brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0001 Do you remember Eliah and Rachael from last year? They had a beautiful June wedding, that unfortunately was scaled down due to Covid. They had been hoping to hold their wedding reception with all their friends and family last fall, but unfortunately Covid restrictions prevented them from planning the party they had dreamed of. So when Elijah and Rachael reached out this spring to say they had scheduled their wedding reception, I was so thrilled to have their date available! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0002 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0003 Their reception was held at Brown Deer Golf Course in Coralville, which was a simply beautiful setting for their celebration! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0004 We kicked off the evening with family portraits. Elijah's family is quite large, his parents being one of twelve and one of seven. What an amazing opportunity to get portraits of everyone together! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0005 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0006 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0007 The dinner started with each of their father's toasting the couple. It was so sweet to hear about their journey together. brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0008 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0009 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0010 After dinner, Elijah's best man and Rachael's maid of honor share beautiful heart-felt speeches honoring Elijah and Rachael. brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0011 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0012 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0013 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0014 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0015 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0016 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0017 Part way into the first dance, Elijah and Rachael invited all married couples to join them. The dance floor filled quickly with couples, including their parents. brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0018 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0019 The father-daughter dance welcomed all fathers and daughters to the dance floor, and the mother-son dance welcomed all mothers and sons to dance. It was so fun to see all the dads with their daughters and all of the mothers and sons. What a special moment for all! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0020 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0021 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0022 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0023 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0024 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0025 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0026 Most of Rachael's parents original bridal party was present for Rachael and Elijah's celebration, so we were sure to get a portrait of them 26 years after the big day. brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0027 I love sunsets out at Brown Deer! Thankfully, we had an amazing one for Elijah and Rachael! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0028 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0029 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0030 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0031 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0032 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0033 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0034 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0035 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0036 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0037 While we were outside for sunset portraits, the party was going strong inside! Their guests really love to dance and the dance floor stayed busy the whole evening!! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0039 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0038 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0040 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0041 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0042 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0043 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0044 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0045 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0046 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0047 As the sun set lower in the sky, some clouds rolled in and the sky lit up a glorious golden red. Thankfully, Elijah and Rachael were on board with popping out of the reception again for a few short minutes to take advantage of the gorgeous sunset! brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0048 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0049 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0050 brown-deer-wedding-iowa-city_0051 Thank you so much to Elijah and Rachael for allowing me to capture your beautiful celebration! It was an absolute joy to work with you both again!!