Libby & Shida’s Grinnell Graduation Day Wedding

Had it not been for a pesky eraser in math class at Grinnell College, Libby and Shida wouldn’t be where they are today!  After meeting during a study session their second semester of college, they became good friends.  Eventually, that turned into something more!  A few years later, after Shida proposed during a spring break trip to visit Libby’s family, they decided that they’d make their graduation weekend into an even bigger celebration and get married too!

When Libby first contacted us, I was in disbelief that they were planning to walk across the commencement stage in the morning…and only a few hours later get married.  To me, it sounded stressful and a tiny bit crazy!   I’ve photographed Grinnell College’s commencement several times, so I knew how long it tended to last.  I was a little skeptical we would pull it all off.  But they never worried, and in fact, things went incredibly smoothly throughout the entire day!

A large part of that is due to their incredible family that helped every step of the way, particularly Libby’s mom, Donna.  She invested her heart into her daughter’s wedding, and it was the sweetest moment when she watched her walk down the aisle.  I believe every parent is beaming with pride when their children graduate from college, but compound that with the joy of a wedding day, and you have one of the best days ever!

Libby and Shida, congratulations!  You did it!  You’re married AND college grads!

Our associate, Beth, photographed this wedding.  To view more of her work, please go here.

My dear friend Mandy from M.Klyn Floral provided the most gorgeous flowers!  I’m in love with this bouquet.  And Libby’s mother designed their beautiful invitations – I love the preppy classic look!

I love the lemons on their invitations!

Libby, you looked beautiful!

A fun little note – originally, Libby and her bridesmaids were going to get ready in the basement of Herrick Chapel.  If you have ever been in this space (I have many times) it is essential a dungeon where light goes to die.  This is not an exaggeration!  I don’t recommend it as a getting ready space because it is small, cramped, and dark.  So…I suggested that they get ready at my studio!  Which has plenty of room and natural light.  Now that we’ve done it once, we realize how AWESOME it is to have our brides prep at our photography studio, so…if you are a future bride getting married in Grinnell and want to use the space, let us know!

From the S&B article highlighting their upcoming wedding.

The perfect bridal party!

Libby got a little teared up during the processional – their ceremony was so sweet!

Married at last!  The crowd gathered to cheer them on!

Beth knocked it out of the park with these perfect portraits of the bride and groom!

Dresses with pockets are the best idea ever!

When all your friends have a bit day, you all want to celebrate!

Their intimate reception was held at the Depot Crossing in Grinnell and featured one of my most favorite cakes from Classic Cakes by Design.

I wasn’t sure if everyone would have it in them to dance, but they had a PARTY, that is for sure!  I think everyone had such an exciting day with graduation and then a wedding, that it was the best way to end the weekend!

Congratulations Libby & Shida!