Wedding date: January 18th 2025

Olivia and Garrett’s wedding day was a beautiful winter celebration. The day began at the always gorgeous Bavaria Downs, where Olivia was getting ready in the bridal suite with her closest friends. Everyone wore matching pajamas, and the energy was light and happy. She shared a quiet morning with her mom, helping with final touches and taking a few moments for photos together before getting into her dress. When it came time for the big reveal with her bridesmaids, the room completely lit up. The reactions were exactly what you’d hope for, smiles, gasps, and a few tears.

Olivia and Garrett chose their first look location just outside the entrance, and you could feel the nerves drop the second they were together. They held hands, laughed, and had that kind of quiet conversation you only get to have when no one else is around. From there, we moved into wedding party photos, and even with the cold air, the group was all in, full of support, ready to celebrate.

The bouquet Olivia carried had a charm attached to the stems with a small photo of her grandparents. That tiny detail was a strong reminder of how much thought she had put into honoring the people who couldn’t physically be there. We finished family portraits before heading to St. Andrew’s. The church was still and calm when we arrived. The last of the guests trickled in as we captured photos with grandparents and spent a few final minutes in the sanctuary. Then everyone tucked away as the ceremony began.

Walking down the aisle, Olivia looked composed but visibly excited. Garrett waited at the front, trying to hold it together. Their ceremony was classic and focused on what mattered most. When it ended, they danced down the aisle and signed their marriage certificate. Guests returned to Bavaria Downs for cocktail hour while Olivia and Garrett stayed behind at the church a little longer. The drive back gave them a rare chance to catch their breath before walking into the second half of the day.

Bavaria was warm and glowing. Tables were set with winter greens, low candlelight, and thoughtful details that felt personal without being overdone. Before the room filled, Olivia and Garrett took a few minutes to see it privately. That pause gave them a moment to reset and appreciate what they had created together. They entered the reception to applause and went right into toasts. One from each side of the family, honest, funny, and full of love. Dinner followed, and the atmosphere shifted into something more relaxed. People leaned in close, passed plates, and reconnected.

Their first dances came after. When the dance floor opened, the energy changed completely. Guests jumped in right away. Before things picked up too much, we stepped outside for a few final winter night portraits. The air was cold, the lights from inside spilled through the windows, and they stood together in the quiet for a few more frames before heading back in to join the party.

Vendor: Bavaria Downs Edward Ann Estate (venue), D'Amico (catering), Annika Bridal (dress boutique), Ziel Bridal (hair and makeup), Midwest Sound (music)