* Nicole & Drew * The Rail Golf Course * Springfield Illinois * Fall Wedding Photographer *
Finding your perfect match can take many different paths to marriage. For Nicole and Andrew, their love story is a beautiful one that started with family and continues to center around that important aspect of their lives. Their wedding day included a variety of ways to show their gratefulness towards their children, Chloe and Hudson, as well as their family who have supported their relationship through it all! The pair chose the lovely Rail Golf Course in Springfield, Illinois as their reception venue after their nuptials at Christ The King Catholic Church in Springfield. The day started with Nicole getting her hair and makeup done downtown at the amazing Willow & Birch Salon. Nicole was pretty calm and collected when I arrived and all her beautiful ladies were excited for their sister and friend. When it came time to get her in her lace gown we made sure to include her mom and sister for these special moments. Andrew wasn’t left out of getting ready photos. He had a very important job of helping get their son, Hudson in his suit before his walk down the aisle! So sweet!
Before the ceremony began, we did some quick photos inside the church of Nicole and Andrew separately with their bridal party. The one thing we had to deal with on their wedding day was some pretty unbelievable winds! The wind gusts throughout the day were up to 40 mph! So when we could stay inside, we did! One thing Nicole requested leading up to the vows was a first look with her dad, Frank. It was a wonderful moment for the two of them to share! For a father to have the chance to see his daughter before anyone else on her big day is a fantastic gift for any father I would imagine! Then came the time both Nicole and Andrew had been waiting for! Chloe and Hudson lead the way for Nicole down the aisle and it was a wonderful moment when Andrew saw his soon to be wife for the first time! The nuptials included many faithful readings and hymns bringing the pair closer in their marriage. Then they were pronounced husband and wife, sealed it with a kiss, and headed out of the church into the new chapter of their lives!
Following the ceremony, we headed over to Carpenter Park in hopes the more enclosed surroundings of the park would help shield us from the high winds. The bridesmaids all looked dazzling in their mismatched red wine colored dresses and the groomsmen were very dapper in their navy suits. Altogether, Nicole and Andrew had a pretty good looking bridal party to stand next to them! The winds and chilly temperatures made the photos a bit shorter than normal for outside, yet the whole crew hung in there with me. Even with the near disaster of a huge tree branch falling and grazing one of Andrew’s brothers happening right before finishing photos! They kept smiling! So crazy! We finished up with just the new Mr. and Mrs. Israel on The Rail Golf Course at sunset since the winds were so strong. Nicole and Andrew toughed out the cold temps for a few more intimate photos as a married couple! After some gorgeous silhouettes, it was time to head into their much-anticipated reception! With splashes of lace, golds, greenery, and wooden elements their receptions was destined to be incredible! They shared many dances including their first dance and a family dance with their kiddos. Such a sweet memory! After toasts, the fun really got going! And when I say, fun…I mean the local band, FUN DMC got rocking! I always look forward to photographing weddings with this energetic and unique band, who take songs and “Mash” them together! They definitely got Nicole and Andrew’s party pumping and kept the dance floor full the entire night!
Nicole and Andrew have been a pleasure to work with and I couldn’t have been more excited to share and capture their most special and adorable moments! Best wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Israel!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Big Shout Out To Nicole & Andrew’s Incredible Vendors!
Ceremony Venue: Christ The King Catholic Church https://ctkparish.com
Reception Venue: The Rail Golf Course https://www.railgolf.com
Wedding Coordinator: Jamie Patarozzi
Band: FunDMC https://www.fundmc.net
Florist: Petals & Co. https://www.petalsandco.net
Cake: Three Twigs Bakery https://threetwigsbakery.com
Makeup & Hair Stylists: Willow & Birch Salon https://www.willowandbirchsalon.com
Bride’s Dress: Girls In White Satin (Mori Lee Designer) http://girlsinwhitesatin.com
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie Online https://www.azazie.com/all/bridesmaid-dresses
Men’s Attire: Savvi Formal Wear https://savviformalwear.com
