A ROMANTIC FAMILY WEDDING AT THE GRAINERY LODGE | CHEROKEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

This past Saturday and the one before were back to back family weddings. Being part of the wedding process with two of Jason’s cousins is so fun and I am honored they considered me to be their wedding photographer in Cherokee!

Cody and Nicole are two of the most kind-hearted, genuine and down to earth people I have ever met. They are the type of people that within a few minutes talking to them, you feel like the best of friends. The type of people that you just want to sit on the porch and chat with all evening. Every time I’ve gotten to be with the two of them, I have laughed endlessly! Cody has the most natural sense of humor and I think Nicole could get along with almost anyone!

it was absolute perfection

But enough about them, you all really just want to know about the beautiful wedding, right? Jason and I arrived on the most beautiful Iowa day. It wasn’t too hot or chilly, it wasn’t windy or humid. It was absolute perfection! I walked into the bridal suite where all of the girls were getting ready and Nicole burst into tears. I’d like to think that she was just that happy to see me, but I think she may have just been a tiny bit nervous. The poor thing was crying on and off the entire day until after the ceremony. They were true tears of joy as I know she was elated to marry Cody and blend their family together, becoming a party of four with Nicole’s daughters.

They said their vows in their Lutheran church in Paulina and then held the reception at the ever beautiful Grainery Lodge. The Grainery has to be one of my favorite local venues, as the options for sunset photos are limitless and the barn ceilings are phenomenal for bouncing flash! The reception was sprinkled with the sweetest pink and navy decor, and I was incredibly envious of anyone who was able to enjoy the sweets table! There was everything from homemade scotcharoos to hand wrapped caramel candies. We could barely keep the crowds away from that dessert table, and I don’t blame any of them one bit.

such a magical way to end the day

My favorite part was how much time that Cody and Nicole let me work with them for sunset photos. Sometimes when it’s the end of the day and everyone is tired, the sunset photos can be awkward. But we just took a long stroll around the different ponds trying every backdrop we could think of! For the final section of portraits, Nicole and I loaded up on the tailgate of my Jeep and Jason drove all of us out to the walking path. Watching the sun go down over the back pond, the beautiful tall grasses and everything glowing the tiniest bit of orange was such a magical way to end the day.

Thank you, Cody and Nicole for letting me be part of your wedding day! I hope you love this sneak peek! Congratulations again, Mr and Mrs Dreckman!

If you liked this post, you might also like:

Luc & Kaylee’s Wedding

Alec & Brittany’s Wedding

Justin & Jenna’s Wedding

a huge thanks to the creative team!

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY | Jessica Brees Photo & Film

RECEPTION VENUE | The Grainery Lodge

RINGS | Greenberg’s

BRIDAL GOWN | David’s Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES | Hope’s Bridal and Prom

TUXEDOS | Men’s Wearhouse

ENTERTAINMENT | Metro Machines Entertainment

TRANSPORTATION | All 4 Fun