Kirsten and Cesar were married back in December just a few days before Christmas. After a mostly long distance relationship (Kirsten lived in the US, and Cesar in Brazil), it was wonderful celebrating the two of them finally being together! Although I'm sure they were the most happy of all. :) We started out with their ceremony at Sycamore United Methodist Church, and ended with their reception at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore.

It's tough work being a kid at a wedding. :)

Lots of happy tears!

This is one of my absolute favorite images from the day. That's Cesar's mom right there in the bottom left. After Cesar and Kirsten came and dismissed the parents, she sat back down and started crying. I love it because I know beyond a doubt that this will be me when my kids get married. What a sweetie. :)

Because Kirsten and Cesar were both living in other parts of the country/world, I only met them once before their wedding. They were very sweet during our consultation, but it wasn't until their wedding that I learned what truly wonderful and caring people they are. Their love for each other and their family and friends is a beautiful thing. I feel very blessed to be a part of their day. All that to say, LOOK AT HOW STINKIN CUTE THEY ARE!!!!

I couldn't believe how beautiful Blumen Garden's was during the winter!! And let me tell you, it was coooooooold. Kirsten and Cesar, you guys are my heroes!!!

There was a fair mix of American and Brazilian guests, so Kirsten's dad read his speech in English and Cesar's best man translated it into Portuguese.

Congrats again, you guys!!! Hope you guys are loving Brazil together!!!

Hair and Makeup: Stephen Alan Salon

Florist: Kar-Fre Flowers

Dress: Allure, purchased from Wolsfelt's Bridal

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: N/A

Tuxes: N/A

Ceremony site: Sycamore United Methodist Church

Reception Venue: Blumen Gardens

Cake: Sweet Dreams Desserts & Catering (they also did the catering)

DJ/band: the brother of Kirsten's brother-in-law

Note from Kirsten: I used Etsy.com to purchase quite a few wedding items here and there--a great website!

Favorite memory from your wedding day?

Both: The entire ceremony--it was so beautiful and so special to have our friends and family all together to join us in our marriage.

If you could, is there anything you would have done differently?

Both:Nope!

Best piece of advice for brides and grooms?

Both: Don't sweat the small stuff on the actual day--if everything doesn't go as rehearsed, it doesn't really matter!

Where did/will you go on your honeymoon?

We went to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Final Reflections:

Kirsten: What a wonderful day, even though it passed so quickly--I never imagined how much I would appreciate the photos afterwards, because you get to relive the day and see moments that you didn't get to see on the wedding day...and that is very special!

Cesar: It was great to see our families and friends united for the first time and enjoying the wedding and celebration!

Kirsten & Cesar : Blumen Gardens, Sycamore, IL Wedding