Some couples take years to get to the alter. Maybe they are together forever before they even get engaged then plan for at least a year before tying the knot. For Kristin and Jeff, their relationship has been a beautiful whirlwind they wouldn’t change for anything. I met them less than a year ago and had the privilege of capturing the moment when Jeff asked Kristin to officially be his wife and it was incredible! Go read more about their story here! Jeff is in the military and with a deployment, in the near future, these two knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Jeff’s job simply put a wedding at the forefront of their minds! Hey, when you know, you know!

Kristin and Jeff’s wedding day was being held at the lovely Hill Prairie Winery in Oakford, Illinois. Yet, their day started in Petersburg, a neighboring town, where they were both surrounded by a small group of their closest loved ones to get ready for their intimate ceremony. The day was a typical late November Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday with a chill in the air and a bit of off and on misting rain. Yet, the weather had no effect on Kristin and Jeff’s positive and excited moods. Kristin was a vision as she slipped into her form-fitting intricate lace gown! She paired a tan fur stole over her shoulders for warmth, which added a glamorous element to her attire. She also wore her grandmother’s pearl necklace and bracelet for embellishment. She made a stunning bride and the joy on her face brought her entire look together. Jeff wasn’t going to let his bride outdo him…Too much. He was incredibly handsome in his classic navy suit and tie. Kristin’s son, Logan, was on hand to help Jeff get ready and Jeff happily returned the favor for his new son. For their first look, Kristin and Jeff chose the Petersburg square and luckily for us there were still red berries dangling from the tree branches. Now when I say Jeff’s smile lit up the gloomy day, I mean it! He was grinning from ear to ear when he finally got to see his soon-to-be wife for the first time. It was adorable!

We all headed out to the winery so we could capture the small wedding party together before the ceremony began. The landscape out at Hill Prairie is always beautiful and on Kristin and Jeff’s day, it was no different. Adding Kristin’s matron of honor and sister, Shareen as well as Jeff’s best man, David to the mix made everything come together. Shareen and David were both in light gray and we even threw Logan in for a few photos. These guys stuck it out with cold temps and a gentle mist, but I think with their fun attitudes you could never tell they were freezing! Before heading in and officially getting Kristin and Jeff married I had them snuggle up for a few more photos. These two wrapped up nice and tight is the most perfect place for them to be! I loved spending those few quiet moments with this delightful couple before they became husband and wife.

The ceremony was held in the loft at the winery where the room was filled with glowing lights, lanterns, fresh flowers, navy decor, and many supportive loved ones. Although Jeff had already seen his bride before she walked up the aisle, it still brought happy tears to his eyes when she made her way arm and arm with her dad and her son. Another one of my favorite moments from this part of the day was during the vows when Jeff pulled out a piece of rolled up paper with what he had lovingly written to Kristin and the “list” almost touched the floor! It got a giggle from everyone, including Kristin! They both spoke from the heart and before you knew it the two shared a kiss and the same last name!

The reception also found its place up in the loft space too, but while a few tables were being moved around, I took the couple outside one more time for a few “Must Have” photos on their list. Now Jeff is a HUGE Star Wars fanatic and because of this, the new Mr. & Mrs. Meyer wanted to celebrate with a few small Star War touches throughout their reception…As well as have a Lightsaber battle! They had WAY too much fun with these, but it was adorable! Kristin and Jeff got their party started pretty quickly after toasts, their first dance, father/daughter dance, and a sweet mother/son dance with Kristin and Logan. And I even had the opportunity to catch up with one of my favorite #LWPCouples, Caitlin and Mitch, since Caitlin is Kristin’s cousin! It always means so much when I have the honor to photograph more than one family wedding! What a blessing!

Thank You to Kristin and Jeff for allowing me to capture so many of your delightful memories over the last year! I adore you two and I’m so grateful I had the chance to work with you both! Thank You, Jeff for your service to our country and stay safe during your deployment. Blessings in marriage!

Warm Regards,

Huge shout out to all the vendors who worked so hard to make Kristin & Jeff’s day a gorgeous one! 

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Hill Prairie Winery

Day of Coordinator – Ashley Freeman

Florist: Susan Daily

DJ: Kevin Smith DJ Service

Cake: Night Kitchen Cakes

Catering: Hamilton’s Catering

Hair: Lindsey Rose with BJ Grand Salon and Spa

Makeup: Amanda Naumovich

Bride’s Dress: Allure – Girls in White Satin

Bridesmaid Dress: BHLDN

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: DIY Paper Boutique –Etsy.com

Star Wars Guestbook: GuestBook Crafts – etsy.com

Star Wars Succulents – Redwood Stoneworks – etsy.com

Getting to see Jeff see Kristin for the first time was so fun!

What an awesome crew! So many laughs throughout the day!

Let’s get these kids married!

It was a beautiful ceremony full of so much love!

The mother/son dance was pretty special!