Morgan and Tyler Roy are incredible humans with giant, loving hearts. It is truly an absolute honor to photograph each and every wedding, and the fact people choose me to capture their days still humbles me constantly. But this wedding was even more near and dear to my heart, as Morgan and I have known each other since our ages were single digits. It’s only right that I dig up an old photo or two of us, right? You’ll have to scroll to the bottom to see that ;)

I didn’t meet Tyler until we took their engagement photos in the cute small town of Lerna last fall. (Fun fact: Lerna has the world’s FASTEST pop machine. Thank you Morgan for that tidbit.) I felt such happiness within the first minute of meeting Tyler. He and Morgan just fit together. They treat each other with respect, are constantly laughing and making jokes, and it is just apparent they not only love each other, but love being around each other. They wear huge and contagious smiles—they’re best friends.

One of their engagement photos last fall!

Onto the wedding! Their day started out with the ladies hangin’ in Effingham sipping mimosas while getting ready, and the dudes chillin’ at the reception venue in Shelbyville eating Dairy Queen and helping each other with ties. I stayed with the ladies while my dear friend Emma (+second shooter) went to document the guys. Morgan’s mama, Lori, helped me with the detail shots while the bridesmaids continued with makeup.

Morgan’s MOH, Nikki, doing bridal makeup the morning of the wedding.

Morgan’s grandmother, whom everyone lovingly calls Dot, sewed something blue into the bottom of Morgan’s dress.

Morgan Street in Shelbyville — what are the odds?

Their first look was on the balcony of the reception venue in Shelbyville. From here, we loaded onto the bus and headed out to take bridal party photos.

Their ceremony was held at The Vineyard Church in Sullivan, IL. They added personal touches with their decor, much of it handmade, both in the entryway of the church and the room itself. They exchanged self-written vows, and the ceremony was full of tears and laughter.

After the ceremony, many hugs, and family photos, we got back on the bus and started celebrating on the way to a couple more photo locations.

The reception space, Shelbyville Event Center, was decorated elegantly with eucalyptus, white roses, baby’s breath, wooden elements, handlettering, floating candles, and framed photos. They walked into the party to the Chicago Bulls Intro song, which is fitting considering Tyler is a passionate basketball player. They had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni, and other southern comfort foods that I’m sure everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Especially the macaroni — woahhh. They had a donut wall that Tyler’s grandpa built along with donut holes and a cake that they cut soon after walking into the reception. Shoutout to the MOH, Tyler’s brother, and Best Man — your speeches ruled. Dancing followed, and the vibes were high—the newlyweds had smiles on their faces all evening, and they weren’t the only ones.