Nevarez Wedding | Southern Illinois Wedding Photographer

Mr. and Mrs. Nevarez were married on October 20, 2018 at the Big Red Barn in McLeansboro.  I feel so honored to have been asked to have been a part of this gorgeous day!  It was a lovely fall day -  windy, but so was their engagement session last fall so apparently that's just meant to be lol - but other than that, everything was flawless!  The bride looked absoltutely stunning and made sure that everything, down to the smallest detail, was perfect!  Kelsi and Jesse were so much fun to work with, both at their wedding and at their engagement session, because they are both very sweet and incredibly photogenic.  And, most importantly, because you can tell they are crazy about each other!  Here are some highlights from their wedding day...  

CEREMONY LOCATION: Big Red Barn, McLeansboro, IL
RECEPTION LOCATION: Big Red Barn, McLeansboro, IL
OFFICIANT: Jeremy Sandusky
HAIR STYLIST: Erin Irvin at NatalieJoseph's, McLeansboro, IL
MAKEUP ARTIST: The Bride
CATERER: Birkner’s Processing, McLeansboro, IL
CAKE: Shelly Wilson
CUPCAKES: Buttercup Bakery, McLeansboro, IL
FLORIST: Sandy at Easton’s Flowers
DJ SERVICES: Darrell and Marsha Upton

My second shooter, Callie, and I arrived at the Big Red Barn at 1 PM.  By this time, everyone was all ready.  The girls were tucked away in one part of the barn so Jesse wouldn't see his beautiful bride to be just yet, and the boys were hanging out in the main part of the barn.  While the girls were finishing up the final touches, we went ahead and took the detail shots of her flowers and their wedding rings.  After that, we were ready for the first look.  First looks are always fun because it's a private moment between the couple when they get to see each other for the first time.  

After the first look pictures, we went ahead and took some shots around Harre's of Kelsi and Jesse.  The couple requested we get as many pictures before the ceremony as possible.  This gave us lots of time to get some amazing shots of the happy couple without them feeling rushed to get back to their reception inside.

After the couple pictures were out of the day, we moved on to wedding party pictures!  This was such a great group to work with!  They all made everything so easy!  And I LOVED the girls dresses! :)

Maid of Honor
Alexas Capps 

Bridesmaids
Brittany Thomas
Megan Rubenacker
Emaline Hart
​Chelsea Lee
Rachelle May
​Abbie Braden

Junior Bridesmaid
Brayley Renn

Best Man
Aaron Allen 

Groomsmen
Dylan Mitchell
Ryan Sparks
Brady Rapp
Cody Thomas
Logan Ham
​Patrick Kiefer

Ushers
​Chris Zarek
Michael Renn

The cermony started at 4 o'clock.  The bride was escorted by her father, Wes Renn.

The ceremony was beautiful!  A true combination of simple beauty and timeless charm.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Nevarez... :)

Now time for the reception! 

The couple made their grand entrance back into the main part of the barn.  This was followed by a prayer from the bride's grandma, a delicious meal, and speeches by the maid of honor, best man, and the groom himself.

Next came the cake cutting...

...their first dance as a married couple...

...and all the other traditional moments - a sweet dance between Kelsi and her dad, the garter removal/toss, and bouqet toss.  This was followed by an evening celebrating the union with family and friends.

Thank you so much Kelsi and Jesse for allowing me to capture your special day!  I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter and love as you begin this next chapter together.  Congratulations!! :)