* Jordan + Ben * Scottish Heritage * Beach House * Springfield Illinois * Wedding Photographer *
I seriously cry at every wedding! Every.Single.One. Anytime throughout the wedding day, a moment will tug right at my heart and my eyes will begin to well up behind my camera. As my relationship grows with each of my couples, I learn very quickly the people, details, or aspects of their day which hold the most meaning. For Jordan and Ben’s Scottish heritage wedding at the Beach House in Springfield, Illinois it didn’t take me too long to realize who and what held the most significant in their lives. Jordan’s daughter, Ainsley is most definitely number one! Both Jordan and Ben cannot get enough of this spunky and smart 5-year-old! And with a sassy preschooler at home myself, Ainsley and I became fast friends on the big day! The depths of love between Jordan and Ben towards their families made the day extremely emotional. Both sides had parents and grandparents, who played central roles in the bride and groom’s lives. Although emotions where high (Jordan admittedly said she was a crier), the amount of laughter and smiles throughout the day kept the mood very light and loving. Lastly the pride Jordan and Ben have for her family’s Scottish roots, which run deep, was apparent from the second they told me the theme of their wedding! The family Tartan (the correct term for their unique plaid pattern) was on full display everywhere you looked. It was included in the kilts Ben and the guys donned, invitations, and even in Jordan’s shawl, she wore over her beautiful white gown. Plus, purple Heather flowers, which grow abundantly in Scotland could be found along with thistles in the girl’s bouquets, Jordan’s hair, the guy’s boutonnieres, and at the reception. Not to mention that Jordan’s mom was named after the symbolic flower, to bring their use in the special day, full circle! I know I will also never forget the lasting sound of bagpipes as Jordan made her entrance down the aisle with her dad. So many incredible details playing a role on the wedding day.
Jordan and Ben met while working at Lake Pointe Grill in Springfield. The pair quickly became inseparable and the rest, as they say, is history! Miss Ainsley cannot get enough of Ben and I believe the feeling is mutual. Watching the three of them together, you can easily see how much fun they have in each other’s company and their love is infectious! The future Mr. and Mrs. Summers decided to do a first look with one another at a friend’s house on the lake. Ben, looking very dashing in his kilt, jacket, and traditional sporran (or pouch) as he awaited his bride to be on the dock. When he took his first look at Jordan, who was glowing in her white layered dress with custom lace straps and the addition of a shawl with her family’s Tartan colors, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her! We took time for photos with the bridal party, who were energetic and a blast to work with! The ladies were in emerald green dresses, which was the perfect compliment to the guys in their red, green, and black kilts. And Ainsley was holding her own with a white dress to match her mom and a flower crown made from Heather flowers. They all looked spectacular! The frosting on the cake, however, was the gorgeous flowering white tree as a backdrop for Jordan and Ben. We have all been waiting very patiently for spring and it came out in a big way for this fantastic couple! Shortly after we headed over to the Beach House for the ceremony on the back deck overlooking the lake. The couple chose to have a very enduring Scottish tradition to be performed during their nuptials. Handfasting consists of bringing their hands together with rope and literally “tying the knot”. The rope is then pulled into an infinity knot, which is unbreakable. Then, after their sweet vows, Jordan and Ben walked back up the aisle hand in hand with the bagpipes wailing in the air.
The reception continued the Scottish theme, but also played on the couple’s love for the tv show, “Game of Thrones”. Each table had a House Crest for guests to find their corresponding seat. Thistles and Heather along with candles surrounded the floor to ceiling fireplace to complete the look in the great stone hall. So you are probably still wondering…Out of every unforgettable moment throughout Jordan and Ben’s wedding day, which one had me all emotional and made the tears start flowing? It was during the toasts. Jordan’s sister and maid of honor, Carson talked about the moments she witnessed leading up to knowing her sister had met Mr. Right. She said Ben came along at the perfect time in Jordan’s life. When she and Ainsley needed him the most. Neither Jordan or Carson could hold it together and as a sister and a mother, that moment was special and shows timing is everything.
Jordan and Ben are genuine, thoughtful, kind, and madly in love! I feel tremendously blessed I was chosen to be a part of their wedding, learn more about their family heritage, and capturing all of their marvelously emotional moments. So to end with a Scottish blessing,
“May your troubles be less
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door.”
Warm Regards,
Lauren
