Mr. & Mrs. Kroeger | Hermann Hill Weddings

Hayley and Sam had so many trials thrown their way while planning for their November wedding day during a pandemic. Despite all the difficult things thrown their way and the changing of plans last minute, one thing is certain; Hayley and Sam were still married on the date they wanted! They were surrounded by love from friends and family, and though it may not have been the wedding they had originally planned, Hayley and Sam were happy as can be. These two took the day in stride. When we arrived it was pouring down raining. Hayley was calm as ever. She assured us that no matter what the weather did on the day, she would be happy with whatever portraits we would be able to capture. Lucky for Hayley and Sam, the rain clouds dispersed for a few hours allowing us to take all of the portraits outside like we had planned. It may have been a bit chillier than one would like, but we were just happy that we weren’t getting rained on. We had so much fun venturing around the property at Hermann Hill Weddings. This venue is magical with so many breathtaking views to see.

On the morning of their wedding, we began photographing bridal details. Hayley selected gorgeous florals that we couldn’t stop photographing. All of her details were so pretty and made our photographer hearts so happy as we snapped away. Soon enough, it was time to get Sam ready for the day. He was giddy as ever as his family helped him prepare for the day! Once all of his attire was in place, he sat on the church pew to read a letter from his future bride. He smiled so big as he read the love note from Hayley. As he finished reading his letter, he looked up at us and said, “well, she did way better than I did. I may need to redo my letter to her.” We assured him that no matter what he wrote, Hayley would love it.

It was time for Hayley to slip into her gown and we were so excited to have her do so in the wedding chapel where they would soon tie the knot. The charming chapel boasts gorgeous windows that let in beautiful natural light. We knew we had to take the getting ready portraits here for an extravagant look. Hayley’s mom Kellie joined us in the chapel and took her time snapping the delicate buttons as she soaked in the moment. Button by button, Kellie fastened her daughter into the pretty lace gown. Hayley’s mom couldn’t stop smiling. We made sure not to interrupt her, ensuring her mom could really relish in this moment. Hayley is Kellie’s only child, so we knew just how special this once in a lifetime moment was to them both. After Hayley was fastened into the gown, her mom helped her with her heels and then added the veil to complete the look. Even Sam’s mom Pam joined in on the fun with the final getting ready moments. Hayley looked absolutely stunning. Both Hayley and her mom teared up and tried not to cry. Hayley’s mom stood there giving some of the best advice. It was one of the sweetest mother daughter getting ready moments we’ve had to date.

It was now time for the reveals. First with Hayley’s Maid of Honor Isabelle and next with her father Don. Both reveals were truly sweet as can be! Isabelle cried as soon as she saw Hayley for the first time. She quickly embraced Hayley and the two of them cried happy tears together. Next, Hayley’s father Don was ushered in for his first look. As he turned around, he puckered his lip and then smiled so big. He looked so proud and happy in this moment. Hayley was radiant! The two hugged for the longest time and her dad kept telling Hayley how perfect she looked. Before heading outside for a few bridesmaid and groomsmen portraits, Hayley read her heartfelt note from Sam. I’m not sure what he was worried about earlier in the day with thinking his note wouldn’t be good enough. As Hayley read the letter, she smiled, she giggled, and she teared up and even cried happy tears. It’s evident Hayley and Sam are meant for one another.

Luckily it had finally stopped raining, so we were able to go outside for bridesmaid portraits. Hayley and her maid of honor were joined with the cutest little flower girls! We had so much fun capturing portraits outside just before the ceremony. Once Hayley was hidden inside, Sam came out with his Best Man, ushers, and ring bear. They were such a fun group of guys. There was never a lack of laughter or inside jokes during groomsmen portraits. It began to sprinkle so we made our way back inside where guests had already begun finding their seats inside the chapel for the ceremony.

Once the ceremony began, Sam looked happy as ever up on the stage. We patiently waited for the doors to open to reveal his beautiful bride. As the doors were opened, Sam’s eyes lit up and he smiled so big. Hayley effortlessly glided down the aisle towards Sam as her father escorted her. It was an emotional bridal entrance and I tried my hardest not to tear up behind my camera but I just couldn’t help it. You can truly feel the love Hayley and Sam embody. It’s a beautiful thing to witness!

Hayley and Sam exchanged rings and vows making the most special promises to one another. They shared a passionate kiss after they were pronounced husband and wife and guests cheered and applauded loudly for the new happy couple. Hermann Hill Weddings has their couples take part in the tradition of popping a bottle immediately after the ceremony. Workers then bring in platters full of glasses for the guests to also take part in a toast for the new couple. We have never seen anything like this, but thought it was such a cool sentiment. After the ceremony, we spent the remainder of the evening chasing the last bit of light for bride and groom portraits. We covered every inch of the property and had the best of times with these two, even though it was quite chilly. Hayley and Sam were true troopers during their portraits. They were even down for a bit of adventure and didn’t even bat an eye when we asked them if they could climb up a rock cliff for a portrait we had in mind. We were so glad these two adventured up the cliff because the end photo was magical!

Waiting inside, Hayley and Sam’s guests were anticipating the grand entrance. The DJ announced the new Mr. & Mrs. Kroeger into the reception and family and friends cheered in excitement. Sentimental toasts were given, many laughs were had by all, delicious cake was served, and dancing entertained the guests for hours! Hayley and Sam are truly a special pair. Their love is endearing to witness. It’s evident these two have found their soulmate in one another. The way they both become giddy when the are in the presence of each other is the cutest thing. Their love is special and inspiring! We know Hayley and Sam are going to do amazing things together. Their love is unmatched and we couldn’t’ be happier for this darling pair to begin their journey as husband and wife!

We ended our time with them with a sparkler exit before some crazy storms rolled in! Hayley and Sam dashed through the tunnel of excited family and friends looking happy as can be! Congratulations to you both. We wish you both a lifetime of so much happiness and joy. We are so thankful you trusted us to capture day one of your marriage. Enjoy some of our favorites from the day!