Carlie and Howard’s wedding day was one for the books. It’s one that I will always remember. But not for the reasons that you would think. I won’t remember it for how beautiful it was. (Even though it was incredibly gorgeous. Carlie has an impeccable eye for all the little details and everything was completely stunning but that’s not the reason why it was unforgettable.) It wasn’t even the fact that it torrentially down poured almost the entire day. Nope, this wedding was one that will be remembered forever and will always be a favorite in my book because of the people who were there. It was the way Carlie and Howard’s friends rallied together to make, what could have been a potentially ruined reception, into something SO beautiful. The day started off only partly cloudy. We were able to squeeze in all of the portraits before it began to rain really hard. The lights flickered in the church during the ceremony but all was well. We arrived at the reception tent to a few inches of rain on the ground. Still, all was well. It wasn’t until we sat down for dinner, when the staff at the venue told everyone that we needed to “evacuate” inside temporarily, as the winds were going to reach 60 mph for a few minutes. Soon, the electric inside the tent went out and it continued to rain, even hail at times. A half an hour passed by, and the father of the bride announced that if everyone would pitch in, we could move a few of the tables from the grass, to the indoor area that was connected to the tent and the remaining tables onto the dance floor. This was when it really became a night to remember. It was so incredible to watch everyone not only pitch in but do so with smiles and laughter! There was not a single guest who was having a bad time and Carlie, Howard and their parents kept a great attitude the entire evening. I did my best to capture the night as it was unfolding, but it was almost one of those “you had to be there” kind of weddings. Over half of the guests ended up going barefoot (including the catering staff), trudging through the 3 inches of mud inside the tent, eating dinner wherever they could find a seat and just laughing the night away. I just cannot tell you how thankful I am to have been a part of this incredible day! Carlie & Howard, you are two very special people and your wedding day will always be my favorite!!

To see more of Carlie and Howard’s Galesburg IL wedding, click play below! Leave these two love, if they get 25 comments on this blog post, they will receive a complimentary 8×10″ print of their favorite wedding day image.

VENDORS: Captured by JK Associate: Courtney Dueppengiesser // Second Shooter: Alex Good // Wedding Coordinator: Heaven on Earth // Hair Stylist: Lauren Kesler // Makeup Artist: Lauren Kesler // Florist: Heaven on Earth // DJ/Band: Hey Jimmy // Brides Dress: Lovely Bride Chicago // Bridal Shoes: Sophia Webster // Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo Chicago // Grooms Suit: Hugo Boss // Invitations: A Fabulous Fete