ERIN + BRANDON

At a school so small that you see pretty much everyone you know every day, Brandon and Erin met. He had been begging her to go on a date with him and she didn’t want to go anywhere fancy, so they settled for Steak and Shake. It happened to be around Christmas time, so Brandon brought Erin about 3-4 gifts for her to open. She felt bad because she had nothing for him! He’s been surprising and spoiling her ever since!

Several years later right around the same time as that first date, the two decided to celebrate Christmas a couple days early. She had told him that she wanted a promise ring for Christmas so when they opened gifts, she opened just that. She didn’t mention it of course, but she didn’t think the ring was very pretty. After they finished opening gifts from each other, they went out to dinner. The entire time they were at dinner she wanted to send a picture of her promise ring to her parents and friends, but Brandon asked her not to. She could not understand why he wanted to keep it a secret, but she blew it off and waited to share it.

After dinner, Brandon wanted to walk into the center of the square in downtown Carlinville IL while it was decorated for Christmas, and check out the gazebo. Once they were in the gazebo, he asked her to take a selfie and while she was digging out her phone and getting it ready, Brandon got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. He quickly wanted the
promise ring back to trade for the real ring he’d purchased! That ring he didn’t mind her sending photos of to all of her friends and family.

Before they got married she wanted to have a degree and have as much life in order as possible, so almost 3.5 years after getting engaged the two said “I do” on June 8th, 2019. They promised forever in a small chapel on the Blackburn college campus where Erin had just graduated a couple weeks earlier and they danced the night away in their hometown where they first met all those years ago. It was the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of their forever.

Enjoy a sneak peek at Erin and Brandon’s wedding day.

Erin and her mom are so close, and their relationship is so thoughtful and sweet.

Erin you are such a beauty!

Brandon is just about the kindest, most respectful man you could ever meet. We could not be more impressed with these two!

We had a blast with Erin and Brandon’s wedding party!! Since they had a perfectly sized group (4 one each side is THE magic number for all you future brides and grooms! It looks the best in photos, and is a manageable number of people that creates such a close, intimate dynamic) it was easy to take our time and create a ton of shots with them – all while laughing at their antics. (OK mostly the groomsmen’s antics lol)

If you were a boy band, and you had an album called the print shop, this is what your album cover would look like.

I LOVE that half the girls did a floral print dress! This was the perfect late spring/early summer look!

These two together are such magic. It’s like watching a movie. The way they look at one another and he makes her laugh so sweetly. They truly are the real deal. <3

After we had time with the bride and groom and their wedding party the two said I do at the Clegg Chapel on Blackburn College campus in Carlinville IL. We LOVE weddings at Clegg Chapel – seriously the prettiest place to get married!

People always want kids to act perfectly for photos, but the very best moments are the ones where they are just being kids. Love when kids personalities can shine!

Erin and Brandon transformed the Bates Building – where the Macoupin County Fair is held – into a dream.

I don’t know what is up with the “dessert bar” thing this year, but ya’ll are killing it. (And killing my waistline) Mini cheesecakes? Mini peach cobblers? Brownies? Oh please don’t let this trend end!!!

The way he looks at her. I cannot even handle it.

Oh sure – there’s always still room for cake! <3

More from the bride and groom…

Most memorable moment of the day: Our first look. It was so great because it was just the two of us. We were able to enjoy a calm moment by ourselves before the craziness began! Brandon wasn’t so excited about the first look, he’s way too traditional (lol), but he was glad we did it! It was much better to do it by ourselves rather than in front of 300 people!

Advice for future bride/grooms: Be in the moment, enjoy the day! There is so much stress and worry leading up to the big day, but try not to think about all of the things that could go wrong, and rather think about all the good things happening! There’s so much that you notice, but others won’t, plus, will it matter 10 years from now?

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?  Not at all! It was the perfect day. We had great weather, wonderful company, and so much fun!

SONGS:
First Dance – Me & You by Kenny Chesney
Father/Daughter – I Loved Her First by Heartland
Mother/Son – Humble & Kind by Tim McGraw
Cake Cutting – Beautiful Day by Chris Cagle

Professional Team who helped make the day special:
DJ Service – Epic Entertainment
Florist & Decorator – Bev’s Baskets and Bow
Transportation – 1Up’n Limos
Caterer – Fat Albert’s BBQ
Cake & Cupcakes – Tish Chism
Dessert Bar – Kathy McCarty
Bar – Uptown Tavern
Dress – Main Street Bridal
Hair & Makeup – CocoBongo

Honeymoon Location: Aruba

Want more from this fabulous day? We don’t blame you! Feast your eyes on this beautiful video of more of Erin and Brandon’s day!