When I think about the type of couples, who I would work with over and over again, Samantha and Ethan would be at the top of the list. From the moment I met Sammy almost 3 years ago at another one of my amazing couple’s weddings, Stefani and Bryan, she was a sweet bridesmaid. Then I heard from her about a year later when she and her now fiancé, Ethan were planning their own wedding and I was so honored they thought of me! Now it was time for Sammy to be a bride, while friend Stefani returned the bridesmaid favor! From spending time with these two at their engagement session, I knew I was in for a treat working with this kind couple! Their wedding vision included a place in Normal, Illinois where their love story began almost six years ago. They were both students at Illinois State University. Sammy and Ethan met by chance as their mutual friends were planning a spring break trip. And now, they were going to be married at Hancock Stadium, on the campus where their journey together began. How fun!

The morning of the big day came and when I arrived at the bridal suite, the room was bustling with joyful ladies getting hair and makeup completed and a bride who couldn’t be happier! Sammy’s positive attitude at all times lights up anyone who is around her, including me! When it came time to get Sammy dressed she was, of course, a stunning bride! Her elegant gown was classic and beautiful with a little sparkle in her jeweled belt. Her mother, Marie, and sisters, Brittany and Elizabeth, all took their turns helping Sammy prepare for her special day. I love these moments with family. Ethan and his guys were getting themselves ready as well and Ethan was keeping himself together as best as he could. He told me he was a little nervous, but so ready to see Sammy! The two had planned a first look and this time was upon us!

The first look took place high above the turf at Hancock Stadium, where Ethan got his first glimpse at his bride to be! These two took in every second of this moment and a few tears were even shed. I think they both knew once they had the opportunity to see each other on their wedding day all the nerves and anticipation would settle and they could enjoy everything together. Following the first look, the entire bridal party and the couple all went out on the football field to take advantage of this rare and fun wedding venue! Sammy and her ladies were looking awesome in their varying purple-toned dresses and fantastic bouquets of whites, purples, and eucalyptus leaves! The guys cleaned up pretty well too as Ethan and his groomsmen sported gray suits with purple ties, leaving Ethan to standout with his white tie. Talk about an amazing looking bridal party! And they all brought the fun too! The personality of this bridal party was phenomenal, which made my job so easy! We had to make sure not only to grab the standard bridal party photos, yet the whole crew, including Sammy and Ethan, were up for a few football-related photos while we had the chance! Football in hand, this incredible group brought their A-Game to portrait time! However, the game ball did have to go to the bride and groom as they were simply lovely together while wandering around the field!

Sammy and Ethan’s nuptials took place in the Redbird Clubhouse surrounded by family and friends. Ethan’s sister, Rachel, performed the officiant duties and allowed all the guests into Sammy and Ethan’s relationship leading up to this moment. It was sweet to see! After an exchange of vows, rings, and sharing a kiss…They did it! The new Mr. & Mrs. Nelson were official! But before the party could get started at the reception, we had one more trip to take! The entire bridal party with the newlyweds headed over to a local park for a few more photos. At this point, the sun had finally peeked out from behind the clouds! Keep in mind, earlier in the day, the forecast was calling for rain right as we were planning for these last photos! I was thrilled we were going to get a golden hour for Sammy and Ethan! Although the winds had picked up, the girls said they were enjoying having their “Beyonce” moment! Way to embrace the elements ladies! When the bridal party’s turn was over, Sammy and Ethan soaked up the few quiet minutes they had together and that is when the magic happened! These two are perfect for one another in every way and their joy was written all over their faces!

We returned to the stadium and this crew was ready to party! It didn’t take long for the dance floor to be full of guests celebrating the couple. My time with these two ended with a sparkler exit where they showed off their love one more time! By the end of the day, they scored the ultimate touchdown by leaving hand in hand as husband and wife! Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. Nelson!

Warm Regards,

Huge shoutout to Samantha & Ethan’s amazing vendors:

Venue: Hancock Stadium Clubhouse

Wedding Coordinators: Simple Elegance Events Entertainment– Miranda Davis and Julie Schumann 

Florist: Casey’s Garden Shop

Cake Artist: Janet’s Cakes

DJ: Complete Wedding & Events

Make-up & Hair Artist: DJ with Magnolia Salon

Bride’s Dress Shop: Storybook Ending in Dewitt, IA

Bridesmaid Dresses: Storybook Ending

Tuxes: Generation Tuxes

Rentals & Decor: Event Experience Company

Harpist: Julia Kay Jamieson

I think these two are ready for a first look!

Seriously…Aren’t they simply perfect together?!?!

Before tying the knot, Sammy wanted to have a special moment with her father, Jim.

This moment was so sweet…and hilarious! In the middle of their embrace, I hear Sammy’s little voice say, “OK, That’s Enough of That”, as her and Jim were both fighting back tears and laughter!

Time for a few more photos with the new Mr. & Mrs. Nelson!

MAGIC!

Time to Party!

Told you this bridal party was fun!

How lucky am I? Not only have I photographed Sammy and Ethan’s wedding, but I have also captured Stefani and Bryan’s! Then next year, I have the honor of photographing Stefani’s sister, Staci and her sweet fiancé, Kelbey’s big day! I’m so thankful for this amazing circle of people!

If you are getting married and looking for your own wedding photographer experience, I would love to hear from you! Contact me today so I can hear all about your wedding day vision!