Anderson Country Club Wedding

It’s such an honor to photograph a second wedding in the same family!

Kirsten & Eric’s Anderson Country Club Wedding in Indiana was beautiful in every way imaginable. This was actually the second wedding I have had the honor of photographing in the Hettinga family, so it was a joy to see familiar faces! The year before I had photographed Kirsten’s brothers wedding. Kirsten was a bridesmaid in their wedding and when she reached out to book me for her wedding, I was so happy!

Their wedding day began with all the lovely ladies getting ready at the Anderson Country Club. Their dog, Walt, was even there “helping” them get ready! He was so cute, prancing around the dressing room with his adorable “Best Dog” collar. Julie, Kirsten’s mom, helped her step into her wedding dress and family jewelry. After having a small reveal of her wedding dress with her bridesmaids, she was ready for her two first looks.

Two Very Special and Emotional First Looks

The first look with her dad was one of the sweetest moments I’ve seen between a father and daughter. You could just feel how just how close of a bond they had with each other. Kirsten even has a special tattoo inside her left forearm that says, “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow”. This phrase comes from the Walt Disney World ride “The Carosel of Progess”. She said her dad would always say it and she absolutely loved it. One year, she made him write it out for her. Little did he know that her plan was to have it turned into a tattoo. It was such a sweet tattoo and shows such a close bond.

Her first look with Eric, was beautiful, emotional and tender. It’s always such an honor to witness such special moments and this was certainly no different. They shared personal letters with each other and a few tears were shed, along with happy giggles. To end their first look, they saw their sweet dog Walt, sporting his adorable wedding collar! Walt was the absolute best boy the whole day and certainly stole the show at some points!

Their ceremony was inside the country club, with Eric and Walt waiting at the alter. Kirsten was beaming as she was led down the aisle by her father. Walt was such a good boy the entire time. He cracked me up though, always watching me when I was in the middle of the aisle.

A Beautiful Reception Inside The Anderson Country Club

The reception area was absolutely gorgeous with the light linens, hanging crystal chandeleirs and custom florals. The wall of windows overlooking the golf course made the entire room look so welcoming and bright. The florals were created by Amanda Huber, who was a family friend. She really needs to be a full time florist though! The florals were incredible! She also helped throughout the day with coordination and was a huge help!

One of my favorite parts of the reception were the dances. It’s always so special to witness a couples first married dance together and imagine the lifetime of love they will share. As they danced, I couldn’t help but remind myself that my job is pretty incredible and I’m so thankful to be able to document these special moments for people.

When Kirsten began dancing with her father, I adored the way he looked at her. He looked so proud and happy. Looking at his little girl and wishing the absolute best for her. While they were having their moment, Kirsten’s mother was also watching them. She looked at them both so lovingly with watery eyes and happy tears. I could only imagine what she was thinking, watching the love of her life dance with their baby girl. As a mom myself, I often dream of these moments I’ll get to experience with my own daughters one day. Eric and his mother also had such a touching dance. While I don’t have any sons, I always get emotional watching mama’s dance with their babies. The smiles on their faces just say it all in moments like that.

Sunset Portraits at the Anderson Country Club

To end the evening, we took portraits out on the golf course as the sun was setting. The golden light that filtered through the trees was like magic. Since Kirsten and Eric were both a bit tipsy, we ended up getting some romantic and fun photos. We were all laughing so much as they were being silly and just giggling with each other.

Kirsten & Eric, you both are incredible people with huge hearts. I’m so happy to have been able to photograph your wedding day at the Anderson Country Club and give you these memories forever. Both of your families are absolutely wonderful as well. I wish you both nothing but the best and cannot wait to see you again soon!

Vendors

Venue: Anderson Country Club
Florist: Amanda Huber
Coordinator: Amanda Huber
Hair: @rachelmixellhair
Wedding Dress: Ella Park Bridal
Brides Shoes: Vans
Invitations: Minted
DJ: The Simple DJ
Videographers: Ellison Renbarger
Rings: Kay Jewelers
Cake: Eric’s Cousin Sally