Wedding planning is a different experience for every single couple. For Aimee and Kurtis, it was definitely a bumpy road to their wedding day. They originally planned for a July 2020 wedding however with the Covid pandemic stopping the world in its tracks last year they had to make the painful decision to push their nuptials back a year. And shortly after their engagement session at the beginning of 2020, where we were a few of the last people allowed into the Illinois State Capitol due to the state shutting down because of the virus, Aimee sadly lost her father, Tom, too soon and had to say goodbye to him before her big day. However, Aimee and Kurtis persevered and continued moving forward to make their wedding day incredible all while making sure Aimee’s dad’s memory was felt.

The one part I loved about the vibe Aimee was trying to accomplish from the second she told me at our wedding consult was the use of the material, Seersucker! That blue and white pinstriped look was so unique and along with Aimee’s beloved hot pink color it really was a trendy and fun style! Aimee’s ladies in hot pink playful ruffled dresses and Kurtis, along with his guys in navy blue suits with seersucker ties, gave a fantastic POP to the wedding day! Then seeing Aimee put on her amazing gown with beaded bodice and straps, a tulle skirt, and finishing the whole look off with a sparkling tiara and cathedral length veil really made her into a Queen for the day! Since Aimee and Kurtis both work in and around the Illinois State Capitol, this location played a heavy role as a backdrop for their photos. We made our way over to the Capitol before their ceremony for a first look with the pair, which was so sweet as Aimee began crying before she even made the walk down to her groom. And although Kurtis is not overly emotional, I think that moment seeing Aimee really hit him. Due to the forecast of rain on and off during the day we did our best to keep the couple dry and stayed close to the building and highlighted this adorable couple under the archways of the capitol. Then after a few family photos we headed off to get these two married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Surrounded by many friends and family, Aimee made the long joyful, yet emotional walk down the aisle alone before hugging her mom and meeting Kurtis at the alter. I know her dad was there all day with them in spirit. The pair said their vows, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss! Then they were officially husband and wife! So many years in the making and the day finally came! We then loaded up and headed back to the IL State Capitol with their entire bridal party for a few more photos! This time, we headed inside the capitol to show off the newlyweds and their closest crew. Their big bridal party made up of bridesmaids, bridesmen, and groomsmen were very lively and full of such a fun energy! I adored working with all of them! Before heading back outside, I grabbed a few more photos of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in the same hallway we were at for their engagement photos! Plus, I know how much Kurtis LOVES having his photo taken so at this point I was being my sarcastic self and I kept saying, “Just one more” probably 10 times before we were finished! He will thank me later! We made our way back outside for “Just a few more” with the bridal party and that hit and miss rain hit us again! Yet, this group kept up the energy for one last bridal party photo before we all took off for another spot Aimee and Kurtis love…D.H. Brown’s! The couple met at this bar years ago and it was a must to incorporate it into their day. I snuck them out one more time for a photo opportunity right in front of the street leading up to the Capitol. Aimee LOVES the drama of a “Dip” photo! I mean, who doesn’t?! So getting a dip with the capitol behind them was an amazing ending to portrait time! Although that dip lead to many other moments throughout the night where I kept telling Kurtis to “DIP HER”! I have the give the bride what she wants, right?!

The couple then headed over to The Lake Springfield Beach House which is right on the water. Aimee told me they didn’t want to waste too much time on formalities and they wanted to get right to they party. After toasts and dinner, the couple and their guests headed to the outdoor deck where they would have their first dance surrounded by a little sparkle! Guests held sparklers as Mr. & Mrs. Smith danced hand in hand on a gorgeous evening! Kurtis danced with his mother, followed by Aimee dancing with her mom in a sweet and sentimental moment. Then we went back inside the beach house where Aimee and Kurtis invited guests to join them on the dance floor in a memorial dance in honor of Aimee’s dad. TRay, as they all lovingly called him, told his kids they needed to keep moving forward and never let anything get them down. When life deals them a tough hand they need to just shake it off and keep going! Then Taylor Swift’s song, “Shake It Off” was played for all to dance too just as Aimee and her father would do to brighten their spirits! Such an amazing way to pay tribute to her dad!

Before I left the incredible dance party the newlyweds were throwing, I snuck them out for…you guessed it…”One More Photo” in front of The Beach House with more sparklers! It was the perfect way to complete the day! Congrats to Aimee and Kurtis on your long awaited wedding day! You guys deserved the best day! And I think you got it!

Warm Regards,

Huge Shout Out to all of Aimee & Kurtis’ vendors who made the day so amazing!

• Ceremony: Blessed Sacrament Church
• Reception Venue: Lake Springfield Beach House
• Videographer: Chris Costello
• Makeup and Hair: Erica McKinney of Appearances Salon
• Florist: Weeds Florals
• Catering: Cured Catering
• DJ: Epic Entertainment
• Bride’s Dress: Michelle’s Bridal
• Bridesmaid Dresses: The Red Dress Boutique
• Groomsmen Wear: Combatant Gentlemen
• Bar: D.H. Brown’s

Aimee incorporated her dad’s wedding ring throughout photos. Either she wore it or her sweet mama did.

Ceremony Time!

The new Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

Probably one of my favorites! This was hard work getting Kurtis to agree to sneaking under Aimee’s veil!

We then made a quick stop at the bar where their love story began!

Who’s ready to party?! I know the newlyweds and their guests were!

The couple danced outside surrounded by loved one…and sparklers!

Not too many dry eyes when Aimee and her mom danced together!

And this moment when Aimee & Kurtis, along with all of their loved ones danced to Taylor Swift’s, “Shake It Off” in honor of her dad was an incredible part of their day!

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