Shana & Joe

When Shana opened the box that sat on her hotel bed, she found a beautiful broach sitting inside.   As Shana carefully took the broach out of the box she smiled, and told me how this was her great grandmother’s broach that had been handed down over the generations.  She gently placed the beautifully adorned jewelry into her mother’s hands, who then pinned it on to the sash of Shana’s wedding gown.  It was the perfect final touch for Shana as she finished getting ready on the morning of the big event. It is the charming details such as these that make the fine points of the wedding day truly remarkable.  I’m always touched by the history and the stories shared when families come together to celebrate a wedding.

The logistics of the wedding day were a breeze, not only did Shana get ready at the Hotel Julien Dubuque, but it was the same location for their ceremony and reception. The Hotel Julien is a historic landmark in the Iowa river town of Dubuque. Originally built in 1836 and then re-built after a fire in 1913, the hotel has hosted famous such guests as Abraham Lincoln, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Mark Twain. The hotel also gained some notoriety thanks to Al Capone.  The elegance and history of such a venue is easily noticed once you walk through the doors.  It was the perfect venue for Shana and Joe to exchange vows and to begin their lives together.  They are now as much a part of the history of the Hotel Julien Dubuque as it is to them.

Shana could not stop beaming with excitement as she waited to see Joe for the first time that day.  It was quite HOT for Shana and Joe’s early June wedding day.  Although we had originally planned to walk to nearby locations for portraits, the weather was steamy and Shana and Joe opted to stay close to the hotel.   Luckily for us the Hotel Julien Dubuque has a beautiful rooftop patio that was perfectly shaded. This, of course, allowed us capture photos while dodging the hot summer sun.  Joe’s face as he saw Shana for the first time was pure happiness.  As a matter of fact, he couldn’t take his eyes off her the rest of the day.   The admiration he has for Shana is something that is special and this love and devotion was proclaimed as they said “I do!”

We were so excited to be a part of your historic day, here are a few of the best moments!

     

     

 

 

     

A special thanks to all the vendors who made Shana & Joe’s day beautiful.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel Julien Dubuque – Dubuque, IA

Officiant: Boston Freilinger

Bridal Dress Shop: Bridal Elegance – Ottawa, IA

Bridal Dress Designer: Allure Bridals Romance Collection

Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Heart to Heart Bridal – North Liberty, IA

Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff

Hair & Make-up: Potosa Spa – Dubuque, IA

Groomsmen Tux Shop: Millroy’s Formalwear – Dubuque, IA

Florist: HandPick’d {just for you}

Cake: Hy-Vee & Sam’s Club

Entertainment: Randy w/ Party Express

Shoe Designer: Aldo

Rentals: Inside decor Rental Inc.

Papergoods: Kate Bischof