Wedding Date: October 22nd 2023

When couples plan an autumn wedding, they always have in mind the perfect day with a big blue sky, mild temperatures, and of course, amazing colorful leaves. Tori and Michael were the lucky couple that planned it just right and hit all of those high notes. But this is a pair that’s used to hitting notes in both life and music. I learned early on that they both played the trumpet and I was excited to hear that they wanted to incorporate that into their day. Little did I know how amazing and memorable this day would be. Filled with amazing fall color, a sweet couple, lots of goats, and of course, trumpets.

Janelle knew Michael from their days at JonnyPops where everyone affectionately called him Notch. This was a running theme that I quickly needed to get used as I was slightly confused upon arrival when people were referring to Notch. I caught on soon enough and then was off to meet Tori. She was absolutely glowing in the morning light as the ladies in her life helped her put on the finishing touches. Then it was the moment they were waiting for, their first look. With the big red farmhouse in the background and Michael’s smiling face looking off into the distance filled with colorful trees, Tori walked toward him wearing a smile that melts hearts. There they stood, at the beautiful Almquist Farm among the yellow leaves under the big blue sky. It felt pretty perfect.

Almquist Farm is a super special place for myself and my family as well. Janelle’s cousin was married there and I was very excited to return to a place with such a wonderful heart behind everything they do. Tori and Michael felt this as well and as the guests were seated for the outdoor ceremony, the entire space filled with love and warmth that is unique to this place. Tori walked past the towering oaks and down the aisle where Michael was waiting. The view from the crowd was absolutely breathtaking as the sun poked through the clouds and lit up every colorful tree there was along the hills behind them. One of his groomsmen officiated the wedding and he made it so sweet and personal. You could tell he really put his heart into the ceremony and the pair was definitely moved as well. After they sealed their union with a kiss, they happily danced down the aisle, all smiles in the warm autumn sun.

Now is when the goats come in. Well, if I’m honest, the goats were a big part of the entire day! We took some time with the couple and their wedding party and the resident goats ended up stealing the show. Between nibbling on bridesmaid dresses and making unforgettable faces at the camera, they knew they were the stars of the moment. But as soon as Tori and Michael brought out their trumpets, the sun beams seemed to follow and completely stole the focus from the goats. The laughter continued all the way into the reception hall where Michael literally swept Tori off her feet to the cheers of their guests. Sweet toasts were followed by dancing that had everyone cheering into the night. It felt like a good ‘ol barn dance in the best possible way and one that will keep me warm and smiling through these cold winter months.

Vendors: Almquist Farm (venue), Great day events (wedding planner), Sola Wood Flowers (wood flowers), River Valley Catering (catering), BnK Bakes (dessert), Katies Kakes (dessert), The Wedding Shoppe (dress boutique), Milbern (suit), Makeup by Bri (makeup), Nick.Productions (dj)