Aaron & Christine’s Cozy Autumn Wedding in Sioux City, Iowa

I think deep down inside Aaron and Christine love cold weather. Either that or they just have bad luck when it comes to weather.

I first shot them when we did their engagement session on literally the coldest day of the year. There was snow all over, it was currently snowing, and the temperatures were absolutely frigid. The kids couldn’t stand to be out of the car for more than 10 minutes and then would run back to watch a movie. Don’t get me wrong, I love snow sessions, but that day was miserably cold.

Fast forward to last Saturday, their wedding day, and it has been the coldest autumn that I can remember! We’ve had record flooding and tons of rain and it was cold again on that morning. So cold that I wore a puffy vest and a big winter coat with my shooting gloves.But the cold weather did not slow Aaron and Christine down a beat! They were so incredibly happy to be getting married and to be surrounded by their closest friends, that the weather wasn’t even an issue on their radar! I so enjoyed how much they smiled and laughed together throughout the day. Christine was a tough bride too! She threw a jean jacket over her gown and was ready to go no matter how much the wind was blowing.

They were each getting ready in different cabins, just yards apart. I had been shooting with Christine, watching her finish hair and makeup, and step into her gown with the most beautiful double layers of lace detail. She gushed over how much she loved her shoes and how the string of pearls was from her Grandmother. Christine’s Mom relished in the moment of clasping the pearls around Christine’s neck, adding the final touch to getting her daughter ready to get married. She was finally all put together and it was time for me to get her ready for the first look of the groom.

We walked out on to a beautiful windy sidewalk with orange and yellow leaves in the trees above. The test shots were perfect and I loved what I was seeing. I ran to the other cabin to grab Aaron and realized that he would have to keep his eyes closed the entire walk out to where Christine was. He was such a good sport, kept his eyes closed and let his groomsman lead him out to the designated spot. Right before Christine started walking towards him for their first look, the sun broke through the clouds for the first time in over a week! I think the symbolism of that moment wouldn’t be lost on anyone, because how amazing is it that the sun shone down on them as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day? Of course, it wasn’t the ideal lighting for my photography style, but nonetheless it was absolutely stunning. The colors popped, their joy to see each other radiated, and it warmed us all up a bit – I could never complain about that.

Their reception was the most unique one of the year! They set it up by the shelter house at Snyder’s Bend near Sioux City and they made all of the decor and furniture themselves. They used straw bales for everyone to cuddle on and metal barrels for for the bonfires. My favorite part were the long strings of twinkle lights hung above all of their guests. Everyone enjoyed s’mores and laughter around the fires throughout the evening and it was so much fun. I think it was the perfect laid back event for Aaron and Christine, and I am so honored that they chose me to be part of their day! I am jealous of the fact that they are enjoying the beach in Mexico right now when we are all starting to slowly freeze in Iowa, but I hope they love seeing this sneak peek of their wedding gallery! Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Jacobsen!

THE CREATIVE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHER // Jessica Brees Photography

VENUE // Snyder’s Bend

BRIDAL GOWN // Skeffington’s

CAKE // Cakes to Remember