Moody Wedding at Countryside Banquet & Catering in Washington, IL | Elaina + Clayton

This past October began with a bang thanks to Elaina and Clayton’s romantic wedding at Countryside Banquet & Catering in Washington, Illinois! You might remember these two from their artful engagement session. If so you’ve probably been excited to see the wedding day these two created. I’m so happy to say that these two absolutely crushed the moody vibes for their day, and I cannot wait for you to see the amazing celebration they crafted!

Prepping for the Day

Elaina and Clayton’s wedding day began in the most stunning fashion, with Elaina and her gals spending the morning at Blackbird on the Drive! This gorgeous Airbnb is one of my favorites in Central Illinois, and is ideal for getting ready photos. The strikingly beautiful interior, and the distinct, all black exterior of the house makes for such a wonderful setting for the start of a wedding day.

I’ll never forget when I got Elaina’s inquiry in my inbox. She wanted moodier images with nontraditional vibes. Her delicate and stunning Murashka Wedding Atelier dress from Belle Atelier was the romantic & moody statement that set the day up for drama.

Once Elaina and her wedding party were ready, we made our way outside for some group portraits. We lucked out with THE most beautiful October day for their celebration. This meant we’d be able to enjoy the lovely outdoor ceremony space at Countryside Banquet & Catering!

Again, very obsessed with this Airbnb in Peoria Heights.

Moody Vibes for Their Wedding at Countryside Banquet & Catering

After taking some outdoor portraits of Clayton and his wedding party, it was time for the ceremony to begin. The outdoor brick patio of Countryside Banquet & Catering sits just outside of the Garden Tent where their reception would take place later. This patio is a breathtaking setting for a ceremony, and was perfect for the moody fall vibes that Elaina and Clayton were after.

Their flower girl was nervous to go alone! Her dad joined in the fun by her side.

With their friends and family all there to support them, their short, sweet, and simple ceremony was everything they wanted it to be!

Immediately after their ceremony we took the majority of the portrait photos for the day. First were family and more wedding party portraits before we snuck off for some newlywed portraits.

In preparation for their day, Elaina & I location scouted online and decided on the ICC Horticulture Land Laboratory & Arboretum for portraits. The statues and stonework mirrored their moody engagement session- everything came back full circle!

I LOVE this point of any wedding day as it’s such an amazing time for the couple. After the ceremony there are SO many emotions rushing through your head. Having time to just be present with your person is so special.

I mean, does this not look like their engagement session at Allerton??

Elaina and Clayton chose to elevate the emotion of the moment even further by sharing their private vows during this time.

So much of a wedding day is spent with friends and family-which is a ton of fun believe me. But having time where just the two of you can be present with one another like this is something I always recommend my couples prioritize! 

Candlelit Reception at Countryside Banquet & Catering

After sharing their vows and taking some time to enjoy each other’s company, it was time to start the party! We hopped in my car to head back to the Garden Tent of Countryside Banquet & Catering for the evening’s celebrations.

For the reception, they hired Joe the Art Guy to do amazing caricatures of their guests. He was a hit!

Their were string lights and abundance of candles on their tables! This gave the space a moody and romantic vibe that was legitimately magical.

They got married on the 30th birthday of one of the bridesmaids (above left). So Clayton insisted we sing happy birthday to her!

There were heartfelt toasts from their loved ones, emotional first dances, and an epic photo booth session. Elaina and Clayton got to enjoy their wedding day to the absolute fullest!

New wedding tradition: loser gets cake in face. How does it work? The persons of honor run around the room, collecting money from anyone holding it up. Once the time is up, they count the money. Whichever side has the most money, that person gets to put cake in the other’s face. The money is gifted to the couple.

Clayton lost, and took it like a champ. Elaina graciously cleaned his face from the mess.

I’m just so in love with everything about Elaina and Clayton. Their impeccable taste and style, the connections they share with those they love, and of course the love between them that brought us all here today, it’s all so wonderful.

Congratulations to these two on the unforgettable wedding they created at Countryside Banquet & Catering, and thank you for choosing me to be a part of the experience! For a look at some of my other weddings and wedding planning tips head on over to the blog, and if you’re looking to have me document your love story be sure to send me an inquiry today!

Vendors

Dress: Belle Atelier, Murashka

Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Hair: Love Is In The Hair

Florals: GP Miller Floral

Photo Booth: Complete Weddings and Events

Signage: Boogie Art House, Pipi Printables