Vanessa + Jeff: Last Night at the Abbey!

Vanessa and Jeff were married this past Saturday, at the Abbey Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa.  Isn’t this a stunning building?

The Abbey was home to Carmelite Nuns from the turn of the century to 1975.  Sometime in the early 1990s it was converted to a hotel and banquet facility.  The beautiful chapel was the site for many weddings.  Vanessa and Jeff’s wedding will be the last at the Abbey for a while, as the hotel closed its doors the night after their wedding!  Vanessa and Jeff certainly had a memorable celebration for the hotel’s last night.

Vanessa had a custom-made wedding gown that was simple and gorgeous.  Here the family friend who made the dress is sewing her in for a perfect fit.

Vanessa was clearly excited.

We went out onto the lovely hotel grounds for some individual, couple and group portraits.  It was another sunny, gorgeous September day — even warmer than most days in August.

The whole wedding party traipsed around the front of the building for a few group photos.

A wide shot of the ceremony and the beautiful chapel.

A big thank you to Quad-Cities photographer Tiffanie Weaver who was up in the balcony second-shooting for me, and generally helping me stay on track all day long.

Just married!  Everyone walked outside from the Chapel and back into the Grand Ballroom for the reception.  We took a quick minute to make sure Vanessa and Jeff had a moment to catch their breaths (and for a couple great photos of the two of them alone).

Following cocktail hour and a three-course dinner, the entire bridal party gave short and moving toasts.

The cake was cut, dessert was served, and the dances were quick to begin.

Congratulations, again, Jeff and Vanessa!  It was wonderful to finally meet you and be part of your celebration.