based in Springfield, Illinois + traveling all over central Illinois, St. Louis, and beyond!

wedding + senior photographer

* Caitlin & Mitch * Indian Creek Farmstead * Fall Farm Wedding Photographer *

Weddings

October 17, 2018

Finding the words to talk about this incredible couple has been a challenge. Not because I don’t feel like I know them or I haven’t had enough coffee today (which sometimes does give me writer’s block!) I believe it’s simply because there aren’t enough words in the dictionary to express how kind, thoughtful, caring, joyful, and amazing they are as a couple. Caitlin and Mitch tied the knot this past weekend at Indian Creek Farmstead in Petersburg, Illinois and it was an awesome fall wedding! The marriage was years in the making as they were college sweethearts at Eastern Illinois University and I can honestly say I think these two were made for each other! I knew that immediately from the second I met them and especially after photographing their spring engagement session you can see HERE!

We started the day with Caitlin and Mitch getting ready in separate lofts on the square in Petersburg. While Caitlin and her girls were getting ready I had the opportunity to photograph her gorgeous gown along with her bridesmaid’s wine colored dresses. When it came time for Caitlin to get dressed she had a little surprise up her sleeve for her mother, Denise before she put on her dress. She planned to put on her mom’s wedding dress prior to her own and her mom had no idea. So when her mom came around the corner to help her daughter into her dress she had a pleasant and unexpected surprise! It was a lovely moment and so touching that Caitlin took the time to show her mom how much she cares. Then after some sweet tears were shed between mother and daughter (and many by all of us in the room) it was time to get Caitlin in her chosen dress. And boy, was she a showstopper! Caitlin’s lace sweetheart gown was form fitting with a phenomenal lace train and open back. She was absolutely stunning! And across the square, Mitch and his guys were holding their own as they got dressed in their navy suits and wine vests and ties. Mitch stood apart from his groomsmen as he wore a maroon bow tie. He was a pretty stylish groom and I’m glad my second photographer the talented Kim Gunter was able to capture the handsome guys!

We arrived at Indian Creek for Caitlin and Mitch’s much anticipated first look. They both told me before the first look how nervous but excited they were to see each other. Yet, when they were in place and Caitlin tapped Mitch on the shoulder neither the bride or groom could take their eyes off of one other. They had a sweet embrace and then the fun could begin! Onto photos with the beautiful bridal party and the couple! We wandered about the farm and took the opportunity before the ceremony to capture some lovely moments of the pair along with their closest friends and family! You can tell how much each individual relationship meant to the couple as many stories came up from their histories together. So wonderful! The ceremony was set in front of a rustic red barn under a wooden arbor. The guests all gathered in close on their hay bail benches as the temperatures dropped slighting on the beautiful autumn day. Caitlin made her way down the aisle to her groom who was smiling from ear to ear! The nuptials were full of loving sentiments, reminiscing about their long relationship, and the future for the new Mr. & Mrs. Flowers. They sealed it with a kiss and they were off hand in hand into marriage! We then took a special tractor ride with the bridal party and the newlyweds out to “The Field of Dreams” in the back of the farm. And dreams were definitely what this spot was made for! With colorful heirloom flowers as a fantastic backdrop for the couple and their bridal party. I’m in love with how their photos capture Caitlin and Mitch in their greatest happiness! At the time of finishing up their photos, they were slightly disappointed as it appeared we wouldn’t be having a sunset since the skies were a bit overcast and cloudy. I told them to have a little patience as I have seen some delightful colors pop out at sunset even on cloudy days. As soon as the tractor pulled back by the reception location an alluring pink color took over the sky! Caitlin and Mitch got their sunset!

Once inside the barn, the party was ready to get started! The decor of the reception included corn bouquets and pumpkin centerpieces. All of the decorations they used were homegrown from Caitlin’s family farm! How cool, right?! The new Mr. & Mrs. Flowers shared a sweet first dance followed by an adorable dance with Caitlin and her dad as well as a bridal party country dance. The festivities were in full swing and everyone close to the couple were ready to celebrate their big day! I could not be more thrilled and grateful that I was able to go on the journey towards marriage with Caitlin and Mitch! I will never forget their genuine nature and true joy! Cheers to The Flowers!

Warm Regards,
Lauren

Big Shout Out To All Of Caitlin & Mitch’s Wonderful Vendors Who Made Their Day Perfect!

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Indian Creek Farmstead http://www.indiancreekfarmstead.com

Wedding Coordinator: Perfect Glow Weddings and Events http://www.perfectglowweddings.com

Florist: Petals & Co. https://www.petalsandco.net

DJ: Street Light DJ Services http://streetlightradio.com

Videographers: Video Edited Memories http://www.videoeditedmemories.com

Makeup Artist: Makeup by Stephanie Lee http://www.makeupbystephanielee.com

Hair Stylist: Whitney Davidson

Cake: Specialty Cakes http://specialtycakes.biz

Bridesmaid Dresses: Girls in White Satin http://girlsinwhitesatin.com

Men’s Attire: Seno Formal Wear https://www.senoformalwear.com