Intimate Vintage Wedding with Something Borrowed Wedding Dress

At the Blumen Gardens in Sycamore, Illinois Dee and Doug had an intimate celebration with those that mattered most. Although the wedding was small, the moments were certainly bigger than you could ever imagine! We love the sentimental touches like Dee’s borrowed wedding dress, their guests surrounding them in a circle as they exchanged their vows, and the quiet moments shared in prayer. Not to mention, the way Dee and Doug look at one another is absolutely darling! We wish these two all the happiness in the world and hope you enjoy taking a look at highlights from their day courtesy of Expedition Joy.

Written and captured by Courtney of Expedition Joy:

Dee & Doug’s intimate wedding was only a few hours long with about 15 guests, but it was one of the most personal, detailed and special weddings I’ve ever been to. A wedding dress borrowed from her daughter’s closet. A circle of friends literally surrounding them while they pledged their lives to one another. A time to dance, a time to laugh, a time to share, and a time to reflect on all the little moments that brought them there. They may have kept their wedding small, but every moment was special in it’s own way and tribute all of the important parts of a wedding day.

Dee shared a few moments of prayer with her girls in the bathroom before her brother gave her away, and the sweet words of gratefulness and love echoed down the hallway moments before the ceremony music played. Each of Doug and Dee’s four daughters walked down with a small bouquet of flowers and greeted her at the end of the aisle with a hug and their flowers to create a beautiful and sentimental bridal bouquet. Their family and friends stood up and encircled the bride and groom as they exchanged verses, rings and vows. Mr and Mrs Johnson shared their first married kiss and walked down the aisle and stopped under the chandelier for their first dance. The toasted their friends and family with glasses of Mountain Dew and sweet tea. They shared cupcakes, a group dance and hugs with their family before departing.

Every moment of their day was built intentionally to demonstrate their love for each other and their family. Multiple times I cried during their ceremony and dances so much that I couldn’t see through my tears enough to look through my camera clearly. Their portraits brought out their ability to have a good laugh together, and then embrace each other. The small looks of love Doug gave Dee during the ceremony were absolutely priceless, and I don’t doubt they will continue for the next 50 years. If you take anything away from their wedding photos, let it be that loving someone truly, honestly and deeply is the most important part of your wedding day.