The first wedding at The Hilltop Barn in Virginia, IL
[THE BLOG]
New beginnings: newlyweds in a new venue
Olivia reached out to me in 2025, ready to book, explaining that her parents were building a wedding venue in their backyard. It didn’t have a name yet, although they were toying with the idea, “The Hilltop Barn.”
Yes, you read that right.
I was completely shocked, like what do you mean-building?!?! I was incredibly excited to see how it would all turn out.
And y’all – it was better than we ever imagined.
There are very few wedding venues in Central Illinois that have both forest vibes AND a gorgeous large venue that doesn’t feel like a cabin. The Hilltop Barn combines both effortlessly. And the first ever wedding there? Also incredibly gorgeous, meaningful, and fun.
Getting ready in the Hilltop Barn
If you are looking for hair & make then call Emma and Jessica at Blondie’s Bridal!! They showed up early to take care of Olivia’s gals and wowowow they did an amazing job.
I arrived as Olivia was finishing her hair & make up in the upstairs loft of The Hilltop Barn. We chatted during detail shots before we grabbed dad for the first look.
Yeah like I already wanted to cry. This man built this venue, and his daughter was about to get married!!!! AHHHHHH!!!
Ryan was so nervous before the first look!!!
Ceremony in the grove of The Hilltop Barn
This WHOLE space used to be a grove of trees!!!! They cut most of them down to pave this ceremony spot. They decided on the focal point to be between these two beautiful, dead trees.
I know you’re dying to know who did these florals – that would be Ross at Rosebud & Co in Beardstown!
The ceremony in this grove of trees kiiiiiiind of reminds me of Bella & Edwards ceremony in Twilight, do you see it??
Crying because Olivia & Ryan helped build the ceremony platform.
THEY DID IT!!! Ryan had us in tears with his vows. Wowowowow. Now it was time for a few more family photos & to driiiink!!!!
Love this hand kiss moment. 🥹
When guests walked back to the venue, they walked by a wall of tequila, shots! Everyone was so ready for a party.
I love a good wedding day hug!! You could tell Olivia& Ryan were so loved by their people.
Dinner time!!!
Soon it was time for everyone to take their seats for dinner!! Food from Milanos Catering in Hillsboro.
Thank you for asking, no I will never be over this cake, literally ever. Shout out to Holly Cakes Bakery in Jacksonville for her literal magic.
Don’t forget to sign your marriage license!!
Skip sunset photos – do flash photos instead
After dinner, cake, and speeches, Olivia & Ryan and their friends stepped outside to chat, laugh, drink, and take photos.
I’ve noticed it’s an important thing we midwestern folks do at weddings- take a minute to decompress, have conversation with friends who aren’t sitting at your table, before coming back together for the dance floor.
As a former teacher, this makes sense! Everyone needs a break for a moment.
This was the PERFECT TIME for some portraits of Olivia & Ryan.
Sunset can be fun- do NOT get me wrong. But there is something super fun about flash photography.
Then we all transitioned back inside for the first dance, father-daughter dance, and the mother-son dance.
Partyyyyyy timeeeee at the Hilltop Barn
And that was the first ever wedding at THB. 🤍 if you can’t tell, I am so incredibly honored to be a part of this extra special day. The literal blood sweat and tears that brought this day together was truly amazing.
If you’re looking for a place to get married, I highly recommend this one of a kind venue. And, I would love to go back there for another wedding!! If you love my work, I would love to meet you there. 🤍
Shoutout to all the vendors that made this day possible:
Venue: The Hilltop Barn in Virginia, IL
Gown: @luxereduxbridal Reception dress:@girlsinwhitesatin
Hair & make up: @blondiesbridal
Tux: @menswearhouse
Florals: @rosebudco217
Rings: @shanecompany & @hudsonjewelers
Chairs: American Rentals
Catering: Milanos Catering in Hillsboro
Cake: @hollycakes_jax
DJ: Chris at @completeweddingsctil
String Quartet: The String Poets
Video: @iancarranza.photography
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Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
All love is affirmed & celebrated here.
I'll give you direction when you need it and space when you don't. I believe the best photos aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
Sometimes they're the ones where your best friend is crying. Your grandma is laughing.
Your partner is looking at you when you aren't paying attention. And someone is absolutely losing their mind on the dance floor.
Those are the photos I want to make.
I'm Rachael (she/her) by the way.
For the people who would rather be living the moment than posing for it.
