{SBB Bride of the Week} Nora
N O R A
+
S A M
{August 31st, 2024}
{Photos by: Stephanie Lang Photography}
Introducing our beautiful bride, Nora!
For her summer wedding, Nora looked absolutely gorgeous in a fit and flare gown by Essense of Australia!
The details on this gown are perfection for an August wedding - floral lace, sparkles and a VERY low back!
{Photos by: Stephanie Lang Photography}
When it came to flowers, Nora worked with Sunshine Garden Center out of Diamond, Illinois to create all of her bouquets and arrangements!
{Photos by: Stephanie Lang Photography}
Nora and her very soon-to-be hubby, Sam, shared a sweet first look before heading to the ceremony!
{Photos by: Stephanie Lang Photography}
Nora and Sam were married in a lovely outdoor ceremony at Deer Ridge Barn in Limestone, Illinois!
Her ceremony included a very special tribute…
“The best part was walking down the aisle to meet Sam. The best part of this moment was that I was walked down by all my dad's brothers. There are 8 of them and they all wore my dad's favorite attire of Hawaiian shirts and red converse. My dad had passed away unexpectedly two months before I had met Sam.”
{Photos by: Stephanie Lang Photography}
After the couple made things official, it was time to head into the barn to celebrate!
{Photos by: Stephanie Lang Photography}
How did the newlyweds first meet?
“Sam and I had met on Bumble, the online dating app.”
How did Sam pop the question?
“We had gone on a weekend getaway to Harpole's Lodge that had the best views. He had proposed over the little cliffside that overlooked trees on a sunset. We went for a walk and he was behind me and I thought he was going to jump out and scare me, but when I turned around he was down on one knee.”
Was it a surprise or did Nora know it was coming?
“I knew it was coming. Earlier that summer he had made a big purchase and said "next thing I purchase will be a ring." I had picked out the ring (and had to sign for it when it got delivered), but I did not know exactly when he was going to propose.”
After that, the next step was to find her wedding gown!
“My dress shopping party was small. It was me and my best friend. Which is what I had wanted because her opinion was the one that would know what I am thinking as we have been best friends for over 15 years. I had no expectations and no one knew we were dress shopping. I think I had more fun because it was so secretive we were the only two that knew what was going on.”
How did Nora know her dress was "the one"?
“I knew the dress was the one. My face lit up and as my friend Cheyenne had said, I was glowing. I also got the butterflies of excitement like when I had first met Sam and still get those butterflies.”
When it came to planning her wedding, what was Nora’s favorite part of the whole process?
“My favorite part was that mine was not the traditional way. We had ordered my ring and the next day a venue we had known we were interested in had an open house. We went so we could blend in and look around. However, we stuck out as a young couple that did not look like we married. We knew after we had toured we wanted to get married there and that started the planning process. We actually had most things booked before we actually were even engaged, including my dress. That mostly was the best part as I have a large family and love them all dearly, but knowing myself I can get overwhelmed with different ideas and opinions so I was fortunate enough to be able to plan my wedding in secret.”
What about her LEAST favorite part?
“I think everything at some point in the planning process became my least favorite. The harder part was the guest list and making cuts. I come from a very large tight knit family and cuts had to be even made there (which is normal for the size of my family), but having to decide exactly who I wanted there compared to who I wanted due to the limit we had set as that was what our budget allowed.”
What is the best piece of advice Nora can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their big day?
“My best piece of advice is enjoy the day and the process. It can be one of the most eye opening stressful times of your life, but it can all be worth it. Do what you want as a couple and let people's advice be suggestions. Also do not be like me and forget the marriage license and clothes if you are staying the night somewhere prior to the big day. It can get a tad hectic on those days (especially the day before), I was at least fortunate the venue was 30 minutes from the house.”
Congratulations, Nora & Sam!!
Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Stephanie Lang Photography in the gallery below!
