A Rustic-Elegant Starved Rock Wedding: Ariel + Rick

Nestled back among acres and acres of wilderness, lies one of the coziest, woodland retreats. Starved Rock State Park is beyond rich in history, and the canyons and bluffs are quite unexpected in the flat lands of our state. From the moment you drive in the park, you have reached a destination like none other. The Starved Rock Grand Hall where Ariel and Rick vowed their lives to one another was the perfect backdrop for their rustic- elegant Wedding Day style. Candlelight flickered, lace and burlap galore, and a special kind of love is exactly what we had the pleasure of documenting.

The Winter had been long this year, but the sun came shinning through and Spring temperatures were starting to melt the last of the snow on Ariel and Rick’s Wedding day. We arrived to Starved Rock in the late morning, and I immediately went to the Bridal Suite where all the girls were getting ready. The bride-to-be, and the bridesmaids were all wearing brightly colored floral robes that were just gorgeous. This was just a glimpse into their rustically, romantic and creatively planned day. Ariel, beamed as she took in every single moment with her twin sister, mom, and best friends.

Ariel and Rick met many years ago, but they don’t remember the exact moment. You see, Ariel’s older brother and Rick were best friends since childhood, so naturally they have been in each other’s lives for many years. Knowing one another turned to friendship, and as adults, friendship turned in the forever kind of love. Ariel and Rick vowed their lives together and were married in front of close friends and family in front of a romantic, cozy fireplace adorned with candles.

Ariel and Rick, thank you for being such a beautiful couple inside and out. Thank you for allowing us to document this special time in your lives and your amazing DIY style and attention to detail couldn’t have been more perfect. It was our pleasure to begin our 2014 season with you both and we wish you years and years of happiness! Xo, Annie

Enjoy some of my favorites… Ariel and her twin sister getting ready…The attention to detail was amazing!Ariel’s dress was perfection to her Rustic-Elegant style Wedding Day…Her lovely Bridesmaids getting her all dressed and ready!I love the moment, when a Bride realizes she is a BRIDE…While the ladies were busy getting ready, Peter was with the boysAriel and Rick opted for a private FIRST LOOK, and it was, well…just beautiful.Peonies are my favorite, and Ariel’s bouquet has stolen my heart.Rick made a pretty handsome Groom.The FIRST LOOK…<3 GORGEOUS couple inside and out! After a very special FIRST LOOK, Ariel and Rick allotted for time of pictures of just the two of them before the Bridal Party joined. Ariel…you are STUNNING! I loved the soft pink among the rustic sceneryWho doesn’t love a fun Bridal PartyBut on a serious note, a great looking Bridal Party! Their intimate ceremony was attended by family and close friends Just Married!The AMAZING Red Velvet cake and personalized Cake Topper was a huge hit! LOVED all the attention to detail! Thoughtful toasts were given by their siblings……and perhaps a little funny too!I will end with this one, because it shows the beautiful love they have for one another.