A Glamorous Wedding with Gold and Yellow at the Grainery Lodge | Cherokee Wedding Photographer

I was the wedding photographer for Kale and Falisha’s Grainery Lodge wedding in Cherokee and it was a stunning event for the record books. Falisha and her Mom had impeccable taste and the staff at Celebrations helped bring all of their ideas to life. The grounds of the Grainery were transformed into something I never could have imagined! It was dotted with tents and individual spaces meant for lounging and socializing. The barn was draped with white tulle and had chandeliers and candelabras sprinkled everywhere! It was absolutely breathtaking! To say that I had more than enough details and decor to photograph was an understatement!

From the way Falisha had described her wedding day, I knew it was going to be a phenomenal day. It didn’t go off without a hitch, however. Things were flowing so smoothly, until minutes before the scheduled first look, the skies opened up and it rained so hard. The storm came in two or three rounds that lasted over an hour and needless to say everything was pushed back. To say that I was frantic and anxious would be an understatement! But even with the obstacles, Kale was the picture of calm and collected. He kept everyone on the same page and even kept Falisha from freaking out…once we got the first look done and they could be together.

Iowa throws a lot of challenges at me as far was weather goes as a Cherokee wedding photographer, and this day was no exception! We started working in 85 degree temperatures with 80% humidity. Then the storm hit and rained down a couple of inches of moisture while we all waited under the tent. Then the sun came back out and we were all being sunburned and fanning ourselves during the ceremony! Talk about an emotional roller coaster!

the dress was perfect for spinning around the dance floor

Even though the timeline was pushed, we ended up with the most beautiful images. It was absolutely easy to accomplish because Kale and Falisha are a perfect balance for one another. I think Kale brings a sense of calm and peace to Falisha, and she helps him break out of his shell a bit. Watching them interact and love on each other was so much fun! The real surprise came for me when they started pulling out some swing dancing moves during their first dance! Falisha’s dress was perfection for spinning around the dance floor.

Now, it’s a tradition of mine to tell the story of the moment I cried each wedding day. This one may surprise you.

I cried when Kale’s brother Tyler stood up at the reception and gave his speech. It was one of the best speeches I’ve heard at a wedding, hands down! It took the guests from laughing, to sobbing, back to laughing again and had the sweetest words from one brother to another. I remember Tyler telling a story about his birthday one year, and how Kale had texted him “Happy Birthday, bro.” Tyler remarked that anyone who knows Kale knows that those are very deep, heartfelt words coming from him. So, Tyler was moved and realized their brotherly relationship was maturing and growing. Then, as if that wasn’t birthday gift enough, Kale followed it up with another text. He said, “Mom made me send that.” The entire crowd was laughing and clapping, and I remember watching Falisha look at Kale with those glowing eyes that only a bride has. She rubbed her hand up Kales back and they leaned into each other in just the slightest movement. I watched all the family members chuckling and wiping their eyes at the same time, and even saw Tyler wipe a small tear away.

love & respect

It was boldly apparent that love is a rock solid foundation of the Nelson and the Ohlson families. I am sure that Kale and Falisha will follow in those footsteps and treat each other with love and respect above all else, just like the officiant mentioned in their ceremony. Kale will love Falisha unconditionally and Falisha will always how respect to Kale as her partner. The officiant may have teased that Kale somehow convinced a woman to marry him that was obviously out of his league, but all jokes aside I think these two are the sweetest match. The balance they bring to one another is undoubtedly the best ingredient for a strong marriage.

This may have been one of the wordier blog posts I’ve written, but it’s also going to be one of the most image heavy ones as well! I will stop blabbering, and congratulate the newest Mr and Mrs Nelson. I hope they are enjoying their first week as a married couple and that they fall in love with these images. I love being a Cherokee wedding photographer so much! 💕

the moment the rain tried to steal the show

let’s “I do” this!

the head table was an absolute show-stopper!

 

the creative team

VENUE | The Grainery Lodge

PHOTOGRAPHY | Jessica Brees Photo & Film

VIDEOGRAPHY | Kevin Thayer Films

DJ | Jam’n Audio

BAND | Damon Dotson

INVITATIONS | Elli

DECOR | Lori & Falisha, with some rentals from Celebrations

FLORALS | Alissa’s Flower Farm

BRIDAL GOWN | Ellie Stone Bride

BRIDESMAID DRESSES | David’s Bridal

TUXEDOS | Rust Western Shed

CATERING | Lidderdale

CAKE | Storm Lake Bakery

RINGS | Greenberg’s

Check out other Jessica Brees Weddings H E R E

XOXO,