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Ellen & Matt | Springfield Wedding | Illinois Wedding Photographer

Weddings

September 20, 2021

1,008 days. Ellen and Matt counted and from the time they got engaged to the time they finally said, “I Do” they had to wait 1,008 days! They were supposed to get married in the fall of 2020. But, we all know what happened last year and because the entire country was basically shut down and Ellen and Matt wouldn’t be able to celebrate with their family and friends so they decided to postpone their wedding for another year. For a couple to be able to make that decision I can only imagine would be the toughest one in their relationship. Yet, I’m so incredibly gracious that this amazing couple kept me in the loop and allowed me to continue to be a part of their special day when rearranging everything.

Ellen and Matt always have me laughing! Ellen is thoughtful and kind and Matt is wild and hysterical. When they are together their personalities just balance one another and it so fun to watch! On their wedding day, Ellen and her beautiful ladies got dressed downtown just up the street from the historic First Presbyterian Church, where she and Matt would commit to life together. Ellen wanted to have a private moment with her mom and sister, Evie as they helped her get into her gorgeous dress! This beauty was a two piece dress with a separate skirt Ellen added with embroidered flowers and layered ribbon. Then Ellen did a first look with her bridesmaids and it was so wonderful to see their reactions. Ellen also gave this opportunity to her father before the ceremony as well as Matt to have a first look. And if you have every met Matt, he will chat your ear off non-stop. However, when he saw Ellen for the first time on their wedding day, he was completely speechless! I love my job and how I get the privilege of witnessing these intimate moments with my couples.

It was finally time for Ellen and Matt to have their ceremony when they would become husband and wife! Again, this was 1,008 days in the making and it was 100% worth the wait! These two were surrounded by so many family and friends and although everyone was masked due to Covid protocols, this option was way better than having to cut their list down by over half! And to make their day even more unforgettable, Ellen’s brother, Elliott, was able to get permission from the Navy to come home and surprise his sister and be part of their big day! Such an amazing surprise! Ellen and Matt exchanged rings, said their meaningful vows, and sealed it all with a kiss! I couldn’t be happier for the new Mr. & Mrs. Bilyeu!

We then headed with their bridal party to Horace Mann where the shades of wine and rose the bridesmaids wore along with the gorgeous florals and navy blue of the guys suits really popped against the white marble! This crew was full of energy and made portrait time really fun! Once it was time for the newlyweds to share a few minutes together to reflect on being married it had a little touch of magic! Ellen and Matt make an incredible couple and I have loved every second with the over the two years of planning.

The party definitely got started once we arrived at The Artisan’s Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. From Ellen and Matt’s emotional first dance while Ellen’s Uncle sang and played guitar, to the toast by her dad which included a story and cardboard cut out of a little Ellen as a daisy flower at a dance recital, and another one of Ellen’s uncles break dancing. Talk about a fun reception! We even snuck out before the sun went down for a few more sunset photos. I needed a few more photos of this delightful couple before I headed out for the evening! Going on this crazy journey with Ellen and Matt made me so ridiculously thankful for their trust and friendship! Love these two crazy kids and I’m wishing them all the best in marriage!

Warm Regards,