Ceremony & Reception Location
Autumn in Brown County:
A Rustic, Casual Wedding at The Story Inn
Kaitlin Riley and Joe Duran were both participating in the program Teach for America, which places recent college grads in under-resourced high schools for two years. Before the two could begin teaching in New York City in 2009, they had to pass teacher certification exams and took the exam in the library of a Chicago high school.
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/87b94d6b00464a566a2cd0f86bc8b005.jpg?itok=WZHgHasK)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/4840ab39837f8c984e74b7c32ccd7486.jpg?itok=P9kyvyeb)
The Proposal
Despite living in the Big Apple and falling in love there, Joe drove Kaitlin to the same high school in Chicago where they took the exam, and proposed to her!
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/2f87a7a3f8f9d653b0e5f5efc15bc425.jpg?itok=TyScYD-N)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/372b978868427fd54b68f6d04e0edfc4.jpg?itok=M_TBEkT7)
The Ceremony
Indiana weather cooperated as the two said “I do” outdoors. Their good friend played all the music, which included Van Morrison, Edward Sharpe, Akon and Tom Petty. Kaitlin walked down the aisle to the acoustic instrumental of The Natural – “I Need My Girl.”
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/c29d63b4e249c20bb98e5f787d97b2ab.jpg?itok=VYpMT-vP)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/439c2c92df74eb9f1050f5da659bc7cb.jpg?itok=5Wlc9spw)
Advice from the Bride
“Find a way to leave a space for just you and your future spouse during the day. Joe and I wrote letters to each other and delivered them on the day of – it was a nice way to have a moment to ourselves.”
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/846544efd95d7949f4322831bbe242e5.jpg?itok=urwg064Q)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/fbd578be1a84abd052d58d1d90a34db9.jpg?itok=aJDTH14E)
The Venue
The Story Inn is an off-the-beaten-path, 19th century village complete with forests, fields, a barn, horses, gardens, and a top-rated restaurant. Um, what isn’t perfect about this place?
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/0c2f4620b76233841568fd9c95ca353f.jpg?itok=_4uwWXIl)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/74eaca806ef413e5f610e382166c3d26.jpg?itok=XTl3oiig)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/8f2663424942d83e8d92e73824e0970b.jpg?itok=Y0ubcW3x)
The Best Moment of the Day
“The dance floor couldn’t be beat,” Kaitlin said. “But having a late-night sing-along with s’mores and hotdogs around the campfire was something I’ll never forget!”
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/7f87c34620534029c78b6151cf731226.jpg?itok=wufRbzf5)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/3bba3a8619ec5c1b39f61807162b0aa2.jpg?itok=z7udrTex)
The Floral
Kaitlin’s relatives and in-laws, experienced as florists, created the arrangements and bouquets, which were heavy on white and blush roses, baby’s breath and gold accents.
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/77545ac2f6a9b47e85102ad8a706246d.jpg?itok=bFZZ_nNE)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/d05b421fe9f17923304a5704601b8d3f.jpg?itok=HplYmxCE)
The Color Palette
The groom and groomsmen sported navy while the bridesmaids wore blush pink dresses of their choice.
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/5aa379fde79f3d1663247d5eda7cd694.jpg?itok=oripUKaJ)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/b344381772012fec8d3932a4bb048765.jpg?itok=RoP2IKh8)
What we Love
The way everything just works: from the bucolic setting to the horses to the streamers to the use of the blush colors. This couple knows who they are and the wedding reflects that down to the last detail.
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_third/public/article-images/201503/332cb395e9edc28028cd0567dc1500d8.jpg?itok=TG1TXYiq)
![Kaitlin & Joe Duran](/sites/default/files/styles/insert_two_thirds/public/article-images/201503/e679cd0b69e7f25a07dec475d33a58a2.jpg?itok=RrBJxOne)
The Gown
This BHLDN Gemma gown epitomizes the relaxed and joyful day in the country. It delights us with pailettes and pearls on the fitted bodice and layers of chiffon and tulle.
Businesses Involved
Wedding Coordinator
Caterer
Photographer
Wedding Gown
Hair Salon
Makeup
Rings
Transportation
Cake
Videographer
Reception Band
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