Not an eye in the crowd was dry as Max began his vows, "I've loved you since the moment I met you." (They've been together since the early years of high school).  "I used to scribble your name in my notebooks. I wrote songs about you—and now, all these years later, you're still my best friend." (I'm paraphrasing, of course... but you get the idea.) The part about scribbling her name in his notebooks is my favorite. I love to think about how our past connects us to our present, and it's magical to think that now, all these years later, the girl he wrote songs about and whose name he doodled has not only blossomed into a beautiful young woman—but is now his wife.

So cool.

Also cool? Stephanie's incredible eye for decorating! She joked that Max has teased her, hoping to restrict her Etsy access (which might cause quite an uproar!). From their large monogram letters, to the cake signage, the insanely adorable card holder, and the wood-burned guest book—I'd say Etsy has been good to them. :)

Ceremony location: the Wedding Island at Wilderness Ridge Reception venue: Wilderness Ridge Florist: Hy-Vee Floral Cake: Sweet Art Wedding Cakes DJ: Lauren Rock, Complete Music

Quite possibly the cutest wedding cake I've ever seen. (Check out the groom's cake in the collage below... it's "The Giving Tree," reinterpreted. Amazing!)

I love the classic Hollywood glam look of this image...

Instead of a unity candle, Steph & Max combined soil from their childhood homes into the pot of a young oak sapling, and will one day plant it in the yard of their future home. I love this for oh so many reasons!

Lauren got the party started right away and the whole crew was onboard for a hoppin' dance floor!

Much love, health, and happiness for you both! xoxo