“In case you didn’t know, baby I’m crazy ‘bout you. And I would be lying if I said that I could live this life without you. Even though I don’t tell you all time, you had my heart a long, long time ago. In case you didn’t know.” ♫

Libby and Darren danced to Brett Young’s popular hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” during their beautiful rustic chic wedding ceremony at the Wildlife Prairie Park, and it was absolutely perfect! These two souls are connected in unimaginable and magical ways, and their wedding celebration certainly showed their love for each other! It was so much fun getting to capture their unique story to make sure they would have photos to look back on and share with their friends and families for years to come.

Rival High Schools Can’t Stop Love

Libby and Darren meet in college. Although they are both from Bloomington, they went to rival high schools. Their younger siblings were friends, and Libby was giving a ride home to Darren’s little brother one night right before college started. He told me his brother was going to Augustana College and that he and Libby would have to meet. During orientation weekend, Libby and Darren ended up in a dorm room with a bunch of other students and each other. Apparently, he wasn’t too interested at the time, telling his family that he would “NEVER be caught dead dating a girl from Bloomington High School.” Aren’t we glad he changed his tune! By the time December rolled around during their freshman year, Libby and Darren were hanging out quite often, and they started dating right after she attended the Football Date Party as Darren’s date.

As a couple, Libby and Darren are best friends. They have an interesting sense of humor. Libby says that after dating so long, she knows when Darren is joking and not serious, even it if seems like he is being mean to someone who doesn’t know them as well. They like being outdoors, running, hanging out with their dogs, and cooking together.

A Lasting Love

The two of them knew it was meant to be after going through a complicated break-up while Libby was studying abroad in Europe. When she returned to the states, they both took some time to decide if they wanted to get back together and see where the relationship took them. While they were apart, Libby felt like she was constantly thinking about her man; any time she thought of something funny, exciting, new, or sad, she wanted to share it with him. Once they both decided they wanted to be together, they knew they were in it for the long haul! I love this so much, and think it demonstrates the importance of open communication in a lasting relationship. After all, it did lead to the two lovebirds planning a beautiful rustic chic wedding!

A Rustic Chic Wedding

As a two-time Ironman finisher, Darren won his best race when he tied the knot to his stunning bride in a rustic chic wedding at the Wildlife Prairie Park on a beautiful day in October 2017. Their colors of navy and merlot certainly popped, and the expounded on the country chic atmosphere. Libby was stunning in her lace dress, matching Toms, and her grandmother’s pearl necklace, while her hubby looked dapper in a classic black tux. We were able to capture some adorable photos of the two of them using the Wildlife Prairie Park as a backdrop. The scenery and the couple’s incredible love for each other made for some unforgettable photos and memories!

After the ceremony, Libby and Darren went on a mini-moon to Las Vegas to celebrate their union. They saved their big honeymoon for February 2018, when they jetted off to warm Costa Rica. If their wedding was any indication, these lovebirds certainly have a life full of laughter, love, energy, and adventure ahead of them!

Vendors for this Rustic Chic Wedding:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Wildlife Prairie Park

Videographer: Caleb Fortune, Iconic Arts Chicago

Cake: Hy-Vee Catering

Florist: Create A Scene

Makeup Artist: B. Loved Salon, Sadie

Hair Artist: B. Loved Salon, Krista

Band/DJ: Absolute Light and Sound

Bride’s Gown: Martina Liana from Cloud Nine Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Suit: Seno Formalwear

To see similar weddings click here and here!