I’ve been looking forward to Amber and Ryan’s wedding day since their engagement session in Chicago, Illinois last year! However, due to the unforeseen world pandemic forcing this wonderful couple to put a hold on their May 2020 plans we had to wait a little bit longer to celebrate them. But, it was SO worth the wait!

Amber and Ryan, who are both from Auburn, Illinois made new plans for their wedding at the end of August at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield. Both the bride and groom were in high spirits in the morning as they each were surrounded by family and friends getting prepped for their day. Amber shared a couple of special moments with her mother, who helped her get dressed as well as her dad and grandfather, who had the opportunity to have the first look of Amber in her white gown. And by the way, Amber was beaming in her gorgeous lace and tulle dress! It was perfect for her! Then it was off to the church!

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church was the beautiful location the soon-to-be-married couple chose to tie the knot. The church was filled, every other pew of course, with loved ones who came to witness the union of this incredible couple. As Amber made her way down the long aisle, Ryan couldn’t stop smiling! These two were so joyful to finally get to this moment! Throughout the full mass, Amber and Ryan would hold hands, whisper little things in each other’s ear, and share smiles together as they exchanged rings, vows, and a kiss! And then they were MARRIED!

Following the ceremony, the bridal party loaded up onto the bus and we headed to the Illinois State Capital for photos. Amber and Ryan love the architecture of the capital and wanted to incorporate it into their photos. I probably said to the bridal party they looked like a bunch of models one hundred times with the girls in the blush pink mismatched dresses and the guys in their black tuxes and bow ties. What a classic look to compliment this amazing couple! The new Mr. and Mrs. Hemberger were so ecstatic as we wandered around for photos that everyone around them, including me, couldn’t stop smiling! Watching these two together you can instantly see they are soulmates! We made one other quick stop across the street from the capital before heading to the reception to the Supreme Court Building, since Amber is an attorney, it held special meaning to her.

When we arrived at Panther Creek it was beautifully set up with varying candles, eucalyptus, gold chargers for the place settings, and menus for the plated meal. Once the newlyweds were announced to their guests, they all shared a meal, and then it was time for toasts. Ryan’s dad, Amber’s grandfather, and Amber’s Maid of Honor Courtney gave awesome toasts to the couple filled with memories, admiration, and a big surprise from the bride that came at the end of Courtney’s speech. Apparently, Ryan who’s a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan has been trying to convert Amber for the longest time to no avail. Yet, Amber gave Ryan the biggest wedding present she could think of…She announced to him she would now become a Cardinal’s fan! Ryan’s reaction was PRICELESS as he screamed, fists raised, giving high-fives, with the biggest smile on his face! He picked up his bride in an enormous hug and smiled for the rest of the night!

It was hard to follow that up, but it was time for sunset photos! And Amber and Ryan didn’t disappoint! The warm glow of the sunset was perfect over the golf course and this couple soaked in these few minutes of time alone. Their giggles and smiles made a fantastic way to finish up their day!

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Hemberger as you begin your new married life together! Best wishes!

Warm Regards,

Shout out to Amber & Ryan’s vendors!

Ceremony Venue: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Panther Creek Country Club

Florist: Fleur Couture

Videographer: Erica Reist Bass Videography

Hair & Makeup Artist: Hair by Maggie Angeli, Jeannie Brandt, Kylie Mackenzie, Samantha Palazzolo, and Andrea Hullmann

Bride’s Dress: Girls in White Satin

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

DJ: A + DJ Service, Cody Trigg

Cake: Lindsay Capitano

Invitations: Zola

Golf Outing/Rehearsal Dinner: Edgewood Golf Course

Don’t these two look incredible?

They’re MARRIED!!!!

And the groom feeling the bride’s muscles in between photos! Hilarious!

What a fun crew Amber and Ryan had on wedding day and their love for this couple showed!

And now my favorite time of the day…Sunset Photos!

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