Episode 015: Balancing Entrepreneurship & Motherhood with Arielle Peters
June 30, 2021
Episode 017: How to Create a Client Experience that Allows You to Book More Clients & Raise Your Prices
July 14, 2021
“They say rain on your wedding day brings good luck. Between a pandemic, a flood, and a tornado, we must be pretty darn lucky!” Rachel told guests when she and Mike gave their thank you speech during their reception at County Line Orchard.
By the time Mike Crowley and Rachel Willy’s wedding day arrived, I’m pretty sure they were on at least plan P! You see, this darling couple was forced to delay their wedding for a full year due to COVID; there were flash flood warnings on their wedding day; and tornado sirens went off during their ceremony. But, Mike and Rachel were so ecstatic to finally be husband and wife that absolutely nothing was going to prevent them from enjoying their wedding day to the fullest!
It was truly an honor to be this sweet, optimistic couple’s wedding photographer, and I’m so excited to share Mr. and Mrs. Crowley’s County Line Orchard wedding in Hobart, Indiana on the blog!
Mr. & Mrs. Crowley became husband & wife in the church Rachel grew up in & celebrated with a reception at County Line Orchard.
Just like they are, Mike and Rachel’s wedding day was very thoughtful and sentimental.
I mean, the day started with Rachel and her girls getting ready at the couple’s house while the boys got ready at Brandon’s (a groomsman’s) just a few minutes away. Then, the couple did their first look in their neighborhood. (I think it’s a beautiful thing that Mike and Rachel will be able to look out their window every day and see the exact spot where they shared their first look!)
After boarding their party bus, Mike and Rachel became husband and wife at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Griffith, Indiana. This is the church that Rachel grew up in and is still very dear to her. Rachel’ parents still attend Saint Mary’s, and her mom, Lisa, is the choir director and organist. (The music during Mike and Rachel’s ceremony was incredible by the way!)
During Mike and Rachel’s ceremony, it was so sweet to hear the decades of memories that Rachel’s family shared with their priest and the rest of the congregation.
Following their ceremony—which did include a few tornado sirens but all was well—Mr. And Mrs. Crowley and their guests headed to County Line Orchard to celebrate! The staff at County Line graciously drove the bridal party and photo and video team around the gorgeous grounds for photos.
After photos and TWO years of waiting for this special day to arrive, the Crowleys were ready to celebrate! We sneaked the happy couple out for sunset photos, but other than that, the Crowleys were fully focused on their guests, one another, and—of course—dancing!
Side Note: I spent a lot of Mike and Racehl’s wedding day praying for gaps in the rain. And, we got them at PERFECT times! I mean, we took all family photos, and it started pouring as I put the shot list back in my bag. The same thing happened for bridal party photos, and the sun popped out just in time for sunset. Mike and Rachel are honestly some of the most kind and understanding people I’ve ever met, and I wanted to be able to give them great wedding photos. Not that this couldn’t have happened if it would’ve rained all day long, but I was VERY thankful for the gaps in the rain and glimpses of sun, because this couple is so kind hearted that they deserve the best!
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Crowley!
Mike and Rachel, thank you so, so much for trusting me to be your wedding photographer. While I’m sorry that COVID delayed your original wedding date, I’m thankful that the delay allowed me to meet the two of you.
I pray that you always approach life together like you did your wedding—hand in hand while prioritizing one another no matter what life throws at you. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Crowley! I hope you love these previews from your County Line Orchard wedding in Hobart, Indiana!
Mike and Rachel’s wedding day started with a whole lot of Taylor Swift, which Dustin of Dustin Hibbler Photo & Videography and I certainly weren’t sad about! 
Mike and Rachel did their first look in an open lot next to their house. There will likely eventually be a home here soon, but I love that Mike and Rachel will be able to look out their window and see the spot where they did their first look on their wedding day every day!
We pack 10 clear umbrellas for every wedding day just in case!
The sweetest first dance!
My team and I really enjoyed working with Dustin Hibbler Photo & Videography. I can’t wait to see what he creates for Mike and Rachel!
Want to see more of Mike and Rachel? Check out their engagement photos at Hamstra Gardens in Wheatfield, Indiana!
Creative Team
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Catholic Church
Reception Venue: County Line Orchard
Wedding Dress Boutique: Purple Door Bridal Boutique
Seamstress: Mandy at Purple Door Bridal Boutique
Hair Stylist: Raquel Esposito
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxedos: Louie’s Tux Shop
Caterer: Jonna’s Catering
Baker: Designer Desserts
Invitations: Vistaprint
Rings: Albert’s Jewelers
Videographer: Dustin Hibbler Photo & Videography
Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography
