Planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart. Then throw in the global pandemic, Covid-19 and the stress level can increase exponentially! Yet, for Staci and Kelbey they made a plan to move forward together and become husband and wife no matter what obstacles were in their way. Their wedding day began getting ready in Urbana, Illinois before a short drive to the church where Staci’s parents and grandparents were married!! How wonderfully special is that? But, before the drive, the ladies’ hotel suite was bustling with hair and makeup, and Staci was surrounded by her closest family and friends. The color scheme of rich Chianti and navy with accents of blush, plum, and ivory could be found throughout their day and really elevated their farm wedding. Staci and her amazing family hold a very special place in my heart! Over the last few years, I have photographed Staci’s sister, Stefani’s wedding, maternity, and newborn session (which funny story, the MOH Stefani had her baby about a week and a half before Staci’s big day) multiple other friend’s weddings and families, and now it was Staci’s turn! So to say I’m incredibly grateful to this family and thrilled I can be a part of so many milestones for them is a huge understatement! Plus after all the rearranging of my wedding calendar for 2020 Staci and Kelbey were now my first wedding of the year and boy, was I ready!

When we got closer to ceremony time, we headed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville, Illinois to meet up with Kelbey and the boys. My amazing second photographer, Morgan, grabbed some wonderful photos of Kelbey and his wild bunch of groomsmen before I arrived. Let’s just say the personality was not lacking in this crew! Did I also mention the temperature for Staci and Kelbey’s big day was high 90’s with the humidity making it feel like 105!!! Luckily for the couple, they had a pretty amazing bridal party and I not once heard a complaint! Staci and Kelbey chose the traditional route of not seeing one another before the ceremony. However, Staci did want to see her dad, Dan, before he walked her down the aisle. It was a very sweet daddy/daughter first look with a few tears shed! Then we were all ready to get the beautiful couple married!

The Catholic mass was full of emotions as Kelbey watched his gorgeous bride walk down the aisle towards him with the biggest smile on his face. This is a moment I never take for granted when I get a front-row seat! The pair spoke their vows beautifully, exchanged rings, and sealed their marriage with a kiss! After being pronounced husband and wife, Mr. & Mrs. McMath exited the church to a family and friends enveloping them in bubbles! Man…Note to self, bubble guns work so much better! Once family photos were completed we all headed out to the beautiful Willow Creek Farm back in Urbana. Staci and Kelbey thought of everything as far as details to make their guest experience amazing! From popcorn favors, a photo booth, custom masks, and even a caricature artist!

Before the reception got rolling I stole the bridal party and the newlyweds for a few photos by a beautiful pond and some willow trees. Even with the heat the bridal party was full of energy and sassiness…Just the way I like it! Then it was time for just Staci and Kelbey and that’s when the real magic began. These two are simply perfect together and were glowing with such happiness! Finally after all the hurdles they faced together they could say they were MARRIED!

And now it was time for them to let loose with family and friends at the reception! But, not before they shared a sweet first dance and then a father/daughter and mother/son dance to remember. In the middle of each song was a voice over of Staci and Kelbey speaking and sharing sentimental words to their father and mother. It was adorable to see their reaction as it was a complete surprise. I was also able to sneak the newlyweds out at sunset for some beautiful golden light before the sun tucked behind some clouds! The perfect way to end their day!

Staci and Kelbey’s wedding was one to remember and I’m so happy I was a part of it! Thank You for welcoming me into your family circle and Congratulations and many blessings on your marriage!

Warm Regards,

Shout out to Staci & Kelbey’s vendors!

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Willow Creek Farm

Florist: Gimsley’s Florist

Hair & Makeup Artist: Debbie Salts from Allure Hair & Makeup Salon & Kim Rowatt

Bride & Bridesmaid Dresses: Stella York at Elite Bridal and David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Seno Formalware

DJ: Steven Runyon

Cake: Janet’s Cakes and Catering

Uplighting: D & J Entertainment

Transportation: Kal’s Roadhouse Party Bus & Starr Limousine

Caricature Artist: Daryl Pyle

Kettle Corn: Big R Concessions

Can we talk about the guys recreating the ladies “getting ready” photos?! Hilarious!

The bubble guns were EPIC!

Definitely some of my favorites! Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. McMath!

If you are looking for your own wedding photographer contact me today to see how I can best serve you!