Morgan & Joe’s Chic Outdoor Wedding

Joe and Morgan were first set up in college by a mutual friend, and had their first date on the Naperville Riverwalk. According to Morgan, it was love at first sight. In September of 2019, they were living apart for work when Joe flew down to Georgia for a visit and surprised Morgan with a romantic proposal at home involving balloons, rose petals and tea lights.

They planned their wedding for June 2020 and then had to shift all of their initial plans to September due to pandemic restrictions. They reduced the guest list and moved the venue to Joe’s grandparents’ property in Bull Valley, Illinois, inadvertently following in a family tradition — the site had already hosted four previous weddings over the century that it had been in Joe’s family. Joe and Morgan exchanged vows outdoors, under a chandelier hanging from a large oak tree in the backyard.

The reception took place in a tent erected around a garden on the property, with draped fabric and white lights throughout, as well as 500 white balloons and three glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Each table was set with white hydrangeas and pink and white roses with silver dollar eucalyptus. Guests dined on baked chicken, prime rib and pasta primavera, as well as a four-tier, four-flavor cake. After an evening of good conversations, lawn games and dancing, the couple made their exit through a tunnel of sparklers created by their guests.

“We had been through so much leading up to that day and moment,” Joe explains. “It was, is and forever will be one of the greatest moments of joy and love in my life.”

Number of Wedding Guests: 150

VENDOR LIST

PHOTOGRAPHER: Meagan Lindsey Photography
VENUE: Groom’s Grandparents’ Property
RINGS: Old World Gem and Jewelry
BRIDE’S GOWN: Elysee Henriette via Kathryn’s Bridal
FORMALWEAR: Michael Kors via Kathryn’s Bridal
GROOM’S SHOES: Stacy Adams
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Mori Lee via Kathryn’s Bridal
HAIR & MAKEUP: Lilly’s Bridal Hair and Makeup
INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: Kathryn’s Bridal
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Countryside Flower Shop & Nursery
CAKE & SWEETS: Lovin’ Oven