* Mackinaw Valley Winery * Spring Wedding Photographer *
As many of you understand, spring in Illinois can be unpredictable! One minute you are expecting temps close to 90 degrees. Then the next minute the wind is gusting around 30 mph, rain is pouring down, and it feels like 40 degrees outside! Although this was how Stacy and Chris’ spring wedding began at Mackinaw Valley Winery up north in Mackinaw, Illinois last weekend. Something more important happened. They became husband and wife! I have noticed another phenomenon that occurs on most weddings that I have be honored to be a part of, especially when it comes to crazy weather becoming a factor. The rain tends to break right at the perfect time we need it too! When the moment calls for a little sunshine to peek out and bring a bit of warmth to the hearts of guests and the couple entering into marriage…it finds a way to happen. This is exactly the case for Stacy and Chris on their special day!
The couple had to make the tough decision on if they wanted to see if the weather cleared for their ceremony planned outside overlooking a lovely pond. Or if they should move it indoors to the winery’s covered ceremony site to ensure everyone stayed dry. I know in their hearts they both wanted to be outside where they originally planned, however they went with the safe bet of being inside, yet still having a view of the rolling hills of the vineyard. Chris and Stacy chose not to see one another prior to the ceremony, which added a little more stress of not having their rock and companion by their side to comfort one another leading up to their vows. However, the anticipation of Chris seeing his bride walking down the aisle was well worth it! He placed his hand over his heart and grinned as Stacy glided towards the love of her life. If you have followed any of my other blogs or posts, you know that I pretty much cry at least once at every single wedding! Some aspect of the day always gets to my heart. Well, right before Chris took Stacy’s hand from her dad’s I watched him mouth to her, “You Look Absolutely Beautiful!” Cue the waterworks! These two genuinely live and breath for one another and I’ve been so thankful to be able to capture their devotion to each other! The ceremony had many other incredible touches such as Chris’ brother, Nick surprising guests by not only serving as a groomsman, but also as the officiant presiding over the nuptials. Plus, all of the guys along with Chris paid respects to his mom, who recently passed away by each laying a red rose on an empty chair in her honor.
Now let me just talk about how stunning Stacy was on her big day and the most gorgeous dress she could have chosen! There is something about soft ruffles that get me every time! She really just glistened with her beaded top that lead to the amazing bottom of her dress that hinted a bit of champagne, at times a little peach based on how the light hit it. Either way Stacy rocked that dress like nobody’s business! When her bridesmaids joined her in their pastel dresses it added so much charm and fun! And Chris and his boys all looked very dashing in their simple black pants, vests, and ties. Chris, who I have never seen without a hat on, chose a fedora to top off his stylish look for the day. Yes, Stacy and Chris looked amazing, but when I finally got them together for a few intimate photos of just the two of them, that is when the magic happened! As I said, they are madly in love and watching them together is awe-inspiring! They giggle with one another and Chris was stealing kisses from Stacy the rest of the day! The winery was a fantastic backdrop to show off their memories!
The laughter and fun did not stop once we got to the reception in Lincoln, IL where the couple made sure to show their bridal party much love as well as all of their guests making sure to stop by all the tables to Thank everyone for coming. Their first dance was to Rascal Flatts, “Rewind” and the pair sang to one another and slid around the dance floor filled with so much happiness and joy! Then while getting the bridal party up for a song they invited every guest up on the dance floor for an epic rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the couple surrounded by a circle of support and song! Can’t get any better than that!
Thank You so very much, Stacy and Chris for entrusting your splendid day and memories to me! I have enjoyed spending time with you both and wish you nothing but blessings in your marriage!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Many Thanks to All The Vendors Who Made Chris and Stacy’s Day Amazing!
Ceremony Venue: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard http://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/mvv/
Reception Venue: Lincoln Banquet Center http://lincoln-banquet-center.business.site
DJ: Streetlight DJ Services http://streetlightradio.com
Wedding Coordinator: Betsy Shepler
Hair Stylists: Blades Hair & Nail Salon http://www.bladeshairandnailsalon.com/bladeshair/
Desserts: Samantha Danosky Desserts https://www.facebook.com/samdanosky/?fref=mentions
