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What started as a side hustle for two creative, driven sisters has now become one of the Midwest’s premier event planning and design firms. At Elevate, we find pure, unbridled joy in celebrating all aspects of life - big moments, small gatherings and anything in between.

Kate & Cameron’s Festival Inspired Summer Wedding

When I say adversity struck, it struck these two hard. COVID brought on its’ own challenges to every bride and groom but for Kate and Cam, it was just the beginning of a long road of resilience. Initially, K & C considered postponing their wedding to the spring, making it the last hurrah on Kate’s parents’ property, but timing didn’t work out and the property was going up for sale around the springtime. Next up, like so many couples, they opted to reduce their guest count and hold an intimate wedding of 50. Only days after having Plan B fleshed out in their minds, the barn on the property – which was the indoor backup space in the event of rain or inclement weather, stored a ton of wedding items, AND was her dad’s personal brewery that he had planned to supply for their special day – burnt down unexpectedly. After taking some time to absorb the devastating tragedy, these two opted to persevere and do the dang thing! Many thanks to some of their close family members and friends who all came together to make it happen.

From the moment I met these two, I knew I was in for a majorly FUN wedding. Kate’s vision was so eclectic – a wedding turned music festival: a chill time with friends and family, enjoying each other’s company with live music, barefoot feet, and comfort food! Our bride used to be a wedding planner herself so her organization and design skills shined right on through.

Kate and Cameron wanted their day to be unique and intentional. They chose to forego the traditional timeline of ceremony, cocktail hour, reception into something that spoke more to their personalities. To kick off the festivities, they had an open cocktail hour with a folk band, a live fashion illustrator, and a toastmaster ceremony where anyone and everyone were welcome to step up to the mic to offer touching stories or a toast to the bride and groom. Guests then walked to the front of the property to witness the beautiful vows said between Kate and Cameron just at the time of the most perfect sunset.

The details to turn Kate’s childhood home into a live music festival couldn’t be missed. Their backyard reception on Kate’s family farm was adorned with stunning canvas umbrellas, colorful furniture, and rugs and pillows to provide a cozy atmosphere. Hammocks, macramé swings, the most inviting bohemian tent, a handmade wooden ‘Lovefest’ sign, and the best kids area (including an ice cream freezer!) were just a few of the features our couple included for their big day. Kate and Cameron also built custom benches with friends while prepping for the big day that they would use for their sunset ceremony. To finish, guests kicked off their shoes and danced the night away in the grass while enjoying some fresh ‘za from Flying Cow Pizza before heading to the campsite our bride put together – personalized flags and all with a special canvas tent given to Kate as a gift from her mom for the newlyweds to stay in on their wedding night!

Kate & Cam, your wedding was an inspiration in SO many ways. From being aesthetically on point to showing us how powerful your love for one another can overcome some major challenges, you gave us a wedding we will never forget! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the magic.

XO,

Kelsie and Katie

VENDORS

Photography: Anna Marie Photography | Venue: Kate’s Family Farm | Planning & Coordination: Elevate Events | Floral: Elegant Arrangements | Catering: Flying Cow Pizza | Videography:  Hyler Media | Entertainment: Sound By Design, The Krause Family Band | Live Fashion Illustration: Ivy McConnel | Hair & Makeup: Shauna Hyler | Rentals: Campyard, Vintique Rental, General Rental, Environmental Services | Bride & Bridesmaid Attire: Sophisticated Rose | Bar & Beverage: Pre-Cooler Trailer Rental | Grazing Table Assembly: Katie from Elevate Events