I’m so excited to tell you all about one of my first weddings of 2020! Hayley and Michael are such a sweet couple. These two were actually set up on a blind date at Brew (a restaurant in their hometown of Jasper, Indiana)  and have been together ever since. Michael actually ended up proposing at the same restaurant and even at the same table they had their first date. He even wore the exact same shirt from when they first met. He had a wonderful speech as well as an incognito photographer prepared to capture the moment. Hayley was completely surprised and, of course, said “yes!”

Hayley and Michael’s wedding day began with the girls all getting ready together at Hayley’s mom’s house in Jasper, Indiana. That morning, it was actually dark and stormy, but despite that, everyone was happy and spirits were high. I have to say that Hayley is an extremely thoughtful person and had every detail perfectly laid out for me that morning, which if you knew her like I do, this would be of no surprise (we’ve been friends since our college days). When I got to the house, the Beauty Bar was working their magic on all of the girls and everyone looked stunning, especially the bride. Before they finished getting dressed, Hayley and Michael each read letters they had written to each other. I really loved the thoughtfulness of this and it was an amazing way for them both to soak in what their day was truly about.

After reading her letter, Hayley's mom helped her in her dress, then she did a first look with her dad. You can absolutely tell by the look on his face that she is his little girl and he was thrilled to be by her side on her wedding day. I have to say that I really love when brides do first looks with their dads. To me, it seems like such a gesture of love and respect for the first man in their lives.

After everyone was ready and beautiful, we were off to the ceremony! The wedding was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg, Indiana. The church was full and it was obvious just how much these two are loved by the people in their lives! Another amazing moment was seeing Michael’s smile when he saw Hayley coming down the aisle. Their ceremony itself was beautiful and led by Fr. Ryan Hildenbrand.

After the ceremony, it was still raining, which just happens to be good luck. We ended up finding some cover in Downtown Huntingburg for portraits and it worked out perfectly. Finally, we headed to the reception at Venue 1408 where friends and family alike were waiting, and excited to see them. Hayley's cousin, Colin, played the guitar while everyone watched their first dance. Following all of the first dances, Hayley's dad surprised everyone by playing "I Loved Her First" by Heartland and I don’t think I saw a dry eye in the entire venue.

As the evening was wrapping up, we stepped outside for a few more photos once the rain had mostly stopped and then ended the evening with a super fun sparkler exit!

Hayley and Michael, their families, and this wedding day was all so special to everyone. They chose to only keep the wedding day traditions that were meaningful to them and focused on celebrating love in their own way, which was absolutely perfect. It was such an honor to experience all of this alongside them and I know that they have such an amazing future ahead!

As I do with all of the couples I photograph, I ask a few questions. When asked what each loves most about the other, Hayley said, “I love his sarcasm and his ability to always find fun in anything we do. He always makes me laugh and I love his compassion and love for God.” When asked the same question, Michael responded with, “I love her cheeky grin, her smile, those blue eyes, and her mischievous look. She makes me completely forget about the stresses of my days.” When asked what they want to remember most about this season of their lives 20 years from now, they said, “We want to remember the powerful union that is the marriage sacrament. Officially becoming one and taking on the world together.”

Here’s to Hayley and Michael, and a new year of love!

The Wedding Day Team:

Photographer: Kalli June Photography, Jasper, IN

Assistant: Kayla Divine

Brides Gown: House of White, Newburgh, IN

Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House

Groom’s Attire: Seiberts, Jasper, IN

Rings: Olinger Jewelers, Jasper, IN

Florals: Erin’s Events, Huntingburg, IN

Hair & Make-up: The Beauty Bar, Jasper, IN

Ceremony: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Huntingburg, IN

Reception: Venue 1408, Huntingburg, IN

Catering: The Mill House, Jasper, IN

Video: Brescher Filming & Photography, Jasper, IN

Music: Colin Hildenbrand

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Kalli is a playful, laidback, adventurous wedding and senior portrait photographer based out of Southern Indiana. She loves incorporating a documentary style into her work with movement and flow. With every session, her goal is to capture those raw and genuine moments that come from just being yourself.

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