Savannah & Tucker | The La Belle Wedding in Dubuque, Iowa

Savannah & Tucker La Belle | May 16 2026

I adore when a love story feels like it was written for the movies, and Savannah and Tucker's is one of them.

These two athletes spent years living and competing in the same city, always just a few degrees apart, yet somehow never crossing paths. It took an internship at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville to finally bring them together, and wow, what a team they make.

From my very first conversations with them, I could feel the excitement and joy surrounding their wedding day. But it was Savannah's calm, laid back personality during our week of confirmation call that really set the tone. I knew this was going to be a go with the flow kind of day, and from start to finish it was absolutely incredible.

What made it so special wasn't just the beautiful venues or perfect weather. It was the people.

This wedding was truly a family and friends affair. Savannah's bridesmaids included her sisters, while her brother stood alongside Tucker as a groomsman. Tucker's brothers were a special part of the day as well, joined by lifelong friends and family members who clearly meant the world to the couple. The maid of honor, Belle, was an absolute rockstar all day long. Honestly, I'd hire her as an event coordinator in a heartbeat. She kept everything moving smoothly while making sure Savannah could simply enjoy every moment. One day with this group and you could tell beauty runs on both sides of the family - inside and out.

The couple's niece and nephew stole hearts as they rode in on a decorated wagon, and Savannah's "Blue Crew," her Loras College teammates, brought an energy and camaraderie that could only come from years spent competing, laughing, and growing together. You could feel the friendships, the inside jokes, and the genuine love shared among that group.

One of my favorite stops of the day was at the Loras College Rock Bowl. As a photographer, it's hard not to love a location that's meaningful to a couple, and some of my favorite images from the entire day happened there. Then again, who am I kidding? Every part of this wedding created beautiful photographs.

The day began with the ladies getting ready at the stunning new Culbie's Event Center in East Dubuque, Illinois. The gorgeous light filled spaces made for the perfect backdrop as Savannah and her bridesmaids prepared for the day ahead. When it came time to button up the dress the Bride and her mom and sisters helped with final details before she had a first look with her Blue Crew and her Dad, Brother, and grandma. It was precious!

Meanwhile, the guys spent the morning getting ready at an incredible Airbnb - 1295 Prairie Street, a multi level brick mansion filled with character and amazing vintage photo opportunities both inside and outside the property and grounds. I could have spent an entire day photographing at this space!

The ceremony took place at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, overlooking the pond and surrounded by family, friends, and a wedding party who couldn't have been more supportive. Another meaningful detail of the day was having Savannah's coach officiate the ceremony. It added such a personal touch to a thoughtful celebration. During the ceremony, Tucker's dad, David, shared a beautiful prayer and words of wisdom that brought smiles and tears. 

Following their vows, Savannah and Tucker made their way back down the aisle through a bubbly, joy filled recessional that created one of the most fun exits I've photographed. We captured candid newlywed portraits before moving into family formals by the pond and a handful of wedding party images before everyone climbed aboard the trolley and headed toward the reception.

When we arrived at Culbie's, the couple greeted their family and friends as they arrived for cocktail hour as the venue filled up with loved ones.

One thing I absolutely loved was Savannah and Tucker's decision to enter the reception first and watch the wedding party introductions. It was such a fun twist on tradition. Their reactions were priceless as they watched their friends make memorable and often hilarious entrances. Having Rachel second shoot alongside me allowed us to capture both perspectives simultaneously, documenting the wedding party while also preserving Savannah and Tucker's genuine reactions.

Throughout the day, I knew Tucker and Savannah were drawn to imagery that felt a little more documentary inspired, raw, emotional, authentic moments that tell a story. I couldn't be happier with the balance we achieved between beautifully posed portraits and the candid moments that unfolded naturally. The laughter, tears, hugs, and spontaneous interactions all came together to create a gallery that truly reflects who they are.

Just before the dance floor opened up for the evening, Savannah and Tucker trusted me enough to sneak away for ten minutes of sunset portraits at the nearby boat landing along the Mississippi River. Those few quiet moments gave them a chance to soak everything in together before jumping back into the celebration. The golden light was beautiful, but even more beautiful was watching them simply enjoy being husband and wife.

The food was incredible. The DJ kept the energy high all night long. Every vendor played their part beautifully. But more than anything, it was the love and support of family and friends that made this wedding unforgettable.

While I'm always grateful to document a couple's wedding day, this one felt especially meaningful. Knowing that Tucker and his parents are talented artists and photojournalist photographers definitely added a little pressure. But their warmth, kindness, and welcoming personalities made it easy to simply focus on doing what I love. It was an honor to document these memories, and I hope these images become treasures their family enjoys for generations.


Enjoy some of my favorite images from the La Belle Wedding:

Savannah and Tucker, thank you for trusting me with your story. I loved every minute of your wedding day and hope our paths cross again soon - and Miller’s, too!


XO
Jillian

Culbie’s Event Center
1295 Prairie St
Loras College
The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Photography: Jillian Webb Herrmann | JWebbArt and Rachel Hach
Hair and Make up:
DJ: