I am a wedding and portrait photographer who keeps things light, fun, and full of energy. I’m based out of Springfield, Illinois however I love traveling all over the midwest and beyond.
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When you have high school sweethearts, who have been dating for eight years getting married…You want to have a front row seat for the event! This was the case for Emily and Jacob’s Labor Day weekend wedding at Erin’s Pavilion in Springfield, Illinois this past Saturday! It’s incredibly rare to have a couple who literally were kids when they started dating and weathered the seasons of the awkwardness of high school, the changes college brings, and still remained steadfast by each other’s side! Emily and Jacob are both kind, laid back, and have huge hearts which are filled with so much love for their family and friends! It was an absolute pleasure to be entrusted with their memories throughout their special day!
I began my day with the couple getting both dressed and prepared for their first look, which we planned to do at Lincoln Memorial Gardens. Once at the gardens, Emily gave a quick tap on Jacob’s shoulder and he took his first glance at his bride! She was breathtaking! The two shared a few moments and then we were off with their full bridal party! The amazing colors they choose for their bridal party’s attire as well as pairing it all with their phenomenal flowers showcased them all perfectly with the most incredible “pop” in the gardens! Emily and her ladies, who were in various burgundy styles of long dresses all looked lovely. And Jacob along with his guys in their gray suit pants and crisp white collar shirts finished their attire with classic suspenders and pulled off a very dashing look. Every member of their bridal party was so patient and cooperative as we went through many photos while standing out in the heat and humidity of the day! I’m so grateful for that for myself, but also Emily and Jacob who held their photos very near and dear to their hearts! I then took the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. further into the gardens for a few photos of just the two of them. They loved snuggling up with one another even on the hot sticky day! We headed back to Erin’s Pavilion, but before the ceremony, I snuck the couple off to another part of Southwinds Park for a few more photos in front of a beautiful willow tree! My favorite! They were happy to follow any direction I gave and totally rocked all their photos!
Their outdoor ceremony overlooking the pond at Erin’s was joyful, surrounded by loved ones, and simply a delight! They spoke their vows with sincerity, admiration, and emotions. And with one kiss, they sealed the deal and were pronounced husband and wife! YAY! Emily and Jacob’s reception celebrated their high school sweetheart status (which they should be very proud of) and the treasured memories they have already made as a couple and the ones they are looking forward to sharing. Before my time was up with the new Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, I stole them away one more time from their guests for some pretty fantastic sunset photos! I joked with Emily, who I had met with a week prior to the wedding, about the original 89% chance of rain that was forecasted on their wedding day! I told her it was way too soon for Illinois to be checking the weather because it changes so much! Sure enough, their day was rain-free and ended with an astonishing sunset! Emily and Jacob took advantage of the orange glow of golden hour and we finished the night with some dazzling photos for them to keep forever! Best wishes to the new Mr. & Mrs!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Thank You so much to all of Emily & Jacob’s Incredible Vendors!
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Erin’s Pavilion http://www.springfieldparks.org/facilities/pavilions/erins.aspx
Florals: Petals & Co. https://www.petalsandco.net
DJ: Radio Pro DJs http://www.radioprodjs.com
Cake: Specialty Cakes http://specialtycakes.biz
Hair & Makeup Artists: BJ’s Grand Salon & Spa http://bjgrandsalon.com
Catering: Hamilton’s Catering http://hamiltonscatering.com
Wedding Decor: Signature Rentals http://www.signature-rental.com
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal https://www.davidsbridal.com/DBIAjaxStoreLocatorDirectionsView?stLocId=623
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse https://www.menswearhouse.com/store-locator/4628?utm_source=google&utm_medium=listing&utm_content=4628&utm_campaign=IL