As time goes on couples are continuing to make their wedding days more personal and unique to them, and there’s no better example of this than Bailey and Nick’s backyard wedding in Rockford, Illinois. The wedding took place at Nick's childhood home, which laid out the groundwork for what was sure to become a deeply personal and emotional day for him and Bailey. The personal details of the day extend far beyond the venue, and are just a small part of what made this incredible day an all around fantastic experience.

Getting Ready with Their People

The day began with Bailey and Nick excitedly getting ready with their closest friends and family on the grounds of Nick’s childhood home. Bailey and her gals got ready in the house while Nick and his crew took care of things in the garage. It became immediately apparent how special this day was, not just to Bailey and Nick, but also for their friends and family as well. Everyone came together and was doing everything they could to make the day the best that it could be for Bailey and Nick.

After getting ready it was time for some first looks with Bailey, first with her and her father followed by one with her and Nick. These were both such beautiful instances, but the moment between Bailey and Nick was a real tear jerker. Along with their reactions to seeing one another, Bailey and Nick also read private notes to one another which really brought the emotion to the forefront of the day. After this we had a bit of time for some wedding party, family, and couples portraits before their backyard wedding ceremony in Rockford, Illinois began.

Their Stunning Backyard Wedding Ceremony in Rockford, Illinois

In the backyard of Nick’s family home in Rockford, Illinois was a beautiful ground level deck, the site where his and Bailey’s wedding ceremony would soon be taking place. As their guests began to find their seats you could feel the anticipation growing by the minute. Just as the scene was about to burst with excitement, Nick was escorted into the space by his mother followed by members of his and Bailey’s wedding parties. The ceremony was underway, and now it was time for Bailey and her father to enter the scene. Everyone was overcome with joy, none more so than Nick as Bailey made her way to stand beside him.

It was a beautiful ceremony full of smiles and laughter, and before long the two were officially newlyweds. Rather than walk off to cocktail hour, the two opted to take a more stylish approach, choosing a classic Ford Bronco as their getaway vehicle. It was the perfect exit from their backyard wedding ceremony, but there was still plenty more to celebrate at this home in Rockford, Illinois!

An Evening of Dancing and Celebration

Underneath a massive string lit tent is where Bailey, Nick, and their loved ones would spend the rest of their evening celebrating alongside one another. Before the backyard wedding reception really got underway though, we had some time to sneak in a few newlywed portraits on the beautiful grounds of the Rockford, Illinois home. This moment alone really let Bailey and Nick take in everything that had happened so far that day, and after sharing in this time together they were more than ready to start the evening's festivities.

We made our way back to the tent for an evening filled to the brim with fantastic and memorable moments. From Bailey and Nick being showered with confetti during their entrance, to emotional first dances between the two and their parents, and of course a dancefloor that was packed from start to finish, it was a night that Bailey, Nick, and their friends and family will relive over and over again.

It was an absolute pleasure documenting Bailey and Nick’s backyard wedding celebration at his family’s home in Rockford, Illinois. I feel honored to have been a part of the fantastic vendor team that helped make this day a reality, and I’m so glad Bailey and Nick were able to celebrate their love for one another in a way that perfectly captures who they are. If you’re looking to have Forest City Photographs document your wedding day be sure to send us an inquiry through our contact page so we can reserve your date today!