MADISON + DAKOTA – Walnut Hall Estates Wedding

When Madison was in Second Grade, a boy named Dakota (a Third Grader) moved to town. Madison had a crush on him all through out grade school, junior high, and high school. She thought he was so cute, such a good friend, and she loved that he was good at sports! He thought she was pretty, had a nice smile, and was well liked by everybody.  It wasn’t until after she graduated high school that Madison finally went out on a date with Dakota.  “We went to dinner at Olive Garden, and to the movies. Fun fact..I was his 3rd date in the same week, for the same movie. But I was the last date so that’s all that matters, right?”

The two had been dating 4 years when on a snowy day in December, they were out scooping snow off cars and sidewalks and the mail came. Madison met the mail carrier so she didn’t have to walk in the snow and there in the stack of Christmas cards and junk mail was an envelop from Jared’s.  She jokingly said “so what’d you get me from Jared!?” but honestly thought nothing of it. They went to the store, and ran some errands and as soon as they got back Dakota ran over to his parents to “visit” (but really he was grabbing the ring). When he got home he asked Madison to come outside because he had something for her in the truck. When she was in front of “their tree” he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

November 20th 2021 the two said I Do after a nice, long engagement (and of course a pandemic). The two chose the new venue in Carrolton IL – Walnut Hall Estates.  “I changed my wedding venue once I saw Walnut Hall.  As soon as I met with Brittany and she showed me what she had in mind for the property I instantly fell in love. It’s been my dream wedding to have a venue like Walnut Hall.”

And it was a dream for us as well!  The location of Walnut Hall was so stunning, and we were so creatively inspired working there with so many options for photos.  Beautiful light, beautiful setting, and beautiful buildings.  If I owned it I think I would keep the entire thing to myself.  It is truly a dream. We also felt so lucky to have been chosen to capture Madison and Dakota’s day.  I’ve known Madison for quite a few years, and we had the honor of photographing her sister Morgan’s wedding.  They are the sweetest, most beautiful people inside and out.  It was an absolute joy to capture their day.  (Even with having no voice after a nasty cold)

It’s probably best if I watch how long winded I get about this day, because there are a TON of great images to enjoy!  (And I know Madison has been DYING to see these, so let’s get to it!)  We are so proud to share a look at Madison and Dakota’s perfect fall wedding day! Meet Chance – the Dog of Honor.  This historic home at Walnut Hall was built in 1868-70 and has been restored in such a thoughtful, stunning way.  Every nook and cranny has so much character and warmth. The owner’s vision to restore this place in a way that feels high end, yet vintage and inviting, was brilliant. I cannot say enough great things. I cannot even handle how gorgeous you are Madison! Does this not look like something from a movie? So stunning.Did I mention feeling creatively inspired?  Just SO MUCH AWESOMENESS! The very sweetest first look.  It was the moment both Madison and Dakota said would last with them forever.  Dakota decided it was bad luck to kiss Madison before the wedding, so he sweetly kissed her hand instead.  The cutest.  Seriously.  This setting, this tree, that light, and this stunning bride = Magic. Not to be left out – Dakota is magic too. 😉 The bridesmaids dresses with that fall backdrop are perfection. You guys. This barn.  This homestead.  It is no wonder Walnut Hall is pretty much booked for 2022 and into 2023.  It is absolutely a perfect place to get married.   Madison and Dakota chose the old dairy barn for their ceremony location.  If you think it’s nice outside, wait until you see how pretty it is inside! The moment before those doors opened and her grandpa walking her down the aisle was one of Madison’s most favorite moments. She walked in to Canon In D x Here comes the sun by Nicole Reynolds and it took everyones breath away.  The two walked down the aisle as a married couple to Til My Last Day by Justin Moore.  “I asked Dakota a couple years ago what song makes him think of me. He didn’t skip a beat, started playing the song and now we sing it together every time we are in the vehicle.” Since they were married it was OK for them to kiss, so we requested a lot of that. lol. In typical November fashion, the sun set super quick and we didn’t have much of a sunset, but I’m definitely not mad at that chilly November evening vibe.There may have been a lot of laughter with the toasts by the Maid and Matron of Honor and the Best Man, but there were a lot of tears when Madison’s mom gave her toast.  There was not a dry eye in the place. First Dance Song: Forever to Go by Chase Rice 

“Enjoy the day, and soak up every moment! They aren’t kidding when they say the day goes by fast!”

The two look forward to a long and healthy marriage and call Carrolton IL home.

Madison and Dakota – thank you two for choosing us.  It was such an honor to capture your day. From the moment you contacted to the wedding day I couldn’t wait for this day to get here.  We are ALWAYS cheering you both on! xo