Annie + Matt | Willett's Winery wedding in Manito, IL
Where do I start with this one? Matt and I go way back to middle school (maybe before?)... I'm thinking we probably initially met somewhere around 5th grade and his cousin Kristina (my childhood best friend) introduced us. Kristina stood up with Matt as his "best woman" on Saturday, and it was so fun hanging out again like old times. Matt and I actually went to UI together too, even in the same major. But after college, he became a world traveler, living in Africa for a couple years, Arizona for grad school, Washington DC for a summer, and then back to Arizona where he and Annie live now. This pair met on an internship in DC that summer I mentioned. The evening before the wedding, Annie + Matt hosted their family and wedding party out at his dad's farm for a bonfire, where I finally got to meet Annie! We immediately hit it off (at least I think so!), and I can definitely tell why Matt fell in love with her. She's beautiful, smart, funny, and reminds me a tiny bit of Kristen Wiig. LOL! :) So after getting ready at the farm and heading in to Manito, we stopped for a few portraits downtown before the ceremony. Afterward, the wedding party all ventured out to Spring Lake where we were treated to some fall leaves, gorgeous blue water and sunny skies. The reception was at the quaint Willett's Winery in Manito, an awesome venue space! I loved the red painted beer bottles they used as baby's breath holders, and the customized mason jars for every guest. One of my favorites memories of the reception was singing along to Callin' Baton Rouge by Garth Brooks in a big circle on the dance floor. I'm so jealous that Matt + Annie get to see him in concert again in Phoenix this coming weekend! I'm so, so happy for you both and hope you have the best + happiest life together! #happilyeverfornoffs Leave a comment below for Annie + Matt, and after 50 comments, they'll receive a complimentary 11x14" mounted print of their choice!
