Jenny and Evan were married at the wonderful Byron Colby Barn at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake. The barn was built in 1886 and served a dairy barn. It was restored in 1996 to be a social center for the Prairie Crossing Community, as well as a venue for outside events. As I learned this weekend, it's a fantastic venue for a wedding!
After weeks of horrible weather, and a prediction of a day filled with thunderstorms, we did our rehearsal inside the barn. Happily, the storms came during the night and Jenny and Evan's wedding day wound up being sunny and beautiful. We were able to have the ceremony outside the barn in the square. It was
a bit hot, but the breeze made it lovely.The ceremony began with Jenny's stepfather singing "Here, There, and Everywhere" by the Beatles. It was incredible! Not only was it lovely that he sang for the wedding, his version was breath-taking!
Another lovely element was that Jenny was escorted in by someone very special - her son. It was really sweet.
Jenny and Evan decided on a sand ceremony as a family unity ritual. The couple, along with Jenny's son, poured sand into was a slender bottle with a lovely ceramic bird stopper - a gift from Jenny's mom. It tied in perfectly to the theme of the wedding, which was birds and branches.
Which brings me to the wedding decor......
I have to say, I was taken aback when I walked into the barn just before the ceremony. It
was completely transformed from the day before! The bright shades of light blue and green, paired with the branches and bird decorations, made it magical! It was way prettier than the weddings you see in bridal magazines.All the details were just perfect.
The cake was decorated with branches bearing tiny green blossoms, and a darling little bird cake topper.
The tables were decked out with light blue linens and light green table runners. Each table featured a striking centerpiece with a tall vase containing an arrangement of branched with tealights little birds throughout.
One of my favorite touches was the sweet little birds nest place card holders - with little candy "eggs" in the nests!
I am still in awe!
It was a beautiful wedding - for a really sweet couple. It was such a joy to be a part of their wonderful day!
Congratulations, Evan and Jenny!
