Hector & Maya’s Wedding at The Four Rivers

WEDDINGS

Jan 6

DETAILS
When — September 2022
Where —Rockwell on the River

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center

If you’re a lover of nature and the outdoors, the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is the perfect venue for you! The site gets its name from the confluence of rivers that come together to form the Illinois River–cute, right?

The evergreen venue offers a beautiful and shielded setting for memorable indoor and outdoor experiences and due to its proximity to the water, there is a wide variety of wildlife and open landscape here. So, why not share your big day with mother nature and all its beauty to complement your wedding?! To learn more about hosting your wedding at Four Rivers, click here to find more information.

First look behind the Great Hall

To kick off their big day, Hector and Maya planned their first look behind the Illinois River Grand Hall. There was a winding path that lead up to one another which made for a perfect entrance for a first look location. We captured some sweet moments before all the guests arrived, and even used the time alone to exchange private vows. The two shared tears, laughs, and smiles while they exchanged such intimate words and recited their commitment to one another.

Wedding Party pics around the river

After the first look, we went around the the trails to take portraits while we waited for the rest of the wedding party to arrive. They were super playful and had so much fun while taking photos–peep some of the photos to see their genuine connection.

When the wedding party began to arrive, Hector gifted his groomsmen lapel pins to wear for the ceremony, each pin was different and custom made for each of this closest friends. Once the entire wedding party arrived, we had fun taking group photos outside of the great hall as guests began to trickle in at the Four Rivers Shelter for the ceremony.

Ceremony at the Four Rivers Shelter

Nestled next to oak trees and a river view is the Four Rivers Shelter, where Maya and Hector held their ceremony. The Shelter is equipped with electricity so the DJ had no problem providing the perfect intro songs for the wedding party. The wedding party walked down the aisle to “With a Little Help From My Friends” by the Beatles (my faves)! Hector walked down to “Wherever I may Roam” by Metallica and Maya followed suit with “Heroes” by David Bowie (RIP). I love seeing couples putting their little flare of style and personalities to their wedding.

Another personal touch included having a Unity Tree Ceremony. The couple took soil from both of their parents’ homes and combined them to fill the pot with a tree they would later plant at their home! I love the symbolism of watching the tree and their marriage grow and thrive.

At the end of the ceremony Hector and Maya were checking out their sparkly new wedding bands in the sun. Maya’s ring twinkled and Hectors shimmered with its cool fossils and minerals that were embedded.

The Vegan Baker Bride

Not many people get to say they made their own wedding cake, but Maya is one bad ass bride and baker. Maya specializes in vegan cakes and treats! You can see the attention to detail and love she puts into every bake. Her presentations are always so sleek and eye catching, making your eyes big and mouth water when you see them. If you don’t beleive me check out her instagram and you can even message her about getting your personalized vegan wedding cake! www.instagram.com/mayobakes/

After putting some finishing touches on their cake they had their cake cutting at the reception. I love that you can see Hector's face of approval when he had his first bite!

Reception at the Grand Hall

After ceremony everyone made their way to the Grand Hall for the reception. They kicked off the reception with a quick intro and went right into speeches. Hector’s best man speech included childhood throwback stories and brought out a lot of laughs from the crowd. Since they were both tennis players he brought a fresh can of tennis balls to have the newly weds crack the seal, a tennis tradition before a big match. Maya’s maid of honor/sister wrote a witty, charming, and sentimental poem for a speech. They even opened the mic up for others to send them well wishes.

They then closed off the night with their first dance. Hector and Maya shared their first dance to “Do You Realize?” by the Flaming Lips followed by an open dance floor! Everyone went wild and let loose. The Grand hall also had a back patio area which was great for people to cool off and relax in between songs. Another great night to remember!