LINDA + DEREK

They met on Catholic Match. Derek is from Kansas, and Linda from Illinois, so they spent the first few months talking on the phone for hours every night before they actually met face to face.

Linda’s first impression of Derek = Sincere

Derek’s first impression of Linda = Beautiful

Their first date was at EffingBrew in her home town of Effingham Illinois. Derek loved her smile, her eyes, and her honesty.  Linda loved how he was so engaged every time they talked. He paid attention to all the little details and made her feel special.  Maybe it’s because their relationship began with so much emphasis on communication, but the things each cherish about one another is rooted in how well they communicate and how intentional they are with their words.

They dated for about 10 months before Derek proposed. They both agree that they knew each other was “the one” after the holidays in 2018. Spending the holidays with each of their families felt like the other had been around each other’s families for years. It just felt right.  So when Derek was in town for Linda’s cousin’s wedding and he took Linda out for dinner on Friday night for her birthday at the first restaurant he’d taken her to when they first started dating, she had a strong hunch he was going to propose that night. He knew she assumed this so he intentionally led her on. They had a great time that Saturday together at her cousin’s wedding and  Sunday they had a family lunch for her birthday… again, thinking he might propose but again she was wrong. So when Derek packed up his stuff to head back to Kansas for the week, he left her in tears. Tears from saying their normal goodbyes of course, but also tears of disappointment.

He ended up showing back up about 30 minutes later at her front door. He had roses and chocolate in hand, as she answered the door said some sweet words and got down on one knee to propose. She’ll never forget how he started to put the ring on her finger and she hadn’t said YES yet! So he pulled back for a second while she emphatically said YES.

When planning their wedding, both being very religious they wanted the focus of the day to be on the nuptial mass, the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church.  They chose Linda’s church in Teutopolis IL and the date of December 28th, 2019 to promise forever to one another surrounded by family and friends.  With so many people home for the holidays, you could feel the excitement of everyone to see these two say I do.  The fog and skies may have been gloomy, but it couldn’t diminish the joy that was so palpable.

Enjoy Linda and Derek’s wedding day!

Linda’s dress was absolutely stunning. One of my favorites I’ve ever seen!One of our favorite churches we’ve ever had the privilege to photograph at. Why yes, we were obsessed with this row of pine trees Linda suggested for photos before the reception!  It felt like a enchanted forest of perfectly placed pines. 🙂Although it was Christmas time, Linda and Derek wanted a bit more focus on winter than Christmas.  Even though we utilized a Christmas tree and some all the lights, it still feels just like the day – magical.

FROM THE BRIDE + GROOM:

Moment looked most forward to:
Our vows. It absolutely lived up to our expectations.
Favorite moment of the day:
We were both somewhat nervous before the mass started, but we both felt a sense of peace and calm when we met each other at the altar and joined hands. Once we had each other, nothing else mattered.
Songs:
First Dance: A Million Dreams – Pink
Would they change anything?:
Take a longer honeymoon!
Honeymoon Location:
St. Lucia

The two reside in Teutopolis, IL for their happily ever after.

Enjoy more of Linda + Derek’s day with the video below!