Wedding Date: June 30th 2023

Anna Claire and Ben are the glue of their friend group and faith is the glue of their relationship. So their wedding was a celebration of love, faith, and friendship and you can’t get a better combination than that. Our talented Team Photographer, Tasha, joined the pair at the beautiful Almquist Farm on a very very hot summer day. She joined Anna Claire in the bridal suite where she was just putting on the finishing touches with help from her family before showing off her stunning look to Ben. He waited for her inside the empty reception hall. As Anna Claire walked through the chairs that would soon be filled with loving guests, Ben's smile widened and he gazed up to see her walking toward him. They shared a few quiet moments together before going back out into the party and the heat of the day.

The pair ventured out onto the grounds with Tasha and they were such champs walking through the paths and fields trying to dodge the sun while taking as many air conditioning breaks as they could. The lush grounds were the perfect backdrop for these two as they laughed. Back at the main house they met up with their wedding party who were excited to celebrate their friends. Everyone dawned their sunglasses and ignored the heat as they shared stories and laughed together without a care in the world. Then the guests started to arrive so everyone found a nice spot to cool down before the ceremony.

Everyone stood and turned to watch Anna Claire walk down the aisle as her eyes met Ben’s at the end. Flowers dotted the shady clearing and kids sat in the aisle to get a better view of the action. Anna Claire is a children’s pastor and it was so much fun seeing how much they loved and cared for all the children in their lives. Once they were pronounced husband and wife the crowd erupted in cheers as they walked back down the aisle toward all the fun they had planned. And trust me when I say they planned a LOT of fun! The cocktail hour was the epitome of a fun summer wedding with lots of activities for all ages. A giant inflatable bouncy house, bean bag toss, and snuggling with the goats had everyone busy and happy.

Back inside, the tables glowed with fairy lights in mason jars and beautiful wildflowers decorating the family style tables. The pair danced in with their shades still on, ready to get the party started! The began with a fun shoe game that’s kind of like the newlywed game but with shoes. Then while the guests mingled, Anna Claire and Ben sat down for a few rousing board games at their sweetheart table. I’m not sure who won, but I am sure they had a good time! After some loving toasts and a delicious dinner, Tasha convinced the pair to brave the heat once more for some lovely sunset photos. Watching the colors fill the sky while they could hear joyous noise from the party inside carry on the air was the perfect way to end an already beautiful day.

Vendors: Almquist Farm (venue), Holly Ulland (wedding planner and florist), River Valley Catering (catering), Nothing Bundt Cakes (dessert), The Wedding Shoppe (dress shop), Bridal Accents Couture (suit), Sabrina Bowen (makeup), Ally Bowen (hair), Day One DJ (music)