ENGAGEMENT | Romantic and Whimsical Fall Wedding in Illinois | Simpson Photography | Pretty Pear Bride

REAL WEDDING | Romantic and Whimsical Fall Wedding in Illinois | Simpson Photography

We’re back with yet another incredible fall wedding! Meet Kayla and R.J., whose wedding in White Hall Illinois was romantic and whimsical. Kayla was hoping people would leave feeling like the affair was a romantic one, and they sure did. The Greene Gables Inn, a bed and breakfast, was the site of the couple’s wedding. Everything was personalized and gorgeous with a touch of old-fashioned fun, right down to the beer pong and yard games. It was perfect October weather too! Congrats Kayla and R.J.!

Kayla & R.J.

 


Tell us about your wedding: I was going for a romantic and whimsical feel. I had many many comments that the wedding was “one of the most romantic weddings” people have been to. I feel good about that. We chose Greene Gables Inn because we liked the idea of a bed and breakfast wedding venue. In addition, I was thinking of a garden wedding, and the landscape of Greene Gables provided just that. I fell in love with the walkway from the bed and breakfast to where the wedding ceremony would take place. It included walking underneath a pergola wrapped in vines hanging down, simply beautiful. My husband and I tried to personalize our wedding by having our own vows. We had a traditional ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. We played beer pong and yard games, and danced underneath hanging globe lights. It was the perfect October, fall night.

Wedding Colors:  Burgundy, Navy, and Blush

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How did the two of you meet? The first time I saw RJ was when I ran into my cousin’s future husband, on a Saturday night, who was out with his groomsmen for his own wedding. That night, we ended up having a long conversation about life, who we were, where we were from, and where we were headed. I remember wondering the entire time we were talking, “Is he ever going to ask for my number”. It was me, in fact, that had to ask for his. Little did I know, walking away from him that night, would begin a series of events that changed my life for the better.

Describe your engagement: R.J. proposed to me on September 16th, 2016. It was at our home, with our parents present. My family had gathered at our home that day due to R.J. graduating from the academy where he trained to become a corrections officer.

Personal or handmade details: We DIY’ed a few things for the wedding. Our wedding invitations were put together by us. They were pocket invitations. I had a local printing company print the invitation, details, and RSVP card. Then we glued the invitation to the pocket, and put the other inserts in. The wedding backdrop was also a DIY. It was a wax paper backdrop (that ended up getting tangled in the wind). I spent 6 months working on the backdrop. The wedding favors were personalized by a sticker that said “the perfect mix”, as it was a mixture of popcorn flavors. We folded 180 burgundy cloth napkins, tied a bow around then, and stuffed a menu card into the napkin.

Describe your flowers: Navy hydrangeas, blush roses, burgundy poms. I had real flowers for my reception centerpieces and bouquets. I wanted an organic feel, so I had lots of greens as well. The bridesmaids bouquets were smaller versions of mine. The centerpieces were 10 white washed boxes with flowers and 10 flower wreaths.


Memories and Stories about the Day: It rained most of the day. Right before our first look it was pouring. It stopped raining about 3pm. By 4:30pm, the ceremony time, the sun was out and shining. It was great timing. My grandmother was quite funny while getting ready. She got fake eyelashes like the rest of us, and kept blinking her eyes at people, proud of the lashes. Shortly before walking down the aisle there are photos of me drinking straight from a Fireball bottle, every one seemed to love that. We had a beer pong table set up, but it seemed that children enjoyed playing more than adults that night. Of course the cups were filled with water. At the end of the night, when it was only the wedding party left, we all ate pork chops with our hands. Imagine looking around and there are 12 people all with a pork chop in their hand, dressed in suits and dresses.

First Dance song: Make You Feel My Love by Adele

The thing that we would have done differently is? I would have got a bigger cake. Many of my close family members said they didn’t get a piece. I would have also got about 100 more feet of globe lights.

Your advice for other plus size brides: Don’t cover yourself up. There are many pictures where you can see my arm and back fat…but all day and night of my wedding I was told how beautiful I was. Don’t be afraid to show some skin. But ultimately please yourself and your husband. Don’t try to please everyone else.

Three adjectives that describe the day: Romantic – Distinct – Picturesque

What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage? My love grows for my husband day by day. Your love and relationship doesn’t just end after you get married. It continues to grow and prosper with each day.

Photography: Simpson Photography | Venue and Caterer: Greene Gables Inn | Bridal Attire: Stella York from Main Street Bridal | Wedding Stationery:  I DIY’d my wedding invitations (they were very professional looking) and used cardsandpockets.com along with a local printing company, Star Graphics | Wedding Favors: Dell’s Popcorn |Hair Stylist:  Hair Dezign by Misty | Makeup Artist: Viola Rose Beauty | Linens: Linen Tablecloth | Bakery: Cake Art | Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal | Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Savvi Formalwear

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Shafonne Myers is a certified wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration that looked like her. She has created a website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size brides. She does speaking engagements educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.
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