Word of a deployment changed Nate and Kendra’s wedding plans just a bit. With little time to prepare, they arranged for an intimate gathering with family and friends. Nate’s brother performed a traditional ceremony at at St. John Vianney Catholic church. We then snuck off for some beautiful wedding portraits at the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville.
Kendra and Nate have been together for years, so when their wedding day approached (quicker than anticipated), neither one of them felt nervous- they said it just felt right. Their military lifestyle has taught them to go with the flow, and make the most of whatever situation they find themselves in.
When Kendra first reached out to me, she had been planning their wedding from their home in Kansas. They had just secured their venue at Boxed and Burlap in Lake Geneva! I absolutely love that venue, and after reading about how they we’re college sweethearts- I couldn’t wait to meet them!
We met over a video call and instantly connected. Nate was away on training, so Kendra and I chatted and got to know one another well past our scheduled time. After sharing with me that she had lost her father, she described to me how much the emotional pieces of her wedding day meant to the two of them. I just knew we would be a good fit. Kendra still had to chat things over with Nate, but I was looking forward to reconnecting soon.
We stayed in touch as the two moved homes, finished school and continued working and wedding planning. In May, Kendra reached out to let me know that they had received word that Nate would deploy this year. Without cancelling their already booked wedding in Lake Geneva, they decided to pull together an intimate ceremony in July with their closest friends and family.
The only date that was available was a Thursday, but with a little rescheduling magic- we made it work. I joined the two of them late afternoon just before the ceremony started- both we’re calm. cool and collected. As Kendra made her way down the aisle, the look on Nate’s face said it all. Despite the stress of planning an out of state wedding, an unexpected move, missing family members, and a new date all together- they had made it here, together and that was all that mattered.
After their ceremony commenced and guests were greeted, we snuck away for some gorgeous wedding portraits at the Janesville Rotary Gardens. It was 85 degrees, sunny and muggy, but the two of them together surrounded by greenery could not have been any more breathtaking. They radiated pure calm and happiness.
Kendra and Nate, I feel so lucky to have met you both. I’m sending you all of the love and well wishes as you prepare for the next year ahead of you. I cannot wait to meet up again next fall for your original celebration in Lake Geneva! There will be so much to celebrate!
Want to learn more about our wedding experience? Head on over to our wedding page!
Vendors
Hair | Willow Beauty (Rockford)
Florist | Floral Expressions
Make-up | Shantel Garcia (@shantelmariegarcia)
Gown Retailer | Tulle Bridal Boutique (Clinton, WI)
Jewelry | Feldsteins (Marinette, WI)
