Kate-Leigh + James

05.25.24 | Waukon, Iowa

Before their special day even arrived, I felt like these two were already close friends of mine. They are comfortable souls: kind, welcoming, stylish, and they’ve got a ton of amazing friends! The kind of people you can invite over for burgers and beer or charcuterie and champagne and either way they’re having fun all day! And, y’all… if there was one word to describe their gorgeous Waukon wedding day, it was FUN!

The Fossum Wedding was a traditional style wedding day filled with contemporary twists throughout! The girls started the day off at Luna Salon in Waukon, with plenty of room to relax and get their hair and makeup done. When I walked in, I remember gasping at how gorgeous the whole bridal party was. The whole crew looked like they stepped straight out of a magazine, and they were still in their robes! After they finished getting ready, the Bride’s mom helped her into her dress before the bridesmaids had their first look. She was breathtaking! The bridal flowers were a mix of gorgeous fresh bridal florals mixed with stunning faux bridesmaids bouquets. Each detail was so perfect! The Luna Salon space was so gorgeous we ended up doing bridal portraits inside and outside! While the ladies prepared at the salon, the guys were having lunch and getting ready at Old West Paint Creek Church. I hopped a ride over to the church with the awesome videographer, my new friend Brenna Strubb Photography, out of Lansing, Iowa. At the church, the couple opted for a “first touch” instead of a first look. They held hands around a corner at the entrance of the church and took a minute to soak in the excitement of the day and share their private vows to each other. It was such a special moment and I would definitely recommend this to those couples who want to add a contemporary twist to their day while maintaining the traditional first look during the ceremony.

With the bridal party in hiding, the guests began to fill the beautiful little church and we took our places to witness the processional. After the flower girl and ring bearer made their adorable way down the aisle, there was a pause.

Over the church speakers the Bride’s voice shared sweet memories and excited words for her groom before the doors swung open and she was escorted down the aisle by her father. The ceremony was beautiful, including a special tying of three strands to symbolize the strength of their marriage combined with their faith. There were tears, but also lots of smiles and big laughter! Every single moment of this day felt filled with joy and that is just an incredible thing to witness!

The couple practically danced their way out of the church before greeting all of their guests. We took family and full wedding party portraits outside of the church with farmland behind them, which was the perfect location for this farm-loving couple! The guests headed over for the cocktail hour and enjoyed the most amazing charcuterie grazing table as the wedding party loaded onto grandpa’s trailer for the wildest hayride I’ve ever been on… I’ll let the photos speak for themselves! We even had time for a couple of quick stops along the way before arriving at the totally transformed Allamakee Fairgrounds for the reception. The reception pavilion was so beautifully decorated, with florals, lights, linens, and custom wooden tables and chairs brought in by the Bride and Groom. It was absolutely stunning! Kate-Leigh could seriously go into wedding planning and design if she wanted to!

After the grand entrances, Mr. and Mrs. Fossum went straight into their first dance. I think some of their moves even shocked their wedding party; they must have been practicing! Everyone was served a delicious hot meal by Cindy’s Catering, then we listened to hilarious speeches and enjoyed a buffet cookie table before the dance floor was cleared and the boots hit the floor. DJ Steve had the place on their feet from the start and kept the dance floor hopping! Instead of cutting a traditional cake, Kate-Leigh and James cut into a cookie cake with the cake knife borrowed from James’ parents. I love how they kept traditions throughout the day with their own twists!

Just before sunset, we snuck out for a few last portraits, and I’m so glad we did because they are some of my all-time favorites! Then we headed back inside for a little more dancing, and the bouquet toss with a bridesmaid catching it for the win! What a way to wrap up an amazing wedding day!

Enjoy this glimpse of some of my favorite images from The Fossum Wedding:

Kate-Leigh and James, you two have been an absolute joy since our very first phone call! Thank you so much for trusting us with your most beautiful memories and for sharing your lives with us. We hope you enjoy looking back through the years and cannot wait to help create your heirloom photo album —- your love story is definitely one to pass down to the grandkids!

XO
Jillian + Zach


Photography by Jillian Herrmann | JWebbart.com

These vendors were all amazing!
The dress @thedressbymorganlynn — exquisite and so perfectly Kate-Leigh!
The tuxes Teslows Waukon — so sharp!
Hair @adrianna.lunasalon + Kelly Wille — every single style was wow!
Makeup @hidden.beauty.studio.ia + Bailey Davidson —- photographed absolutely beautifully!
Ceremony Old West Paint Creek Church — the prettiest church!
Officiant Pastor Ken Kimball — such a friendly wonderful pastor!
Reception Venue @allamakeecountyfair —- super spacious, accommodating, and love their head table area!
DJ @djstevehill —- these guys know how to party!
The catering Cindi's Catering Harper's Ferry —- can Cindi cater for me every day??
Signs/coozies/programs @epic__wear —- The graphics looked awesome and I loved how every detail of this wedding was custom!
Head Tables @resource.vintage.rental —- stunning craftsmanship and totally nailed the style Kate-Leigh was going for!
Dessert @ Gavin's Goodies —- Delicious!
Bridesmaids Bouquets Flowers From the Farms —- the Bridesmaids looked gorgeous with their bouquets!
Bride + Groom Florals The County Garden Flowers and Gifts —- the perfect cascading bridal bouquet!
Outdoor flowers pots Beechys Greenhouse —- I noticed these immediately when we pulled up to the church, so perfect!
Charcuterie by 3B's Charcuterie —- I just have to say, wow. Coolest grazing table I’ve ever seen!
Videography by @b.lit.photography —- I hope we get to work together again sometime! Brenna is a joy!

Thanks so much for following along, and if you love what you see, I’m sure each of these vendors would love for you to follow them on social media!

*Kate-Leigh and James were also featured in an earlier blog post: HOW TO HAVE A MAGICAL ENGAGEMENT SESSION
and their images were also featured in Bold and Beautiful Magazine!