Loren & Maxwell’s Colorful Summer Wedding at Soangetaha Country Club

Mackenna Dugan
Aug 31
3 min read

Okay, buckle up because this one’s personal. Loren & Maxwell’s wedding at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg, Illinois wasn’t just any wedding, it was my sister’s! Which means I wasn’t just the photographer, I was also the matron of honor, my husband was the officiant, and I basically flew half my dream team across the country to make her vision come to life. Family celebration meets country club chic? Yeah, it was that good!

Getting Ready For The Wedding at Soangetaha Country Club

We kicked off the morning at The Great House, aka the most jaw-dropping, history-packed home you’ve ever stepped into. This place was once part of the Underground Railroad, complete with tunnels that helped thousands find freedom. Like… chills. Pair that kind of history with Loren getting ready in lace and silk surrounded by her best girls, and it felt straight out of a movie. The vibe was equal parts chaos and cozy: mismatched bridesmaid dresses hanging in every color of summer, coffee cups scattered everywhere, and my glam girl Rosa starting makeup at 7 a.m. sharp. Loren slipped into her gown looking like the queen she is, and let me tell you, the light in that house was working overtime. Dreamy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The Guys at the Dock

Meanwhile, Maxwell and his crew were doing what groomsmen do best, hanging out, looking sharp, and sneaking in a few drinks before the big “I do.” They got ready at his parents’ lakefront house right on the country club grounds (casual), rocking navy suits that looked ridiculously good against the water. Here’s the kicker: the morning started with full-on thunderstorms. Like, the kind that makes you think “welp, we’re getting married under umbrellas.” But by mid-morning, the skies cleared, the grass dried out, and suddenly the ceremony spot was glowing with that golden kind of light photographers would sell their soul for. Timing? Chef’s kiss!

Ceremony at Soangetaha Country Club

This was the part where my heart basically exploded. My husband officiated (cue my tears), Maxwell’s mom walked him down the aisle, and Loren looked absolutely radiant walking toward him. The whole setup, white-draped arch, colorful florals, and guests fanning themselves in the sunshine, was pure summer perfection. And Max? He couldn’t hold it together. Watching him tear up as he read his vows made everyone else lose it too. Those are the kind of real, unfiltered moments I live for!

Summer Colors, Family Love

Everywhere you looked, there was color and life. Loren’s bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in the happiest patterns, her bouquet was basically a walking garden, and even the cocktails were personalized to their pups (yes, the dogs had signature drinks). The whole day just screamed them. My associate Melissa? She crushed it. She captured Loren & Max in that just-married glow on the golf course, with her veil catching the light and the two of them looking like they stepped off the pages of a romance novel.

Party Mode: Activated

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix sentimental moments with an absolute rager of a dance floor, this is it! The reception kicked off with heartfelt toasts that had everyone laughing and crying, a cake that was as pretty as it was tasty, and then… the party started. The groomsmen went hard to Justin Timberlake (bless them), the girls were barefoot and living their best lives, and Loren was right in the middle of the dance floor, hair flying, dress twirling, zero cares in the world. They ended the night with a sparkler exit that felt straight out of a movie, pure joy, pure chaos, pure them!

Ready For Me To Capture Your Dream Wedding? Let’s Chat!

I’ve shot a lot of weddings, but being part of my sister’s? That one hit different. Loren & Maxwell’s wedding at Soangetaha Country Club was everything: colorful, emotional, fun, and unforgettable. And honestly, I’m just so damn grateful I got to pour both my heart and my work into a day this special.

Ready for me to capture your amazing wedding next? Let’s chat about all the ideas you have! Head over to my website by clicking here and deep dive to see if we are the best fit for each other.

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