* Springfield Illinois * Lincoln Memorial Gardens Wedding Photographer *
Outdoor weddings are definitely becoming one of my favorites! Yes, the weather is always in the back of my mind. Making sure we have a back up plan in case Mother Nature decides to give us a little surprise. However, in the case of Amanda and David’s Lincoln Memorial Gardens wedding in Springfield, Illinois last weekend…It was Perfect! The spot they had picked out was spectacular overlooking the lake! The exact location for the ceremony was an area I had never been to and as I said, it was a gorgeous spot! In keeping with the theme of firsts, I have been out to the Gardens more times than I can count for family, senior, and engagement sessions, but this would be the first time I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding ceremony there. Then add the beauty of the beautiful arbors dressed with sheer fabrics and cream flowers that Amanda, David, their family, and friends had worked so hard on to dress up the overlook and collectively it made for an incredible venue.
The bride and groom began their day at the Northfield Inn on the north end of Springfield for getting ready photos. The Northfield would also serve as the reception venue. Amanda was very excited, yet calm when I arrived at the hotel. She said she didn’t get much sleep the night before because she was so ready for the day! Her wonderful bridesmaids were keeping things light and full of fun while they all waited to get hair and makeup completed! When I was able to photograph her wedding dress it was a real showstopper! The ivory fitted bodice was covered in a floral lace which hit around mid thigh. Then the fun began! The train to her dress was a magical mixture of ruffly tulle, which created rosette patterns throughout. Please see below for yourself this amazing dress as I don’t think my description gives it the credit it deserves! Once, Amanda stepped into the gown it all came together. Amanda looked stunning! David cleaned up nice himself as I made my way downstairs at the inn to the guys room, who were getting in their last few college football games before the festivities began. David was in a classic navy suit paired with a neutral ivory tie and his groomsmen sported gray suits with gifted navy ties.
Early afternoon rolled around and I headed out to the Gardens with the guys to begin their photos. Shortly after we finished up the boys photos, we hid David so that Amanda could arrive without seeing one another for her photos with her bridesmaids. The long, navy dresses the girls wore were a wonderful compliment to Amanda out in the wooded areas of the gardens. When the time came for the ceremony, guests made their way following signs pointing them through the trails and down a path lined with florals to their seats. Once the bridal party was in place the sheer curtains were closed on one of the arbors so Amanda and her father, Bob, could make their entrance one to remember. The curtains opened and David was able to have his first glance on his bride to be walking towards him down the aisle! David is a man who is very direct and not too emotional. However, he had to wipe away a few tears once he saw Amanda. During their engagement session, which you can find HERE, I had a lot of fun with the couple learning about their history at UIS where they decided to have their photos taken. I joked with David that his kisses with Amanda were way too fast for me to capture them so he would need to drag them out a tad longer! Yet, once Amanda and David became husband and wife after their short and sweet ceremony the kisses from David most certainly became considerably longer! Which was good for photos!
We took many photos with the bridal party, who were full of energy and so great to work with as the vibrant golden light flooded through the woods! I stole the couple for a few more quick shots down by the water as they had requested. And then to top off our time at the Gardens, we met up with family who brought Amanda and David’s beloved Silver Labrador, Artie over for a few family shots with him. It made sense Artie was included since he was part of their engagement session as well. Artie is such a well mannered dog and loved seeing his mom and dad on their wedding day!
The reception hall at the Northfield Inn was charming with tables filled with simple bouquets of hydrangeas and gold accents. Blue uplighting set a stylish mood behind the head table. The couples cake was topped with a quirky pair of lovable sloths, which honored their love for the animal as well as an inside joke from the beginning of their relationship. Plus an added surprise for David was a hidden James Bond homage on the back of the cake! He’s a big fan of the franchise so Amanda thought of this meaningful touch. Amanda and David were so excited to be surrounded with family and friends and finally enjoy being married! I found myself smiling a lot on their wedding day especially seeing the two newlyweds together. Thank you to Amanda and David for allowing me to be a big part of their day! Many Blessings to the couple!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Thank You to all Amanda & David’s Vendors who made their day so special!
Ceremony Venue: Lincoln Memorial Gardens
Reception Venue: The Northfield Inn
DJ: Goodtimes DJ Service
Cake: Specialty Cakes
Makeup Artist: Tierney Cheney-Smithers
Hair Stylist: Alicia Vonk
Bridesmaids Dresses: Girls In White Satin
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
