting, the smiles, Abby’s dress flowing with the light breeze, it was all just so perfect! Both her and Kristopher were smiling ear to ear for the entirety of their ceremony, and after being officially announced as newlyweds it was time to really get the party started!

A Night of Celebrating with Their Favorite People

During cocktail hour Abby and Kristopher’s guests were treated to a crossword puzzle as well as the newspaper going over the details of their relationship, both of which were huge hits!

As everyone found their tables inside The Barn at Fairview Acres, the wedding party members began making their entrances followed by the newlyweds themselves!

Then came some amazing speeches and fabulous food, a crucial part of fueling up before the epic dance party began.

Before starting the dances though, Abby, Kristopher, and I snuck out for some sunset portraits of just the two of them.

I love giving my couples time to really have a moment together alone, which is what I had Abby and Kristopher do after these portraits. It was the perfect opportunity for these two to just take a moment and be present with one another, before the PARTY that was around the corner!

The huge guest list meant a HUGE party, but it was still purposeful. Every person there was there for a reason, intentionally invited and celebrated with. It was an evening of pure joy with those they love most, dancing their hearts out to Pink Pony Club, Mr. Brightside, and tons of other hits!

Abby and Kristopher are some of the most kind, loving people, and I think their wedding day is a beautiful representation of that. I love the intentional wedding day these two created, and I am honored to have been a part of it! For more love stories be sure to check out my blog, and if you’re ready to book me to document your wedding in Central Illinois you can reach me through my contact page!