Early last Saturday morning Caleb and I made our way to Dyersville, Iowa. It was a GORGEOUS drive as the sun rose over the winding hills full of fall color. Upon arrival, we drove through Dyersville right to the outskirts of town. As we made our way up the hill to our destination, we pulled up to Shannon’s childhood home and my heart skipped a beat. Right there, on the hill in the middle of countryside Iowa, was the most charming home that looked like it was transplanted right out of Georgia; porch swing, fans, and all. There was even classical music playing through speakers somewhere outside as we pulled up! Already knowing this was such a special place to Shannon, I immediately fell in love with the place we would be spending most of our day : )

With six siblings and a lot of friends, the home was bustling with people, dogs, and so much excitement. I dream of having a home like this one day so it felt really … comfortable : ) I spent the morning at the house with the girls getting ready while Caleb headed just down the street to be with Rob and the groomsmen!

The ceremony took place just a few minutes from both homes, right in downtown Dyersville at The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. This church was built in the 1888 and is truly a historical work of art! It was so unique, in my opinion, because of all the color inside the sanctuary! Rob and Shannon had the most breathtaking ceremony including LOTS of happy, happy tears : )

To exit the ceremony, the newlyweds drove away in an old Ford truck that has been in Shannon’s family for years! We followed them back to Shannon’s neighborhood where we took photos with the truck in the filtered afternoon sunlight (and my photographer heart proceeded to burst from how absolutely beautiful it all was!). The classic car, Shannon’s gown, and the way these two just embraced their first alone time together as husband and wife was such a beautiful experience. When Shannon told me prior to the ceremony that they wanted alone time, just the two of them, for photos after the ceremony, I knew it would be just so special to photograph!!

As soon as we were done with those photos, we met back up at the home with both families and the entire bridal party to take a few more photos, set off some confetti poppers and eat/drank together celebrating a couple that is so, SO loved by those around them <3 The rest of the night was one GIANT party, just as Rob and Shannon wanted it! It was such an amazing day!! R&S, thank you SO MUCH for inviting us into your day … your lives … your families … we are SO thankful to know the two of you and have been majorly impacted by the love that you two share. In your letters to each other you both shared that you never wanted to stop growing in respect but also romantic pursuit of one another and I really believe that is possible with the two of you. Love you and cheering you on always!!!!!

Just LOVE these beautiful sisters!!

SO gorgeous, Shannon!!!!!

Rob and Shannon privately read letters to each other after their first look (but let us photograph it!). Such a sweet and special moment <3

Combined, Rob and Shannon have SEVEN sisters! All of who were in the bridal party : ) Shannon also have seven really close friends who she deemed ‘honorary bridesmaids’! Of course, we had to get photos with them too!!!

Time to get these two married … in the most BEAUTIFUL church ever!!! And it’s in their hometown!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!! Meet the Hermsens!!!!!

LOVE <3

All of these photos were taken at Shannon’s parent’s home! SO special!!

Bridal party … we NAILED IT!!!!

A huge THANK YOU to Rob & Shannon’s wedding day team!

Ceremony Venue: The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier | Reception Venue: The Meadows Golf Club and Event Center | Videography: Autumn Silva Photography | Caterer and Cake Artist: J&D Catering | DJ: Alexxus Entertainment | Hair & Makeup Artist: Hannah Elisabeth Beauty | Wedding Dress Shop: Che Bella Boutique, Designer: Jude Jowilson | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse, Designer: Calvin Klein | Stationery: Touch of Blonde Designs | Reception Signage: Noted Design | Rentals: Inside Décor, Lueck Weddings | Floral: Penny Dzaboff Salow