Summer Wedding at the Twin Oaks Lodge

Happy 4th of July! Hahah, I’m just kidding. Just making sure you’re all paying attention. Carrie and Freddie were married last year over the 4th of July weekend. When I first met Carrie and Freddie and did their engagement session, I remember leaving that day thinking about love and relationships. These two knew each other years ago in school and were good friends. It wasn’t until their high school reunion where they started catching up with one another and it was like no time had ever passed! Timing is everything and at their reunion, Carrie and Freddie were both available to take their friendship to a whole new level! How cool is that!

I’m not entirely sure why the 4th of July weekend was chosen for their wedding. I honestly didn’t ask them. But I’d like to think that both the 4th of July and weddings are days for celebrating. A time to gather with friends and family and enjoy time together. Carrie and Freddie had a small wedding at the Twin Oaks Lodge in Benton, IL. It was my first time being at this venue and it’s really really cool. It’s a stone lodge with a gorgeous view. The ceremony and reception both took place there. The ceremony as held outside overlooking the lake and the reception inside the lodge. Carrie and Freddie wrote their own vows for the ceremony and it was so sweet to hear the words they wrote for each other. They had their children standing beside them and even included them in the sand portion of the ceremony. They each had a glass filled with different colors of sand and poured them all into one big glass. They were joining their families and it was so sweet to witness.

As guests entered into the reception, they were seated at round tables with white tablecloths, greenery, floating candles and photos of Carrie and Freddie as the centerpiece. T Street Pub catered the wedding and it was fabulous! Cupcakes were made by YAY Cupcakes. Memory Lane was the entertainment for the evening and I can’t forget to mention Rebecca with Let’s Put A Bow On It for making sure the day went by smoothly. It was such a fun day and so many smiles were captured. You’ve heard me say this time and time again, but I LOVE capturing the joy in couples and Carrie and Freddie have so much joy and love for one another. They made my job super easy and I can’t wait to show you my favorites below.

I hate to wish time away, as it gets faster and faster the older I get. But I kinda miss summer and can’t wait for warmer temperatures. Enjoy looking through Carrie and Freddie’s wedding photos 🙂