Carson & Madelyn | An Elegant Wedding Celebration at The Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

September 19, 2023

As I opened the door to the house where the girls were getting ready on the morning of Carson & Madelyn’s wedding, I was greeted with the biggest smiles and this bubbling energy that flowed throughout the entire space. Everyone was SO excited for these two to get married and it immediately stuck out to me how loved Madelyn & Carson are, and how their people would do absolutely anything for them. It’s no question why this is, of course, as Madelyn & Carson are two of the most loyal and generous humans beings, who live to leave the world in a better place than they found it.

After an emotional first look with her dad, brother, and sister on the front lawn of her childhood home, it was time for Madelyn to go meet Carson for their first look. On the drive there, she commented that she was surprised by how calm and confident she felt. I thought this reflection was so beautiful and to me, shows the unique depth, love and trust these two share with one another.

We photographed the first look and wedding party portraits on Madelyn’s family land, over the creek from where her dad went to school at the one-room schoolhouse on the property many years ago. I LOVE the full-circle of this moment, and how it perfectly tied in with the many sentimental touches the couple created throughout their day. For example, Madelyn’s getting ready robe was made from her mom’s wedding dress and Carson’s pocket square was made from his mom’s wedding dress.

Carson and Madelyn are very close with their families and made spending time with them on their wedding day a priority. I thought this was very special. During the speeches, their siblings spoke SO HIGHLY of these two and their sincere words brought tears to my eyes as I think about my own children and hope for them to share such a special bond with one another someday! Another aspect of the reception I thought was incredibly memorable was that at the end of the Mother/Son and Father/Daughter dances, Madelyn and Carson invited all mothers/sons and father/daughters to join them on the dance floor to finish out the song. It was really quite powerful to see so many various ages of these relationships, from mom’s dancing with their newborn baby to elderly women dancing with their adult son, side-by-side. Love and relationships are the heartbeat of our lives and world, and Carson & Madelyn truly exemplify this.

After a big storm rolled through during dinner, we were surprised by the most beautiful double rainbow over the Mississippi right outside the venue. We’ve never photographed a rainbow on a wedding day and WOW … it was something these two (and we!) will never forget. A kiss from Heaven for these two on their wedding day, and for a lifetime of love shared with one another and with those in their lives. We are SO happy for you, Millers!!!! Congratulations!!!