You would think after the wedding planning roller coaster ride that Brittany and Eric had for their 2020 wedding they would have given up on their dream to get married this year. But, not this couple! After being forced to push back their mid-June date because of Covid-19 and state restrictions they set another date for a Friday at the end of July. Still yearning to celebrate this day with all their family and friends they decided to move the date a third time since those restrictions on small gatherings continued to be in place when July rolled around. Luckily I had one date left in September and Brittany and Eric jumped on it for their wedding ceremony in Pekin, Illinois. And my goodness, it was a beautiful day!

Brittany and Eric chose to only have their ceremony in September with their reception following next spring. Yet, the entire day felt similar to any other wedding day I photograph. We began the day with the Brittany and the girls getting ready at her parent’s home. The joy that was in Brittany’s eyes the morning she was set to marry her best friend was so lovely! Plus, the wonderful slate blue and sage green colors this couple chose for their day brought so much class and beauty! So pretty, right?! When it was time for the bride to get dressed it was an incredible moment! Brittany was absolutely stunning in her lace gown with delicate straps and a long row of buttons down her back. Her mom, Vicki, took great care making sure each button was gently fastened. Brittany really was a vision of what a bride should be on her wedding day!

Eric spent the morning getting ready with his parents and brother as everyone took turns helping with his suit and accessories. Eric wore a cream tie, which set him apart from his groomsmen, who sported slate blue ties with their navy suits. And once Eric was ready to go he came over to Brittany’s parent’s house where he and his soon-to-be bride shared a private first look with one another. After all they have been through I can only imagine how emotional that moment was for these two.

We met up with Brittany and Eric, along with their full bridal party, at Soderstrom Castle on the top of Grandview Drive in Peoria. This place was incredible! From the peaked roof, stone bridge, and the dragon statues at the front of the gate it was straight out of a fairytale! Add in a gorgeous princess and her prince and it was a magical dream! We wandered around the courtyard and the grounds with Brittany and Eric and when they were surrounded with their bridal party their entire vision came together! The slate blue dresses, navy suits, and the addition of the bouquets with white flowers, thistles, and greenery were perfection and the perfect pop! Brittany and Eric brought so much energy and love to their portrait time and I’m so grateful the universe gave this couple a delightful fall day! They deserve it!

We ended the day with the most important part…The ceremony! Brittany and Eric have kept their church and their shared passion of music in the forefront of their wedding. As the music began to play and Brittany made her way up the aisle with her dad towards Eric, the excitement and emotion of finally getting to this day could be felt. The couple stood hand in hand while their long time pastors prayed for and over the pair. Once Brittany and Eric said their vows, exchanged rings, and shared a kiss they were MARRIED! I couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds and so thankful to them for sticking with me in what seemed like endless changes to their day! Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. Wrigley!

Warm Regards,

Huge shout out to all the vendors who worked so hard to make Brittany & Eric’s day so special!

• Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church
• Portrait Venue: Soderstrom Castle
• Florist: Create a Scene
• Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
• Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
• Wedding Programs: So Chic Boutique
• Hair Stylist: Jennifer Hoecker from Sculptures Day Spa
• Makeup Artist: Brittany Lavender

Isn’t Brittany a vision?

Eric held his own though! He couldn’t let his soon-to-be wife show him up too much!

I don’t do this often…But if I can make the dream of fire breathing dragons come true for my couple…I do it!

Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Wrigley!