The Wedding Day Blessings of Brooklyn + Joel

22 Acres Farm had the honor of sharing in the wedding day blessings of Brooklyn and Joel last June. Even more special was the fact that the bride’s ancestors lived close by over five generations ago.

Where Forever Began

Brooklyn and Joel met in downtown Chicago, at the Moody Bible Institute. Brooklyn had been attending this institute for quite some time and met Joel shortly after he began attending as an international student. The two became fast friends, and before they knew it, they had fallen for one another.

The Proposal

This story of this happy couple’s engagement is one for the books! After several weeks of planning, Joel took Brooklyn on a “surprise date.” We will let her share the story:

He bought me a dress and told me to go on the train with him (we live in downtown Chicago, so the train is how we get around). He walked me to the place where we had our first kiss, which has a beautiful view of the city (and it’s right by the Bean)! He proposed while our favorite song was playing, and our friends took pictures. Then, he said he had another surprise, so he put a blindfold on me and drove me to our friend’s house, where a group of friends were waiting for a surprise engagement party! He even brought my parents and siblings out. It was my favorite day!

Planning Happily Ever After

When Brooklyn and Joel found Venue @ 22, it perfectly matched their vision for their wedding day. And for Brooklyn, it had even more sentimental value:

“I loved the elegance mixed with the small town feel. I wanted my wedding to be classy but also represent where I’m from.”

Between the rich history we were blessed to be a part of, and the beautiful love this couple shares, Brooklyn and Joel’s wedding day brought with it an abundance of special moments.

Wedding Day Bliss

Brooklyn and Joel wanted to keep things simple. Rather than simply following tradition, this couple made some special memories of their own—with some special moments for just them, sharing quality time together. Brooklyn shared this excellent advice for future couples on their wedding day:

“Go the extra mile to create times in the day where you can be fully present with your spouse.”

As a couple of faith, the couple asked if we could provide a cross for their ceremony rather than the traditional archway that is used. At 22 Acres Farm, we love to help however we can, so we offered to make a cross to be used in their ceremony.

The couple rented our Honey Hive Beverage Trailer, which served as a coffee bar for their guests. The option to rent our converted horse trailer is available to all our couples.

Rather than hiring a bartender, Brooklyn and Joel opted for an alcohol-free wedding. This is one way that couples can save when planning their wedding. It also helps ensure that the day is about the couple.

When planning their day, Brooklyn and Joel wanted a simple, classy, laid-back wedding day.

For decor, the natural beauty of 22 Acres Farm and its surrounding farmland played a major role. The couple used many items from our Something Borrowed Room, a free offering for those who choose to marry here.

This wedding day was truly one to remember. We loved witnessing the combining of cultures, families, and the faith this couple and their families share.