It’s simple math: Glamorous + Chic = Ben and Erin’s wedding day… and can you believe they did it with NO wedding planner!? Erin credits her vision coming to life by the close relationships she developed with all of her vendors which helped them to execute all of her ideas perfectly. The couple chose TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois because of the gorgeous scenery and availability for a tent wedding. A May wedding is always a gamble in the Midwest – the threat of storms is a bride’s worst nightmare, and the entire morning before the ceremony it was downpouring with thunder, lightning and heavy winds. But the rain cleared and the sun came out right as they were saying their vows, and the weather and everything fell perfectly in to place. They even got to enjoy some time just the two of them taking gorgeous sunset photos during the reception!
Their backstory: Ben and Erin met the same way a lot of typical college sweethearts meet: at a bar. But how they met is anything but typical – Erin was working at Mickey’s in Ames, Iowa and Ben and some friends came in for a night out when Ben was so clumsy he caused Erin to spill an entire tray of shots. His clumsiness, however, did not stop Erin from having an attraction to Ben (and vice versa!) and was sincere and charming after the incident which made it easy for Erin to agree to going on a date with him. They hit it off so well on their first date that they knew they’d found something special. They quickly became inseparable, and their relationship continued to grow even after spending a year and a half apart while Erin finished school and Ben went to start his career as a farmer. Ben bought a home in 2013 and soon thereafter, Erin graduated from college, found a job in the same town as Ben, moved in with him and they began their lifelong journey together – starting with buying a puppy!
Erin described the overall style of their wedding as “timeless, chic elegance” with a blush, champagne and gold color scheme and mirrors, candles and glass decor. The guests were greeted with champagne before the ceremony, and Erin and Ben wanted them to feel like they were in their “own little world of elegance and love” – and their guests agreed that they nailed it! They served his and hers cocktails and appetizers and had pork for dinner – very appropriate since Ben’s family owns a pig farm – and finished off the meal with a 4-tier blush and champagne colored wedding cake that was suspended from the ceiling above the dance floor and adorned with the same beautiful orchids that were in the bride’s cascading bridal bouquet. The groom and his men wore black tuxes which were classic and chic and looked amazing next to the bridesmaids gorgeous, long, blush dresses. Ben also wore pig shaped cufflinks – a gift from his bride, since he is a pig farmer. Erin wore a stunning mermaid dress with blush undertones, a sweetheart neckline, layers of lace and beading, and lace sleeves that fell off the shoulder and could be removed to convert to a strapless gown. After the ceremony, the couple took a ride in a vintage Chevy Impala that they borrowed from a friend. The vintage ride made for some beautiful, classic photos!
Some advice that Erin has for future brides: “If you’re debating whether or not to write your own vows, DO IT! Ben and I both felt like the wedding ceremony was so incredibly special because of that aspect and we got so many comments from our guests about how much closer they felt to us as a couple… As much as you can try to find original décor to make your wedding stand out, there is nothing that makes it more unique and personal than saying your own vows to one another during the ceremony.”
You can also take a look at their stunning, snowy Minnesota engagement photo session by clicking here!
This wedding was also featured IN PRINT in The Knot magazine – more on that in another blog post soon!!!!
Photographer – Stephanie Marie Photography
Dress Boutique – Dimitra’s Bridal Couture in Chicago
Dress Designer – Lian Rokman
Veil – Coco Bridal Boutique
Shoes – Michael Kors (bride), Aldo (groom)
Tux – Ducky’s Formal Wear
Flowers – Kathy at Hy-Vee in Silvis, IL
Venue (reception & ceremony) – TPC Deere Run
Catering – TPC Deere Run
Cake & Dessert table – Creative Designs Cakes
Music /DJ – RJS Productions
Hair – Janelle Thistle and Staci Teel
Makeup – Cult Beauty by Liv
Rings – Luxury Bands (groom’s), family friend who is a diamond dealer (bride’s)
Bridesmaids dresses – Alfred Sung
Groomsmen apparel – Ducky’s Formal Wear
Videographer – Amor in Motion
Rentals – AAA Rents for tent, tables, and chairs; I’ve Got You Covered for linens
Wedding day Hashtag – #DittmersAreForever
Love the light tones, and the car shots. All stunning!
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