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Erin & Jake | Inn at 835 | Springfield Illinois | Fall Wedding Photographer

Weddings

November 7, 2019

The anticipation leading up to Erin and Jake’s fall wedding at the Inn at 835 in Springfield, Illinois was tough. After meeting them at their engagement session I knew their wedding was going to be an awesome one to be apart of and it couldn’t arrive quick enough! Erin is an attorney and Jake is an Illinois State Police Officer, who live close to St. Louis. They are both kind and thoughtful always making sure everyone around them is taken care of. The pair met six years ago when they were both at a Chris Cagle concert. Erin had won those tickets and looking back on it, she understands she won way more than concert tickets. Now after six amazing years together, the couple got married ON the anniversary date of when they met! How sweet is that?!

I met up with the girls bright and early on wedding day at the fabulous Gallery Salon in Springfield. Erin was ready for the day as she was surrounded by many of the most important ladies in her life, who were eager to get her beautified for her special day! Before having her makeup up done (which was a smart choice) Erin’s sister, Kelci, handed Erin an invaluable book of “Letters to the Bride” composed of notes from her sister, mother, step-mother, and bridesmaids. Kelci told me this was a tradition that Erin started at her own wedding a few years ago and Kelci wanted to return the favor. As Erin sat and read the emotions of the thoughtful words on the pages filled her with happy tears. Especially a letter from one of her bridesmaids, Jamee, who was unable to attend the wedding after having a baby two weeks prior. It was a lovely moment for Erin to remind her how much she is loved. Following hair and makeup, we all headed over to the Inn to get this bride dressed! And you guys, this dress on Erin was STUNNING! Her form-fitting gown had a floral lace design with cap sleeves and an illusion back. Erin was an absolutely gorgeous bride on her big day! While Erin was putting on her final touches with her mom and sister, Dani, my second photographer for the day, was capturing Jake and his gentlemen getting prepared as well! Jake was sporting a navy suit with a wine-colored tie and was looking pretty good himself! The couple did chose to do a first look, but before Jake had his opportunity to see his soon-to-be wife, Erin gave this same privilege to her father, Dennis, and step-father, Bill. I think Erin took both of their breath away when they saw her for the first time. They were both very happy they had the chance to see her before the craziness of the day set in. Next was Jake’s turn. He waited anxiously, yet I think it was worth the wait. Jake was smiling from ear to ear when he turned around and saw his future wife for the first time. They shared an embrace, some sweet words, and Jake checked out every little bit of Erin’s dress. I love first looks so much!

Before the ceremony, I took the whole bridal party downtown for a few photos. We found the perfect ivy-covered brick building to give a little industrial flair, but still, show off a bit of fall color! Of course, the entire morning leading up to photo time the winds were calm, however as soon as it was time for pictures the wind gusts picked up making taming dresses and curls incredibly entertaining! But, Erin and Jake and their crew were up for the challenge and took it all in stride. Even the chilly temps didn’t stop them. And I want to give an extra shout out to Erin’s sister, Kelci for hanging in there all day without one complaint as she is about four weeks away from welcoming her baby girl into the world! She was a rockstar! Once the bridal party returned to the limo, Erin and Jake spent plenty of time in each other’s arms. Erin added a beautiful fur stole to keep her warm throughout the day, but I think just being close to Jake helped too. This couple is playful and simply adores being with one another. I think having this time together before they officially tied the knot made the rest of the day a piece of cake!

The ceremony was a quaint gathering in the garden of the Inn surrounded by so many loved ones on a delightful day! The officiant shared the vows that Erin and Jake would be guided by in marriage. This was followed by the couple pouring whiskey into a small barrel combining two flavors together for them to enjoy on their year anniversary. Of course, not before they each took a shot to try it out! They sealed it all with a kiss and in no time they were pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Miller! Then it was back in the limo and to another location for more photos (which is why I love these guys!) This time we headed over to Washington Park to take full advantage of the fall colors! The temperature definitely dropped and at times poor Erin’s lips were chattering! But, she was bound and determined to get as many photos with her new hubby as possible and I’m totally game for that! And I’m thrilled with the images we captured for these two! They are undoubtedly perfect for each other! So hopefully Jake won’t be too upset at me for saying, “Just ONE MORE photo” about 100 times during the day!

We returned to the Inn for the reception which was full of so many memorable moments including amazing toasts, dueling pianos, the couple raising $600 dollars for the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation during their dollar dance, tons of singing and dancing, plus Austin Powers as a surprise guest! Groovy Baby! The newlyweds know how to throw a party and they certainly enjoyed every minute belting out tunes and dancing with guests! I had a blast with Erin and Jake throughout my entire journey with them and I couldn’t be more grateful I was able to capture their special moments! Cheers!

Warm Regards,