Quad Cities Wedding - Katie & Steve Part One

You can see it from across the room. He takes one step closer to her and puts his hand on the small of her back as they continue to pay absolute attention to their friends and family, all the while something has clearly changed. He eases into conversation, more relaxed than the second before, and her smile widens broader than it already was.

Katie & Steve are a perfect compliment to each other. Katie's bubbly personality brings out Steve's shy smile and Steve is nothing short of perfect with Cole, Katie's 7-year-old son (and perhaps the coolest 7-year-old boy I know!). Just as Katie's dad mentioned during his toast, Steve would have never even stood a chance at making it to this big day had Cole not given him a thumbs up. As evident by their fabulous outdoor engagement session, in Steve, Cole has found the perfect froggin' buddy just as Katie has found the best partner.

Their big day started off with all the ladies getting ready at Hotel Blackhawk. It's not often that I get excited about shooting INSIDE a hotel, but Hotel Blackhawk is quickly changing that trend.

Steve sent Katie a bouquet of red roses the morning of their wedding because he's just that stinkin' sweet!! :)

I absolutely love Katie's ring! Choosing one unique band instead of a larger stone and band I think is an awesome new idea. Not to mention, given that Katie is a nurse, it just makes sense when it comes to sliding on those rubber gloves!

Katie was also well prepared for a day on her feet. Spunky heels for the ceremony and rockin' sparkly flats for the reception. So smart!

One of my favorites...

Thank goodness for crochet hooks. Katie's mom was totally on top of this one!!

I told you she was on top of it. She brought an extra one for Steve! At this point though, he had no idea what in the world she meant by "Put this in a very safe pocket. You're going to need it for later!" Haha!

Of course, laughter was coupled with the emotion of the day and I had to do all I could to keep my eyes dry and clear during this amazing moment (Geez Louise guys! I'm tearing up while I write this again!!).

Katie & Steve were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Davenport, IA. Just to the side, and hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the front of the church, is a lovely little garden, making it a great spot for their First Look.

During their First Look, Katie & Steve also exchanged gifts. While Katie knew ahead of time not to buy all of her bridal jewelry, she had no clue what to expect from Steve's choice. Especially, given that he didn't know what she was going to look like!

Needless to say, he did a perfect job. The necklace was even the perfect length!

Julie Frisk did an outstanding job on all of Katie's florals! I am in absolute floral lust over all the different textures she integrated into Katie's bouquet. That and let us not forget the fact that they looked amazing even after being outside in 90+ degree heat for awhile! A stunning accomplishment in and of itself.

I never once saw Katie's dad without this smile on his face. :)

Pastor Matt Marohl did a great job of relaxing Steve's nerves by starting things off with a joke that got everyone laughing and Cole gave Steve a huge thumbs up once he finished his vows, which were a beautiful emotional struggle to even say aloud at the rehearsal the night before.

Married! Katie & Steve's big day continued on at The Outing Club, conveniently just across the street. Also across the street (well, the other street), was Vanderveer Park, so naturally, we popped over there for a bit of post-ceremony fun.

Pretty sure these ladies belong in a JCrew catalog! Each unique dress suited each bridesmaids' personality and style so well while the same shoes tied everything together.