Nicole and John’s ‘Grounded in Love and Nature’ Outdoor Illinois Wedding by Maloos Photography

One thing we don’t have much of here in the UK is a ‘first look’ They are becoming more popular but certainly not as popular as the are in the US. Here it is customary to see your other half for the first time at your wedding ceremony and one thing we love here in the UK is a tradition! Today’s wedding has a lovely first look, complete with personal vowel readings and then all of the portrait and group shots before the ceremony. I do think this is a great idea, as you can then spend the main part of the wedding chatting and catching up with your guests, instead of hours of phots pulling you away form everyone. Please join me in wishing Nicole and John a huge congratulations on their beautiful sage green and white day, a classic love story that focused on their love of nature as well as their love of a good party, all captured perfectly by Maloos Photography.

Maloos the photographer tells us more about the day

On August 24, 2024, Nicole Hoelzel and John Beary tied the knot at the picturesque Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois, an idyllic spot they had fallen in love with on previous visits. Nicole prepared for the day in a cozy, cabin-like spa suite, complete with a skylight that let in warm, natural light—perfect for a laid-back and boho vibe. Before the ceremony, the couple shared a private first look in the charming gazebo by the water and exchanged their vows, capturing most of their photos before guests arrived so they could fully embrace the celebration once it began. With 200 friends and family gathered, they hosted an outdoor ceremony on the deck overlooking the lake, then moved indoors to the elegant ballroom for dinner and dancing.

The rest of the evening flowed seamlessly, highlighted by a simple but heartfelt first dance and an unforgettable party on the dancefloor—thanks in large part to their former college classmates who kept the energy high well into the night. Their day was a perfect reflection of their casual, real style: Nicole wore a vintage thrift-shop dress that effortlessly matched the sage color scheme. After a year of planning, the wedding turned out just as they hoped, from the intimate vows by the water to the lively reception filled with laughter and college nostalgia. True to their personalities and professions, this celebration felt grounded in nature, love, and a genuine connection—exactly what Nicole and John envisioned when they chose to say “I do” in Galena.

Supplier Shout Outs

• Planner: Becky Kinney, Events to Celebrate 515-210-2880 & Maggie Truppa is Eagle Ridge’s Coordinator 815-776-5281
• Photography: www.maloosphotography.com
• Hair: [email protected]
• Makeup: [email protected]
• Florist: [email protected]
• Decoration: [email protected]
• Venue: www.eagleridge.com
• Food: [email protected]
• Music: [email protected]

Maloos Photography

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