The big news about Kahla and Steven’s wedding last weekend at The Cannery in Eureka, Illinois could have been the forecast! The constant mix of downpour and drizzle throughout the morning might have, to some people, “Ruined” the day. Not for Kahla and Steven! Obviously, it was on my mind as far as photos go, however it didn’t appear to be on Kahla’s as she wandered around the bridal suite at The Cannery sipping on her coffee and laughing with her eleven bridesmaids, two flower girls, her mom, and future MIL, Kelly and Michelle. She was all smiles as her hair was curled and makeup was carefully applied. As a nurse, I’m sure Kahla is used to some chaos here and there so getting ready on her own wedding day was nothing to stress about, right?! During the preparation time, I photographed all Kahla’s fun details from her lovely beaded gown, sparkly rings, blingy shoes, as well as her incredible flowers incorporating lots of textures like eucalyptus and muted pink and white roses. Oh boy, did I have fun! When it came time to get her dressed, her sweet mom, Kelly needed a few moments to gather herself as she zipped her daughter into the dress of her dreams. Kahla was a vision in her form-fitted dress with beaded details and a tulle train! With all the hustle and bustle of the morning, I’m thrilled Kahla and her mom had this opportunity to share this quiet time together. Her maids of honor, Katlyn and Kayla helped her with finishing touches, also fighting back tears, before a big reveal to her remaining bridesmaids anxiously awaiting to see their friend on her big day. 

And as for Steven worrying about the rain…He was nothing but smiles when I first saw him, which I think was in part to his huge group of nine groomsmen who were keeping him preoccupied with jokes, stories, and possibly a few drinks throughout the morning. Steven (or Stevie as I quickly learned was what most of his friends and family call him) was holding his own in the style department on his special day! He sported a light gray suit and with a blue and white flower tie, which matched his guy’s look. They were some pretty dapper dudes for sure! Before getting the massive bridal party together for photos, Kahla and Steven chose to have a first look. And again although it was lightly drizzling outside, they were both completely open to seeing one another for the first time wherever possible! See they are high school sweethearts, who dated all through college at St. Ambrose, all over the course of eleven years! What a story! As long as they were able to share in this moment together, nothing else mattered! Kahla gave Steven a tap on the shoulder and the smile on Steven’s face when he saw his bride for the first time was priceless! They both checked each other’s attire out and Steven kept kissing Kahla’s hand and hugging her so tight it was a special part of the day. Following the first look the entire bridal party, all 27 of them including flower girls and ushers, gathered for a few photos inside The Cannery. I told Kahla and Steven on several occasions that if they were going to have rain on their wedding day, they couldn’t have picked a better venue! The Cannery, not only is beautiful on the outside with various brick facades, but on the inside as well with industrial and rustic touches of metal, dark wood, and brick so if we were forced to take photos inside on a rainy day…This was the place to do it! So we took advantage of the wonderful furniture inside for bridal party photos. And right before we headed over to the church for the ceremony, to all of our surprise, the rain tapered off allowing me to grab a few photos outside of the girls, guys, and of course the soon to be newlyweds! YAY! 

The ceremony was a short drive away from the reception venue at Tremont United Methodist Church in Tremont, Illinois. Due to a slight scheduling conflict at the church (aka double booked ceremonies in one day) Kahla and Steven arrived at their ceremony ready to make time before the next wedding party was due to arrive. The service was performed in record time, yet did not withhold any meaningful moments as Kahla and Steven proclaimed their love for the other, exchanged rings and sealed their marriage with a kiss! Short and sweet and oh so lovely! Before we knew it we were back in the car on the way back to The Cannery! When we arrived back something wonderful happened! The rain completely stopped and at times, the sun came out! Thank You, Thank You Mother Nature! During cocktail hour, I was able to take my time capturing Kahla and Steven at their happiest! Now married and officially husband and wife! Their love story, which has developed over an eleven-year span, was not lost on the couple and they were going to soak up these memories as best they could! 

Then it was time for the party to start! And with a crew like Kahla and Steven’s, there was no doubt in my mind the reception was going to be fun! Many of their friends and family toasted the pair and had them hysterically laughing and at times and crying at times as they relived past events that shaped their relationships with the bride and groom. You could tell how much each and every one who was included in their bridal party meant to the couple. Even the dances were special between the bride and groom, their parents, and a surprise anniversary dance to honor Kahla’s grandparents, who were about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! The dance floor was almost about to explode, but before that happened I snuck the couple outside one more time for a few more photos. Although the sun was in and out of clouds I wanted to give them a few more joyful seconds to reflect on their day! They finished the evening dancing and singing along with friends and family, who came out in full force to support their marriage that was eleven years in the making! Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Maurer! Thank You from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to play such a big role in your most important day! 

Warm Regards, 
Lauren

Huge Shout Out to Kahla & Steven’s Incredible Vendors who Helped Make Their Day So Special! 

Reception Venue: The Cannery

Ceremony Venue: Tremont United Methodist Church

Videographer: Video Dreams Productions

Second Photographer: Priscila Gilley

Florist: Floral Designs, Ltd

DJ: JAK’D Entertainment

Hair Stylist: Abby with Mes Amis Hair & Nail Studio 

Makeup Artist: Friend of the bride, Katey Stuckemeyer

Cake: Bride’s Mother, Kelly Burmaster

Caterer: Scott Weigand

Bridesmaids Dresses: Adore Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank

Wedding Day Coordinator: Friend of Bride, Meg Moredock