Many people feel like all photographers are competing against one another, sabotaging, and even trying to steal clients from someone else. Maybe that is true with some areas, however in my close circle of photog friends we are constantly cheering on the others, following their amazing work, and of course sharing names with clients of those photographers we trust to do a wonderful job if we are unable to serve them due to other commitments. This is the exact way I met Katelyn and Connor! And of course, Katelyn’s mom, Crystal who I have spoken with a lot since booking Katelyn and Connor’s wedding because both are busy little bees with school and work. The lovely Jill Gum of Jill Gum Photography, http://jillgum.com, is one of the sweetest souls I have come across and an amazingly talented photographer. In the past, Jill and Katelyn’s family were neighbors. She even took Katelyn’s senior photos years ago! So it was a no brainer that when Connor proposed to Katelyn that Jill would be their photographer. However, Jill had already been booked on the date Katelyn and Connor chose for their own big day. Getting the call from Crystal and hearing that Jill had put complete faith in me to take care of this sweet couple meant the world! Especially when I look up so much to Jill and how she runs her business! It’s kind of funny to me writing this blog post right now including Jill, since she was actually the one that kept giving me gentle nudges to start blogging! Thanks Jill for your continued support! 

And back to this adorable couple! Katelyn and Connor are so sweet with each other and very pleasant to work with. You can tell they are both very driven and encourage one other each day. They are currently both living outside of the Springfield, Illinois area and apart from one another, which I’m sure is tough after dating for over 4 years. Yet, Katelyn is going to school up in Michigan and Connor is working in the Chicago area. They are very excited for what the future holds for them as a married couple. 

For their engagement session, they wanted to show of their classic style in downtown Springfield before heading out to Connor’s family farm in Carlinville, Illinois to showcase their love for the outdoors. So we started at the famous red doors at a local church. The steps leading up to the doors were a great little spot to get the pair to snuggle up close and ease them into our time together. Comparably, the church’s little garden area and iron arch gave way to some of my favorite shots of Connor wrapping up his love in his arms. So cute! We then made our way over to the Illinois State Capitol building for some fun. Although Katelyn and Connor are both on the quite side, their giggles were nice and loud as we captured some wonderful moments the two shared around the grounds of the capitol. We even joked that at one of my favorite spots next to some fantastic windows that Katelyn must have chosen their outfits based on the window’s green color scheme! They matched perfectly! Must be a reflection of their perfectly matched relationship. Pun intended! 

After finishing up downtown, we caravanned down to Carlinville to the Gleason Farm to complete their photos. I knew I would have no trouble following the couple along with Crystal, who was chaffering them on the highway. They were the only car on the road with a huge canoe on top of it! Canoeing is one of Katelyn’s big passions in life and along with Connor they wanted to make sure the finale of their session included this long time hobby. Before hitting the water though, I grabbed a few shots of the two in a few areas on the farm and in front of the home that has been in Connor’s family for I think he told me around 100 years! So wonderful! They showed me the exact spot next to the house where their summer 2018 wedding reception will be held as well as the spot they were thinking for the ceremony next to the pond where we were about to send them paddling. How cool, right?!

Now before they entered into the canoe I gave them specific instructions not to TIP THE CANOE! Although that could have made for some unique engagement photos, I didn’t think that was what they were looking for! The pond was surrounded by beautiful trees and the setting was splendid for the couple that loves being out in nature. The only draw back, from my end, was that the sun was setting on the opposite side of the pond where there were open areas for me to stand. Solution…Trekking through the woods and the mud with Connor’s dad to make sure we could get some awesome sunset photos in the canoe! We had nice poison ivy scare as we made our way out of the woods, but other than that it was quick work! Anything for the shot of course! Don’t worry…After a good washing of our hands and feet the poison ivy crisis was averted! 

I am so looking forward to Katelyn and Connor’s special day next year. They are remarkably thoughtful and kind and I am excited to see what they have in store to celebrate their union. Thanks again for having me out to the farm and I look forward to heading back out there next year!

Warm Regards,
Lauren

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