Mackenzie and Alec | Illinois Backyard Wedding

For those in the wedding industry, we know a quirky date is going to be busy (for example 1/1, 11/11, etc.). It is no surprise that 10/10 is the same case – especially since it’s a Saturday. In fact, it was probably the most popular wedding date this year. It was an honor to be in Illinois this year for a backyard wedding!

I was connected to Mackenzie (Mack) and Alec via Kristina, a mutual friend here in Austin. She was the matron-of-honor and gave Mack my contact information back in January – little did we know what would happen in 2020.

Mack and Alec had big plans for their 10/10 wedding. As music lovers, they planned on having three live bands playing. Unfortunately, things changed when Covid happened. Plans had to pivot. Rather than cancel their wedding, they opted out for a backyard wedding in their Urbana home. Rather than the go-big-or-go-home wedding, they shortened their guest list to their closest family and friends.

Poppin’ Champagne in Champaign

Raised in Champaign, Illinois, Mack and Alec have known each other for years since high school. Mack left the state to go to the University of Iowa, while Alec remained to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Everything happens for a reason. These two are no exception. What was clear when spending the weekend with these two, was that they loved their family and friends dearly, and they loved a reason to celebrate. The guests knew the moment Mack and her dad drove up to the aisle in a vintage Cadillac, that it was going to be a party.

We danced to Bluegrass music, ate last-night tacos, and enjoyed the beautiful fall day in Illinois. As a photographer, these are the weekends that despite the 18 hours of shooting, it doesn’t feel like a job.

A huge thank you to Mack, Alec, and their families for making this weekend so fun!

Enjoy these backyard wedding photographs in Champaign, Illinois!