A Rustic Romance: Cara and Brock's Outdoor Wedding at The Campground House
Sunday, September 3 was a warm and breezy day - the best day for an outdoor wedding. The sun peeked through the tall trees on the property, casting a golden glow upon The Campground House—the perfect setting for Cara and Brock's outdoor wedding. Their love story, woven with sentimental details, came to life in the embrace of nature, where two large families united to celebrate their union.
The Setting: A Rustic Haven
The Campground House is a hidden gem nestled on the back roads of Carlinville. Surrounded by towering trees and wildflowers, this venue offers a rustic charm that made it the perfect choice for Cara and Brock's special day. The venue's natural beauty, with its sprawling grounds and a small pond, provided a blank canvas for the couple to create their dream wedding. The property comes with a larger house, where the bride and friends got ready, and a quaint cabin where Brock and groomsmen pinned their boutonnieres and posed with their new hats.
Sentimental Details
Cara and Brock's wedding was a reflection of their deep love and shared history. Everywhere you looked, there were sentimental details that added a personal touch to their life together. From the hand-painted wooden signs leading guests to the ceremony site to the vintage photographs of the couple's families displayed on a rustic wooden table, every element had a story to tell and was carefully thought through. Dried flowers, amber vases, and terracotta elements brought Cara’s bohemian wedding vision to life.
The Ceremony: Nature's Altar
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm hue, Cara walked down the aisle, which was custom-created using different rugs. The ceremony took place beneath a stunning octagon arbor draped with flowers. The couple exchanged their vows amidst the rustling leaves and the soft chirping of birds, while a small acoustic set played guitar, violin, and mandolin. One of the most touching moments was that Cara’s grandfather, Paul, was the wedding officiant, which added an emotional layer to the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of family and unity.
The Reception: Taco About a Celebration
After the heartwarming ceremony, guests gathered in the reception space, while the bridal party and I took some photos. Then, Brock and Cara were announced for their first time as Mr. and Mrs. and entered the reception before the rest of the bridal party. As each member of the bridal party were announced, they were met with a “roast” by the DJ, with inside jokes written by the bride and groom. After touching speeches, dinner was served. Guests were excited to see a taco bar, complete with chips and queso.
Large Families United
Cara and Brock come from large families, and their wedding was a celebration of not only their love but also the bonds between their relatives. It was heartwarming to see cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents come together, sharing stories, laughter, and dance moves. The wedding felt like a family reunion, with each guest playing a vital role in creating a memorable day.
Farewell, But Not Goodbye
After the sunset, the evening drew to a close, but not before a spectacular sparkler send-off for the newlyweds, Brock and Cara. Guests eagerly gathered, each holding a sparkler and lighting them in unison while the couple, hand in hand, made their way through the sparkling corridor of love and well-wishes.
