“Baby, we’ve come a long way
And, baby, you know I hope and I pray
That you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away.”
Shelby and Preston's wedding day at Riverside Bible Camp was an absolute dream! Shelby wanted things to keep with a simple, springtime feel, and I have to say that I'm slightly obsessed with ev.ery.thing. The girls and guys began their day getting ready at a hotel in Story City, making it easy for everyone to sleep in a little before the big day. (Well, I know some of the guys slept in. I'm not so sure about the girls!)
Things ran a little behind, which is more typical for a wedding day than you might guess, but we still got an amazing amount of photos. The groomsmen looked sharp in their grey slacks and light blush shirts (with suspenders! My favorite!), while the girls *slayed* in long burgundy dresses. Shelby's bouquet fit in perfectly with her theme, I can't praise Pella's m.klyn floral enough!
Shelby's dad came in to see her (a mini first look, if you will!) and it was everything. This family is so kind with each other, and it was the kind of moment I hope to have with my dad someday. He also presented her with a handkercheif (I believe it was her grandpa's) that had been embroidered with her and Preston's initials for this day. Cue tears!
These two were so over the moon to finally see each other! (When Shelby and I had talked before the wedding day about their photo timeline, she told me she wanted to try to move things earlier, "Because I just want to see Preston as soon as I can!") They made taking wedding portraits easy.
This was my second wedding at Riverside just outside Ames & Story City, and it's just a wonderful venue and location. Take a look at all that natural light! It's a wedding photographer's dream.
Savannah (Preston's sister) and her husband Justin led the congregation in a few worship songs during the ceremony. I thought it was such a special way to celebrate and focus on the marriage, not just the wedding.
On to the reception! I love the reception space in Riverside-- the white ceilings make it super easy to bounce my flash, and it's always a treat to see how each couple makes the space their own! Shelby's mom did a lot of the details for the wedding, and did a marvelous job. From twinkle lights, to lots of flowers everywhere, to a photo timeline, cloth pendants, and greenery on golden hoops (again... I'm obsessed!)... it looked like a magical woodland dream!
I just had to throw this photo in! It has been a joy to get to know Shelby & Preston better through photographing their engagement and wedding photos. It's always an honor and pleasure to be chosen as someone's photographer-- there are so many talented wedding photogs in Iowa, especially the Des Moines area. I love getting to know my bride & grooms better, and these two were no exception! Love you Hoye's... can't wait to see where the Lord takes you in married life!
Iowa Wedding Vendors
Wedding & Reception Venue: Riverside in Story City
Wedding Dress: Suburban Bridal, Omaha
Bridesmaid's Dresses: David's Bridal
Florals: m.klyn floral in Pella
Catering: Hickory Park