VENDORS


Venue: The Rustic Barn Venue

Photographer: JLM Photography

Dress: Bliss Bridal

Cake: made by the Bride!

The Hills


There are some wedding days that feel extra special—days that leave you feeling grateful to witness love in its purest, most genuine form. Raina and Chris’s beautiful October wedding at The Rustic Barn Venue in Nora Springs, Iowa was exactly that. From the moment I arrived, there was this calm, joyful energy surrounding them. These two are truly a breath of fresh air, and their love and admiration for one another is something you can feel the moment they’re together.


Raina and Chris chose to keep their ceremony intimate, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The space felt warm, personal, and full of support—exactly the type of atmosphere that fits them so perfectly.

After exchanging rings, they incorporated a beautiful foot-washing ceremony. It was one of the most touching moments of the day—quiet, meaningful, and overflowing with symbolism. This simple act said so much about their devotion to one another and set the tone for the rest of their marriage: grounded in humility, service, and deep love.


One of my favorite parts of the day was venturing to the flower garden tucked in the corner of the venue. In October, it was still vibrant with blooms—and to our surprise, it was bursting with Monarch butterflies.

Watching Raina and Chris walk hand-in-hand through the garden, surrounded by Monarchs, felt like a scene straight from a fairytale. Their joy was effortless. Their connection, undeniable. It was such a privilege to capture those quiet, tender moments.


Raina and Chris, thank you for trusting me with your story. Your wedding was beautiful, meaningful, and full of love, and I’m cheering you on as you step into this new chapter together.

Wooden pews line a pathway leading to a rustic windmill under a golden sunset sky.
Two wedding rings rest on an open book page with text visible beneath them.
String lights illuminate an outdoor event space with rustic wooden benches and decorations set against a natural landscape.
White fabric draping adorned with a romantic floral arrangement featuring peach, orange and rust-colored roses with eucalyptus leaves.
Vibrant autumn floral arrangement featuring orange chrysanthemums, burgundy dahlias, and white roses in warm lighting.
Black and white portrait of someone in formal attire with vest and tie sitting thoughtfully in dark wooden room.
A rustic wooden wall serves as a backdrop for a professional portrait session in warm lighting.
A person in a vest and tie looks down at a phone in a dimly lit room, captured in black and white.
A black and white photo series showing a romantic couple in formal attire embracing and sharing intimate moments.
People gathered in a rustic brick-walled venue with warm lighting for a social event.
Black and white photo sequence showing a figure in a suit sitting down in a rustic wooden room.
A series of romantic candlelit moments captured in soft, warm lighting showing tender embraces and intimate gestures.
A black and white photo sequence shows someone in a white shirt looking upward in contemplative poses.
A group in white dresses and gowns raises their arms joyfully in celebration at an indoor event decorated with bunting.
A stunning white wedding dress with a long train and lace details shown from multiple angles in a bridal fitting room.
Bridesmaids in burgundy dresses help bride get ready in rustic wooden room with exposed beams and warm lighting.
A black and white photo collage shows wedding reception guests dancing and celebrating at a formal event.
A group of people in formal wedding attire gather together while helping with final preparations before a ceremony.
A group gathers around a white wedding dress hanging on display in a bridal fitting room.
Black and white wedding photos arranged in a horizontal row showing intimate moments between the couple.
A bridesmaid in a coral dress helps adjust the bride's white wedding gown while kneeling on the floor.
Two people stand beside white vintage furniture in a rustic room with wooden plank walls.
People gather in a rustic wooden cabin interior with red decorative pillows and vintage furnishings.
A bride in a delicate lace wedding dress and flowing veil stands in a rustic wooden barn setting.
Couples dancing together during a rustic barn wedding reception with warm lighting and wooden walls.
A series of black and white wedding photos showing joyful moments between a couple during their celebration.
A couple in formal wedding attire poses together in front of a rustic red barn with golden wheat fields in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment during their wedding celebration against a vibrant red backdrop.
A wedding party poses together against a red barn wall in formal attire at sunset.
A wedding couple poses outdoors in front of a rustic red barn on their special day.
A wedding couple shares a playful moment outside a red barn on their special day.
A series of wedding photos showing a couple in formal attire posing playfully against a red barn wall.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their wedding ceremony with a soft sunset glow in the background.
A bride and groom share a joyful moment together during their black and white wedding ceremony.
A series of black and white wedding photographs showing intimate moments between couples during their special day.
A romantic collection of wedding photos showing tender moments between a bride and groom in an outdoor setting.
Close-up shots of hands holding and reading handwritten wedding vows on paper against a blurred background.
A couple exchanges vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony at sunset in a golden field.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress shares a joyful moment while holding papers during an outdoor ceremony.
A romantic couple in formal attire shares intimate moments in a series of black and white photographs.
Romantic outdoor wedding couple embraces on a grassy hillside with a flowing white dress and black suit.
A bride in a detailed lace wedding dress and veil poses outdoors in warm sunlight against a natural landscape.
A bride wearing a delicate lace veil smiles warmly while showing her wedding ring in soft natural lighting.
A bride in a white lace wedding gown poses outdoors during golden hour in a dreamy garden setting.
Wedding party members in brown suits and formal attire pose together in a line against a beige wall.
A sequence of dance partners performing elegant lifts and spins in a dance studio with wooden floors.
Bridesmaids in burgundy and rust-colored dresses stand with bride in white gown against neutral building exterior.
A group of bridesmaids in colorful dresses stand in a line against a beige wall during a wedding celebration.
A bridal party wearing fall-toned dresses poses in front of a white barn with a wooden balcony at sunset.
A wedding party poses in front of a white barn at sunset with warm golden lighting creating a romantic atmosphere.
A row of groomsmen in brown vests lean against a white barn wall in matching attire.
Wedding party poses together outdoors with scenic mountain backdrop and rustic wooden arch.
Rustic fall wedding reception decor with lanterns, pampas grass, and orange table runners creating a warm atmosphere.
Long rows of elegant tables and chairs set up in a rustic barn venue with white linens and string lights overhead.
Decorative metal lantern with candle light and pampas grass on table setting for rustic wedding reception.
Long banquet tables with white linens and red runners set up in rustic wooden barn venue.
Vintage lantern centerpieces with table numbers and champagne glasses on red table runners.
Decorative lanterns with pampas grass and string lights create a cozy autumn ambiance against white walls.
Rustic barn interior decorated with draped fabric, chandeliers, and warm lighting for an elegant wedding reception.
A wooden shelf displaying multiple framed family photographs arranged in a decorative manner against a beige wall.
Rustic barn wedding reception venue with elegant white drapes, chandeliers, and long dining tables set for a celebration.
Small wooden decorative ring boxes with hand-painted designs featuring delicate gold and black accents on natural wood.
Elegant crystal chandeliers hang from a white draped ceiling creating romantic wedding reception lighting.
A happy couple shares a joyful moment together during their wedding celebration at an outdoor venue.
Wedding guests share emotional reactions and embraces during an outdoor ceremony.
A bride in a flowing white dress sits elegantly on wooden stairs during a wedding photoshoot.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden pergola with warm autumn sunlight and rustic decor.
A collage of women in black formal dresses smiling and posing for photos at a special event.
A bride in a white wedding gown descends outdoor stairs with a companion in a grey suit on a sunny day.
A collection of black and white wedding photos showing guests and couples at various outdoor ceremonies.
Wedding guests mingle and socialize at an outdoor reception under bright sunlight.
Wedding party gathers under a white tent for an outdoor celebration.
Black and white photo of wedding guests seated outdoors during a ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with orange and white fabric draped over wooden pergola and white chairs on grass.
Wedding guests seated on chairs outdoors during a sunset ceremony with trees in the background.
Black and white photograph of spectators sitting in stadium bleachers during an outdoor event.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden benches and a rustic windmill backdrop under blue skies.
A bride and groom share their first dance together at a wedding reception.
A romantic black and white wedding photo sequence shows a couple sharing intimate moments under a flowing veil.
A bride and groom share an intimate kiss outdoors while holding a rustic autumn bouquet with flowing veil.
A couple in wedding attire walks through a vibrant flower field at sunset with orange and pink blooms.
A romantic sunset wedding photo session with a couple embracing in a golden-lit field with trees in the background.
A couple in wedding attire walks through a vibrant garden with blooming red flowers and lush greenery.
A couple walks hand in hand through a vibrant field of red and pink wildflowers on their wedding day.
Close-up view of hands with engagement ring resting on white textured fabric.
Romantic couple sharing a tender kiss during their wedding celebration outdoors.
A wedding couple shares an intimate moment together in a garden setting with pink flowers in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment in their wedding attire surrounded by blooming flowers in a garden.
Long wooden table displays rows of plated chocolate desserts and cakes in an upscale restaurant setting.
Elegant white wedding cake with fresh flowers displayed on wooden stand at reception venue.
White wedding cake decorated with burgundy and orange flowers on a rustic wooden stand.
A row of delicious looking white frosted cakes and pastries displayed on a wooden surface in warm lighting.
Wedding party celebrates in a rustic barn venue decorated with twinkling lights and elegant white decor.
A romantic first dance between newlyweds under a rustic barn ceiling with twinkling lights and elegant chandeliers.
A couple shares their first dance at a rustic barn wedding reception decorated with string lights and white drapes.
Elegant wedding celebration inside a rustic barn venue with string lights and romantic ambiance.
A couple shares their first dance in a rustic barn venue with warm lighting and wooden beams overhead.
A couple shares an intimate dance moment under warm string lights at a rustic wedding reception venue.
Wedding guests seated at an elegantly decorated table with lanterns and autumn floral arrangements.
A couple shares an emotional first dance moment in a rustic barn venue decorated with string lights.
A couple shares a romantic dance moment in a rustic barn venue decorated with twinkling string lights.
Couples dance together in a dimly lit ballroom with twinkling lights overhead during an elegant evening event.
Newlyweds share a sweet moment while cutting their wedding cake together at a rustic reception venue.