Kelly & Connor Ford County Fair Grounds Wedding
Vendor Team:
Day Of Wedding Coordinator - 618 EVENTS, Kylie
Ceremony Venue - St. John’s Lutheran Church
Reception Venue - Ford County FairGrounds
Hair - Expressions Salon & Wild Roots Studio Salon
Makeup - The Blonde Esthetician & Integumentary System
Caterer - Yoders Kitchen
Photographer - Deidre Lynn Photography
Floral - Flowers by Kristine
Live Band - Midnight
Cake - Sweet Designs
Rentals - Palace Events
Calligraphy - Kelly Elisabeth Design
Kelly and Connor are truly a match made in heaven. It was such an honor to be a part of their big day, and witness the love they have for one another. Such a wonderful couple with so much kindness toward others.
This wedding day was a dream come true, and it was evident that Kelly put so much care into it. My first encounter with Kelly and her family revealed the caring hearts towards others that they have. For our two months out site visit, Kelly rode with me from her reception location to her ceremony location to guide me through the country roads. Little did I know the two venues were not as close to one another as I had originally thought. My gas tank was low and I was worried that I might not make it back to civilization after the ceremony walkthrough. Her parents were so kind and followed me out of their way back to Gibson City to ensure I made it to a gas station. I am so grateful to work with such amazing clients!!
Now to the exciting wedding details. Kelly chose to get married at St. John’s Lutheran Church. This church is a very sentimental place for Kelly and her family. They have had multiple generations married in this church and she wanted to continue that legacy. What a special opportunity to be married in the same place as your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. So amazing. This church was a beautiful small church out in the Illinois countryside. It was the perfect place for Kelly and Connor to get married.
Prior to the ceremony, Kelly and her entourage got ready at her grandparent’s home not too far from the church. The girls had a beautiful sunroom where they were able to get their hair and makeup done. Kelly got into her dress with her mom and then did a reveal with all of her bridesmaids. I was at the fairgrounds setting up during this time, but I imagine they were all taken back by how beautiful she was. Her dress looked like it was made for her and was absolutely stunning!!! After this, Kelly did a first look with her dad and then they all headed off to the church. Kelly and Connor decided not to do a first look on their wedding day, and saved that moment for when she was walking down the aisle. The ceremony was so sweet, and the love Connor and Kelly have for one another truly shined through. Their guests all lined up to throw biodegradable confetti (how amazing! No clean up) on Kelly and Connor. At this time the ushers went up into the balcony to ring the church bell. How cool!
The guests headed to the fairgrounds right away for cocktail hour, while the bridal party headed to the bride's parents for all of their photos. The bar set up was such a cool touch at the cocktail hour. Kelly’s dad made a beautiful table for the front of it, and they had shelves with decor on the side to make it feel more like home. The guests seemed to all have a great time and enjoy conversing with one another. Once the bridal party arrived it was time for us to get the night rolling. Kelly and Connor were introduced to everyone and then dinner was served!
After dinner we went into toasts. Kelly chose to have her best friend as her maid of honor, and then had her two sisters as her matrons of honor. I think it's so great that you can choose multiple special people in your life to recognize. Kelly’s sisters did a combined speech together which was so sweet, and allowed them to support each other through the nerves. To wrap up the speeches, Kelly and Connor got up and said thank you to everyone for coming. I think it is so great when the bride and groom will say something to everyone at their wedding. This allows everyone to hear from you, and add such a personal touch before the party gets started.
Following all of the toasts, Kelly and Connor cut their cake and did their first dance together. They truly were just such a sweet couple that adored each other so much. Kelly danced with her dad and Connor danced with his mom. Then, the live band got the party started. They had such a lively group of people on the dance floor and everyone had such a great time. Kelly and Connor were smiling ear to ear throughout the duration of the evening.
Something fun that Kelly added to her day was a disposable camera basket. Guests were able to take pictures with these throughout the evening and then return them to the basket. Kelly plans to get these developed and send them out to those in the photo. How fun and creative! Kelly also had the band announce a few groups of people to take a photo with them during the night. A great way to get everyone together and remember all of your special groups of people that came to support you on your big day.
Kelly and Connors wedding was a huge success and nothing short of a perfect day. They were surrounded by so much love and support as Mr. and Mrs. I am so honored that I got to play a part in this event, and wish many years of love to them. Cheers to the newlyweds!!!
