Leading up to Cori & Dustin’s big day at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, this couple was thrown a huge curve ball in the middle of planning. A global pandemic was affecting the entire world and many couples were having to make one of the toughest decisions about their wedding and whether to continue as planned or postpone. Cori and Dustin made the hard choice to reschedule their date and wait an entire year before saying, “I Do.” But, I think if you ask anyone who was part of their day or even attended as a guest…It was well worth the wait!

Although Cori and Dustin’s day was in early December the temperature was fairly mild. However the wind was something challenging during photo time. Yet, everyone was excited and in happy moods for what the day was to bring! The ladies looked incredible in their dusty blue dresses (one of my new favorite colors) and the guys in navy made everything so classic. Cori was an absolute vision in her lace, off the shoulder dress with a gorgeous long train. She made a stunning bride! Dustin couldn’t be totally outdone by his future wife and looked wonderful in his navy suit, dusty blue tie, and signature cowboy hat, which also made an appearance during their engagement session! Cori and Dustin decided to do a first look at the hotel before heading off for photos and it didn’t disappoint! You couldn’t wipe the smile off of either of their faces if you tried. The journey to simply get to their wedding day was an enormous accomplishment on it’s own! So these two finally could breathe as they took a few minutes together before the craziness all started!

Bridal party photos on this windy day was a little comical, but beautiful all at once. Finding a spot where the building blocked the wind so the ladies didn’t have to mess with their hair or dresses was interesting since the windy kept shifting! But these girls were rockstars and just kept smiling and we made it work! They added a fur stole to keep them warm and added another dimension to their look! So pretty! And Cori, with her added white fur, was lovely for her winter wedding! This bridal party brought the energy and made photos super fun! Everything with florals, color scheme, and this awesome couple all came together to create a little magic! Then it was time to get these two married!

The ceremony was elegant and sweet! Cori had her brother walk her down the aisle to her soon to be husband, which was a special moment in the day. Then in front of all of their family and friends Cori and Dustin took their vows, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss! They were pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Sampson and they couldn’t have been more thrilled about it! Their reception was amazing with beautiful florals, candle light, sweet treats, and a balloon photo area. The energy in the room filled with loved ones was palpable. But, before the sun went down I stole the newlyweds for a few sunset photos overlooking the city. This might have been my favorite part of the day! The happiness Cori and Dustin shared was written all over their faces and I feel so blessed I could capture it all for them! Cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Sampson on finally making their journey to the aisle a reality!

Warm Regards,

Huge shout out to all of the amazing vendors who made Cori & Dustin’s big day possible!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Florist: Rose Colored Notions

Wedding Planner & Decor: Rose Colored Notions

DJ: Troy Armstrong

Videographer: Bryce Docherty 

Makeup & Hair: Willow & Birch

Cake: Wildflower Bakery

Catering: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Bride’s Dress: Frew’s Bridal (Sottero & Midley)

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Savvi Formalwear

Invitations: Rose Colored Notions

Balloon Arch: KW Event Design

First look time!

Before these two tie the knot, we gathered the bridal party for photos! YAY!

Aren’t Cori & Dustin just adorable together?!? Now let’s get them married!

Mr. & Mrs. Sampson!

Before the sun went down, I snuck the couple back outside for a few more magical sunset photos!

Now back to the party to finish the night!