Our first time in Dubuque, Iowa was definitely one to remember. The city in + of itself is a charming yet majestic town. Historic, colorful, tons of shops + restaurants, gorgeous old homes, nestled along the great Mississippi River … I could go on + on! As much as we loved getting to visit the city of Dubuque, however, our reason for being there was even better (obviously!). On Saturday we got to celebrate a couple who has not only impacted our lives in a significant way, but the lives of SO many people in their sphere. It’s really quite amazing.

Eric + Emily grew up in the same neighborhood + have lots of memories together as kids jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes, playing yard games, etc. And because they were neighbors … their families are also really good friends! Eric comes from a family of six kids + Emily from a family of five kids, so there was always a lot going on, as you can imagine! This was SUCH a fun dynamic on their wedding day + I loved being in the presence of these two families. The entire day was FULL of laughter, inside jokes, hugs, tears, + let’s be honest, some pretty fun shenanigans (I’m looking at you, May sisters!!) ; ) When we were walking back to the reception after sunset photos, Emily made a comment to me about how thankful she was for their families … just how unique + special it is to be bringing two families together through a marriage that already know + LOVE each other so deeply. Really beautiful + definitely a huge CELEBRATION!! The reception was such a natural outpouring of love + support for this couple … the best kind of party : )

Knowing each other since childhood, dating since high school (7+ years!), careers that took their relationship really long distance (overseas long distance!) has created a foundation in Eric + Emily that is so strong + so deep. Their love + admiration for each other is SO obvious — anyone can see it. But more than just that, I see a best friendship that is absolutely unbreakable. It’s unshakeable. And that friendship will carry these two through the many, many, many years they have ahead of them together. Isn’t that just beautiful? Eric’s face says it all in the photos of them after the ceremony — pure happiness. We are all SO happy for the two of you + thank you for sharing your lives + story with us!! Enjoy some of our favorite moments from the day you became the Mays : ) xo!

This is Eric’s grandfather’s car — his name is Harley : )

LOVE this one of you girls!! : )

Not a bad spot for family photos!!!! ; )

Since these two were born + raised in Dubuque, I knew we had to do a couple photos here when I saw this sign!! SO cute!! : )

LOVE!!!!!!

I love this clock tower in the center of town! Dubuque is the oldest town in Iowa, so there are TONS of beautiful, historic spots to shoot right in the downtown area!! We had SO much fun!!

I just love you two!! So stunning — inside and out!! <3

Emily’s dad passed away very recently, so at the reception, her five uncles (dad’s brothers) surprised her by each taking turns dancing with her to a special song <3

A HUGE thank you to Eric + Emily’s wedding day vendors!

Ceremony Location: St. Joseph the Worker | Reception Venue: Hotel Julien | Videography: Katherine Mendieta | Cake Artist: Candle Ready Cakes | Reception Band: Tim Stop | Makeup + Hair: Gymkhana Blue (Heidi) | Wedding + Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Miss Ruby Boutique | Wedding + Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Watters Wtoo | Menswear: Graham’s Style Store |