The air was warm, the drizzle of rain had stopped, and the sun was just starting to peek out as the ceremony was about to get underway on a beautiful June day at the Dubuque Arboretum.  As the guests start to find their seats,  my mind drifts to the days I spent as a child walking around the Arboretum with my mom. I was always memorized by the rows and rows of perfectly manicured gardens and the variety of colors and scents that would be on show. My mom would know the names of all the plants without looking at any signs, and many afternoons of love were spent wandering these gardens.  So when I think about this place, love is an easy emotion that comes to mind.  It really was the perfect setting for Chad and Anna as they shared their love with their family and friends.

Chad, a railway engineer, and Anna a 6th grade teacher, met in Dubuque and it didn’t take long for these two to fall head over heels for each other. These two can make each other laugh and compliment each other well.   If you had just met Chad and Anna you would have thought they have been together for a lifetime already. The wedding day theme of  rustic mason jars was pulled beautifully together with pinks and mint green accents.

Congratulations Chad + Anna!

 

Anna’s gorgeous cushion set ring… Wow!

Loved the guys in the light grey… looking good Chad!

 

Hard to tell which one of these guys is the trouble maker in the group. They all look suspicious if you ask me.

I think every guy feels this way about putting on a tux.

The rows of chairs at the ceremony were lined with photos from Chad and Anna’s childhood.  Such a beautiful idea.

This shot never gets old. I love to capture the grooms face when he sees his bride for the first time.

Such a pretty little girl up up there with all the big girls.  She did such a great job.

Love the shot on the right, caught by .my 2nd shooter Catie… Such a sweet detail.

The three musketeers?   Beautiful florals by FloraBella.

Grandpa had to give a kiss to the beautiful bride.

You just can’t beat the beautiful scenery at the Dubuque Arboretum.

Love this one!

Not exactly sure what Chad whispered in here ear here, but like always he makes her laugh.

A quick stop at 1st & Main.

Love when the bridal party knows how to make a “Grand” Entrance.

Sneaking a quick kiss before the reception begins.

Custom made mugs…. LOVE!  Yup… this is Anna and Chad.

When the night is gorgeous and your reception is at the Grand River Center, you can’t help but to sneak the bride and groom out for a few extra photos.

Anna, that is nothing but pure love in that glace.

Oh yea… got this!

A special thanks to all the vendors who made Chad + Anna’s day beautiful.

Ceremony: Dubuque Arboretum – Dubuque, IA

Reception Venue & Catering: Grand River Center – Dubuque, IA

Bridal Shop: Brides & Weddings – Manchester, IA

Bridesmaids Dresses: I Do Bridal – Galena, IL

Bridesmaid Designer: Jasmine

Flowergirl Dress: Kohls

Groomsmen Attire: Milroy’s Tuxedos – Dubuque, IA

Groomsmen Designer: Calvin Klein

Hair & Makeup: Amirage Salon – Dubuque, IA

Florist:  FloraBella

DJ: Premier Entertainment

Invitations: Vistaprint

Wedding Cake: Eileen Hughes

Photo Booth:  Special Moments Photo Booth

Ceremony Musician: Andrew Houy

Programs Design: Janelle Keeffer (Keeffer Creative)