Eddie and Valerie’s wedding was a huge highlight of my 2019 wedding season! As I mentioned in my blog post featuring their engagement session, I met Valerie when she was the bridesmaid for one of my former bride’s weddings. She decided then and there that she wanted me to document her own wedding when it came time. I was so thrilled when the big day finally came around!
Getting Ready
City View at Sterling Square in Evansville, IN is a newer wedding venue. It’s conveniently located downtown and is the most amazing historic building! The crew at City View did an incredible job renovating the building and thought about everything modern brides are looking for in a venue space. Needless to say, this was the most beautiful location (with the most wonderful natural light) for Valerie’s and Eddie’s getting ready photos and wedding reception.
The bridal suite at City View is spacious with gorgeous windows and the prettiest design. I especially loved the gorgeous chandelier and made use of it for shots of Valerie’s gown. Valerie chose to just have her sweet mama help her dress for the big day, which I completely loved. It was a very touching and tender moment between mother and daughter. The icing on the cake was the first look we arranged for Valerie and her bridesmaids. You can’t fake these ladies’ reactions and their faces were full of love and happiness for their friend.
Eddie’s getting ready moments were filled with fun and laughter, as they always are when you get a room full of young men together. All joking aside, the support Eddie’s groomsmen offered him was endearing and you could tell their long friendships were very dear to each man.
The First Look
Once bride and groom were dressed and ready, it was time for their first look. I whisked Valerie away and we met up with Eddie at another historical building within a few minutes drive of the wedding venue. The anticipation both Eddie and Valerie were feeling was palpable as the big moment was drawing closer. I adored the sweet expression on Eddie’s face and the look of complete reverence in his eyes when he saw Valerie. She was absolutely radiant!
The Bride and Groom
The weather was a bit threatening that day but we were lucky enough to avoid 99% of the rainfall! We worked through gusty winds that, quite frankly, took the photos to the next level! I always tell my brides not to fret if their wedding day ends up being windy because, after all, they pay big money in Hollywood for wind machines! I love the movement and drama that breezy days add and this was no exception.
The Bridal Party
I noticed the prettiest brick wall covered in ivy down the alley from City View. Luckily the owners of the building were there and gave us permission to use the space for photos of the girls. It was PERFECT! And we were so lucky to find amazing light and gorgeous greenery right across from the church where Valerie and Eddie said their I do’s. Not only were these locations lush and beautiful, they were so easily accessible that it gave the bridal party time to really let their hair down and have some fun with the photos. I had a great time working with this sweet bunch of people and I think they had a wonderful time too!
The Ceremony
I may or may have not shed a few tears during Eddie and Valerie’s wedding ceremony….. They exchanged vows at their home church, City Church, in Evansville. The warmth and support offered by friends and family was all encompassing. I loved that Valerie and Eddie took time during their ceremony to sing songs of worship and to pray together. Such a beautiful way to begin a marriage! After the new Mr. and Mrs. were pronounced as such, they exited the church through a flurry of ribbon wands. Talk about a picture-perfect moment!
The Reception
Valerie did the most amazing job planning her reception decor. She worked with OBJ Design and the results were stunning! Soft hues of blush and gold adorned the room and no corner was left bare. It was truly a bride’s dream reception! After several touching toasts and dances, it was time for all the fun stuff! Best of all was the amazing dance party after the formalities were finished!
When it was time for the night to end, Mr. and Mrs. Peterson arranged for a sparkler exit. Their guests did not disappoint and neither did the photos! This was an epic wedding and I am so grateful to have been a part of it!
The Creative Team
Venues: City View at Sterling Square and City Church
Ceremony and Reception Decor/Florals: OBJ Design
Rentals: TRU Rentals
Catering: The Mill House
Hair: Posh International Hair Studio
Gowns: House of White
Bride’s Makeup: Fusion Spa and Boutique
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