The morning of Michelle & Chris’ wedding we arrived on the property of Heritage Prairie Farm. It is a beautiful location as well as the weather and lighting was great, little windy at times but still one hell of a day for a wedding!

Heritage Prairie Farm is one out-freaking-standing venue to have a wedding! Rustic backdrops, bridal loft, groom’s lounge, vintage furnishings, day-of wedding coordinators/planner, photo booth spot, late night s’mores, a giant drinking cage, a kickass kitty named Carl and freaking GOATS! … ?❤️? Seriously though, one of the most impressive venues I have been too to date and really enjoyed the location as well as their staff. ?

One thing I love about Michelle & Chris is they chose to spend that morning together up till it was time to get dressed for the ceremony. They were so relaxed, enjoying time with one another as well as their family, it was beautifully intimate and anti-chaotic, my kind of vibe.

After some time with everyone and enjoying the morning, it was time to work towards the final touches and get prepped for the aisle. With a quick hug and a kiss, they go their separate ways for a short time.

Upstairs in the bridal loft the ladies in Michelle’s family were all done with hair and makeup. It was Michelle’s turn to jump in the makeup on that gorgeous dress of hers. Kristin from “We Only Do Pretty, Chicago” did an amazing job working with Michelle. Her hair & makeup was flawless on point and they perfectly enhanced Michelle’s always gorgeous presence.

Downstairs in the groom’s lounge Chris had a few moments to practice with his daughter their dance routine for later that evening and it was a-freaking-dorable! His grandfather helped him suit up as Chris took a few minutes to get prepared. With Chris in the groom’s lounge looking dapper AF, it was time to check in with the bride.

As I headed back upstairs our bride was getting into her beautiful blush wedding dress with the help of her sisters and Mother. To say Michielle looked absolutely stunning would be a complete understatement. The moment she was fully in her dress and stepped back, everyone in the room was absolutely speechless, she looked like the freaking badass Queen that she is! After she had a few moments to take it all in, it was time for the ceremony.

Inside the ceremony area the guests were seated, fairy lights hung overhead as Chris began to walk his loved ones down the aisle to be seated. With everyone in their seats, Chris takes his place at the alter and begins to patiently wait for his soon to be bride to come down that aisle.

As the barn doors open Chris’ eyes light up as if he’s seeing Michelle for the first time and in this setting, he kind of is. In complete awe of the partner he is able to be with, Michelle makes her way closer towards him with all eyes upon her. Making her way towards Chris, which can feel like forever inside of a second to them, she arrives at the alter and is greeted by her soon to be groom and their beautiful daughter.

Spoiler alert, they said “I do!” and it was freaking BEAUTIFUL! ?+?= ??

Once the ceremony was finished it was time for family photos and couples portraits. These two were so easy to photograph because they were so wrapped up in these moments that they came together with a great amount of intimacy and appreciation for one another. All we really needed to do was place them near each other and they did the rest. Heritage Prairie Farm truly puts a lot of thought into the venue here for their weddings as there is almost no bad place to photograph couples here.

Now that the portraits were all said and done, it’s time to head towards the reception.

As we entered the gigantic white pole tent on the farm, it was filled with beautiful decor, vintage seating areas for guests, desert tables, and an amazing bar! With portraits now completed, it was time for Michelle & Chris to get announced into their reception for dinner, speeches and one hell of an amazing dance party!!!

Thank you SO much to Michelle and Chris Sweetman for trusting me to capture your wedding day. I am beyond thankful for you all believing in me, my craft and my artistry to capture your kickass wedding day.

You two are amazing human beings and I am forever grateful to have met you both. I know you two are going to have one amazing life together as a family.

Stay amazing.?

– Wes –

Dream Team Vendors!

Venue/Planning/Badassery: Heritage Prairie Farm
Florist: Floral Wonders Geneva
DJ/Music: Music by Design in St. Charles
Hair/Makeup: We Only Do Pretty, Chicago
Pies: Bang Bang Pie Shop
Cupcakes: The Sugar Path
Photography: Westley Leon Studios

And a huge thanks to my friends Mark (assisting) & Mysi (second photographer) for all the amazing help throughout the entire day!