* Regent Ballroom * Champaign Illinois * Plum & Navy Wedding Photographer *
Getting to know my couples is the easy part of my job! Yet, when I walk into a wedding day and have not met the majority of the people my couple surrounds themselves with such as family and friends, I never know what to expect. Well, for Lisa and Jordan’s big day in Champaign, Illinois I don’t think I could have felt more relaxed, welcome, and part of the crew! This feeling speaks volumes to the kind, genuine, and inviting couple Lisa and Jordan are. The giggles and reminiscing never stopped with the ladies in the morning during the hustle and bustle of getting hair and makeup done. And judging from the photos my lovely second photographer for the day, Dani took…The boys had a blast too! Even including Lisa and Jordan’s furbaby, Ollie in the festivities! When it was time to get Lisa dressed she blew everyone away! Her beaded form-fitting gown was gorgeous! The back of the dress was low cut and Lisa’s favorite part of the dress she told me were the sheer side panels. The dress fit Lisa like a glove! The joy in her getting ready photos could not be hidden! You could feel the love throughout the room with Lisa’s mom, Liz, her twin sister and maid of honor, Amy, and her amazing friends who mean the world to her. These moments were so delightful to be a part of!
Everyone was looking fantastic when we arrived at the University of Illinois Arboretum, which is also where we photographed Lisa and Jordan for their engagement session (See HERE)! Jordan looked dashing in his navy suit with plum accent pieces in his tie and pocket square as he waited to see his bride to be for their first look. I remember Jordan telling me as we were waiting for Lisa to arrive he hadn’t been nervous until that second. Once the time had come for Jordan to turn around and see his bride I’m pretty sure the word I kept hearing over and over was, “WOW”! It didn’t take too long for a few tears from both Jordan and Lisa to pour out. Just the sweetest! I heard their love story a few times throughout the day and it’s a good one! Lisa and Jordan actually went to high school together. They were in the same graduating class, but are definitely not high school sweethearts. In fact, the story goes that they stayed as far away from one another as possible! It’s not that they had bad feelings towards one another, but they simply didn’t run in the same groups. As Lisa’s twin sister, Amy recounted in her toast the best place to meet a guy was…The gym! Lisa expressed how silly that idea was and couldn’t believe that meeting the love of your life would ever happen when you were all sweaty and smelly! However, I bet you can guess where Lisa and Jordan reconnected after all these years by now…The gym! Just goes to show that love will hit you when you aren’t expecting it!
We took tons of photos at the Arboretum with the full bridal party and had a wonderful time! It was hotter than an average mid-September day, yet it didn’t seem to bother anyone’s spirits! The ladies in their plum bridesmaids dresses and their phenomenal flowers just popped next to Lisa. And the groomsmen and ushers all looked dashing in their dark grey suits and plum ties with Jordan in his navy suit. We then headed to downtown Champaign for a few other spots that Lisa had scoped out before the big day. One spot we actually visited for their engagement photos and a couple other ivy walls and cityscapes for some awesome photos! Then we headed over to the Regent Ballroom in Savoy, Illinois which was right outside of town for the ceremony to begin. The room was packed with more loved ones, who were ready to witness Lisa and Jordan become husband and wife. After a few minutes of engaging vows, tender moments, and sharing an affectionate kiss they were married! And the party began! All their guests were excited to celebrate with the couple and kick off their shoes on the dance floor. Even friends who couldn’t make it were included, such as Lisa’s close friend Abi, who via cardboard cut out enjoy herself all day even though she couldn’t actually make the trip from Canada. The great lengths her friends went to include her in the day were beyond belief! It was fun to capture! Of course, I couldn’t finish the day without stealing the new Mr. and Mrs. Harpst for a few more photos at sunset. It was the perfect way to end the evening with this marvelous couple! Congrats to Lisa and Jordan! You both were magical to work with!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Special Thanks to all Lisa & Jordan’s Incredible Vendors Who Helped Make Thier Day Incredible!
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Regent Ballroom https://www.regentballroom.com
Florist: Blossom Basket Florist https://www.blossombasket.com
DJ: Trendsetters DJ Productions http://www.trendsetterdj.com
Hair Stylist: Timothy John Salon http://www.tjsalonandspa.com
Makeup Artist: Kaylee Oltean
Cake Artist: Brenda Roy
Decor: Rustic Love Rentals
Bride’s Dress: Michelle’s Bridal http://michellesbridalandtuxedo.com
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal https://www.davidsbridal.com
Men’s Attire: Seno Formalwear https://www.senoformalwear.com
