Arriving at Venue Chisca in Peoria, Illinois the morning of Ellie and Reed’s reception celebration and walking into the space brought so many lovely feels for sure! I had spent time with this adorable couple last fall for their engagement session in Springfield, which was such a blast! They had peek autumn colors and getting to know Ellie and Reed was so easy with their laid back and thoughtful personalities. In the meantime between seeing this delightful couple at their engagement session to now at their venue in Peoria, Ellie and Reed had eloped to one of their favorite places, Breckenridge, Colorado! On a spot overlooking a lake with the mountain range behind them, Ellie and Reed became Mr. & Mrs. Watson! What a spectacular way to begin their married lives together! Now it was time to celebrate the newlyweds with all of their family and friends! 

The reception hall was decorated with class, sparkle, and gorgeous florals! Gold chairs surrounded chic table scapes including delicate floral appliquéd table cloths, tall vases with white blooms and greenery, and candles all around. They had a lounge area with black couches and greenery cascading down behind them. Their new shared name was also in big bright lights with a marquee sign, which was a perfect photo spot! The sweetheart table was draped with cloth and surrounded by various sized glass candle holders where the light flickered beautifully. And the most spectacular part was a magical vine inspired candle chandelier with touches of florals as well. Stunning is an easy word to describe Ellie and Reed’s reception space for sure!

I had a few opportunities for photos with Ellie and Reed before they headed over to their cocktail hour with their closest friends at The Blackband Distillery right around the corner from Venue Chisca. They were filled with so much joy and ready to have some fun with their loved ones. They hosted their friends at the distillery for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and lots of laughter. There was so much joy surrounding this couple and the smiles never left their faces. Then it came time to walk back over for family photos and to get the party started at Venue Chisca. By now the room was filled with more loved ones there to honor The Watsons and their new life as husband and wife. Ellie’s long time bestie, Mary Alison, gave a lovely toast and shared many memories about the pair. Then Reed got up and said a few words of love towards their guests to show he and Ellie’s appreciation. Following dinner, Ellie and Reed’s good friends, Drew and Niko, sung and played guitar for their first dance. When I say they were incredible that is not a lie! Such an amazing way to take your first spin around the dance floor. Ellie and Reed then shared the dance floor with her dad and his mom. Then it was the time everyone was waiting for…Party Time! The dance floor was filled throughout the evening and to make it even more fun filled custom heart sunglasses with Ellie & Reed’s names worn by guests and light up foam glow sticks were handed out by Ellie’s grandmother, who was the center of the party, by the way! Love it! I even got to catch up with another LWP Couple, Tyler and Christi! Tyler and Reed are brothers and I loved capturing memories for multiple family members! Ellie and her Illini dance team friends even busted out their synchronized moves to the school song, which was such a blast to witness! What a way to end my time with this awesome couple! Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs. Watson!

Warm Regards,

Venue: Venue Chisca

Florist: Heaven On Earth

Wedding Coordinator: Michelle Londrigan

DJ: Music by Cory Brown

Bride’s Dress: Mia Grace Bridal

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Hanna Clarke

Catering: Barracks Hospitality Group

Bakery: Wildflower Bakery