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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It’s been almost two years! I can’t believe it’s been just shy of two years ago since I first sit down with Erin and Vishnu to hear all about their vision and plans for their November 17th, 2018 wedding at the Artisans Building in Springfield, Illinois. From that moment until the big day I had the pleasure of photographing this adorable couple for their engagement session (which you can find HERE), had a few lovely meetings over coffee to chat about the details, and now shared in the blessing of witnessing their marriage. What a fantastic journey!
My day began with the ladies at a beautiful vintage home in downtown Springfield. Erin was already glowing even before she had hair and makeup completed! She has the sweetest soul and is always making sure that everyone is taken care of. She has a style all her own and I was not surprised when she showed me her simple yet incredibly elegant lace gown along with all of her accessories including a purple fur stole, jeweled broach owned by her grandmother, and flower crown which were all perfection! When it came time for Erin to get dressed her sweet mother, Anna, along with Erin’s bridesmaids, each in a wonderful deep purple dress, helped her with her finishing touches. When I say Erin was stunning it is no understatement! She was beaming and soaking in every moment with her closest girls! I would say she was ready to see her soon to be husband! Vishnu and his guys were waiting at Southwind Park in Springfield for the first look. Vishnu was definitely ready for his first peek of his future wife! After much back and forth prior to the wedding, the couple decided to do a first look prior to the ceremony to ensure we had time to capture all of their wonderful moments together along with their bridal party. With a tap on the shoulder, Vishnu turned to see Erin for the first time and he could barely take his eyes off of her! It was truly a fantastic moment! The pair was then joined by their energetic bridal party, who I have to give mad props to for sticking it out with me on a very cold and windy fall day! With patches of snow from a few days earlier, we chose to stick to the pavement as much as possible, but I was thrilled we still had some color in the willows as well as pops of oranges from a few trees and grasses at the park. The plums in the girl’s dresses and guy’s ties, as well as the amazing florals in the bouquets, made this large bridal party stand out against the more winter-like backdrop. Although chilly, there were plenty of laughs from Erin & Vishnu’s crew before heading over to the church.
The ceremony was all about Erin and Vishnu and their relationship and faith. They included many of their loved ones in readings as well as their bridal party, who all had the opportunity to say a prayer for the couple as they held their wedding rings prior to Erin & Vishnu exchanging them. The vows, written by the bride and groom, were full of beautiful words of love and promises by Vishnu to love Erin as long as the moon and stars were in the sky and Erin ensuring she will always keep the hottest peppers in the house! They are too cute! They shared a kiss and with that, they were Mr. & Mrs!
The reception was at the splendid Artisans Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. With the exposed bricks and dramatic chandeliers, I always love this venue! The plum theme continued with sweet tablescapes including glowing lanterns and maroon flowers throughout the whole space. Before starting many of the fun traditions at the reception, Erin and Vishnu took the time to visit with as many of their guests as possible to show their appreciation for coming. Then they took the floor for their first dance as husband and wife before Erin took a spin around the floor with her dad, Patrick. Once all the traditional events were completed like the bouquet and garter toss plus cake cutting the open the dance floor was full and the bride and groom let loose with their loved ones.
I feel so grateful I could be a part of Erin and Vishnu’s big day and finish off my 2018 wedding season with this awesome couple! Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs. Srinivasaraghavan!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
A Big Thank You To All Of The Vendors Who Made Erin & Vishnu’s Wedding Day Amazing!
Ceremony Venue: Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist https://www.aluuc.org
Reception Venue: Artisans Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds http://www.agr.state.il.us/spacerental/property/artisans-building/
Events Coordinator: Blue Orchid Event Planning https://www.facebook.com/BlueOrchidEventPlanning/
Cake Artist: Specialty Cakes https://www.facebook.com/SpecialtyCakesbyTammy/
Makeup Artist: Shanti Skincare https://www.facebook.com/Shantiskincare/
Hair Stylist: Vogue Hair Salon https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vogue-Hair-Designs/114131271999285
Bride’s Dress: Bridal Gallery in St. Louis https://www.facebook.com/bridalgallerymi/