Shannon & David held just the second Field of Dreams wedding since the historic movie site officially started offering its venue this year. I have to say, after shooting in a few hundred different wedding venues I try not to get too excited about a specific venue. But when Shannon & David first contacted me about their Field of Dreams wedding, I couldn’t help but start imagining all the different photo possibilities.
Justin and I drove to Iowa a day early to scout the movie site and try to plan out as much as we could because we knew the sunset would be coming fast after we arrived. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
We started the morning with Shannon & David while they each got ready in suites at Hotel Julien in downtown Dubuque. The hotel had great window light and it was an easy walk down the street to the ceremony site, St. Raphael Cathedral.
The ceremony was beautiful, but I think the ring bearers stole the show, delivering the rings tied to Notre Dame and Navy (Shannon & David’s alma matter) footballs. So cute!
After the ceremony, we made a quick trip to Fenelon Place Elevator Company, or the 4th Street Elevator as the locals know it. Justin and I figured out a plan for mounting the light inside the cable car during our scouting the day before, and it really paid off. The view of downtown Dubuque from the top of the elevator was pretty impressive. In addition to the hotel and the church, you can see all the way across the Mississippi River to Illinois!
We were able to get to the Field of Dreams movie site for the reception with enough time to take full advantage of all the different aspects of the property. We started with some photos on the infield, then made our way to the wood bleachers with the iconic house and its wraparound porch in the background. Then we walked up the hill behind the house and found a red barn that really popped. Finally, we walked across the outfield and finished with a “walking out of the corn” pictures with Shannon & David and the wedding party.
David & his brothers had some time on the field to play catch as the sun went down. Just as we were about to head into the tent for the reception the sunset turned magical. Seriously, the sunset was one of the most epic I’ve seen with screaming orange in the horizon and blue sky above. It’s no surprise that this site was chosen for its cinematic qualities!
Inside, things kicked off with toasts and a surprise musical performance by David’s brothers featuring some their favorite songs. Shannon’s dad closed with some touching stories as well. Lots of laughs all around.
Shannon & David shared a graceful first dance, I have a hunch they’d been practicing. After first dances with the parents, everyone flooded the dance floor. Truly all ages, from the flower girls to the grandparents were out there. Before we left, we stole Shannon and David for one more walk across the infield. What an amazing way to finish!
Now that I’ve photographed my first Field of Dreams wedding in Iowa, I can’t wait to go back. Thanks again for sharing your incredible day with us!
