An Intimate, Nature-Inspired Wedding at the Ballard Nature Center in Altamont, Illinois

Cara Martin (31 and a registered nurse) and Justin Pals (34 and a toxicologist) grew up together in the same small town, but were sneakily set up by their mutual friends later in life. “My friend invited me to come up to a local bar one night and asked Justin there to help her with chemistry homework. There was chemistry alright, Justin and I have been together ever since!” says Cara. Six months after they started dating, Justin proposed over a romantic homemade dinner, presenting Cara with a princess cut diamond ring in a cathedral setting. For their wedding, the couple opted for a simple outdoor affair at the Ballard Nature Center in Altamont, IL. The beautiful setting required little adornment, the lush forest and grassy meadows stunning in their natural, organic state. The few decorations they did add to the day served to highlight the locale, like a color palette of soft earth tones and distressed wooden vases for the centerpieces. The stationary was made by Justin's brother, a graphic designer, and the bouquets and boutonnieres were made friends of the bride using artificial succulents. “We were inspired by our desire to keep things unique and simple, and to use local talent and resources,” says Cara.