based in Springfield, Illinois + traveling all over central Illinois, St. Louis, and beyond!

wedding + senior photographer

McKenna & Drew | 8th Day Venue | Vandalia, IL | Spring Wedding Photographer

Weddings

May 23, 2024

Nothing is better than when high school sweethearts take the next step in their journey together and tie the knot! This is exactly what McKenna and Drew did on their gorgeous wedding day with their nuptials in McKenna’s childhood church in Nokomis, Illinois followed by a beautiful reception at the 8th Day Venue in Vandalia. Drew had his eyes on McKenna from the beginning and luckily for him one of their friends gave him encouragement to talk to her. And that gentle push started the adventure of their lifetime!

McKenna and her ladies were relaxed and in high spirits at the salon where they were getting hair and makeup done the morning of the big day. They were ahead of schedule, which made everyone happy, including myself, bringing any type of stress level way down. McKenna was laid back and enjoying her time with her bridesmaids along with her mom and Drew’s mom. When it came time for McKenna to step into her gown she was an absolute vision! Her lace dress fit her perfectly and she was simply stunning by every sense of the word! Across the street in the little town of Nokomis, Drew and his guys were hanging out at a local bar, playing games, and enjoying one another’s company on this special day. Drew couldn’t let his bride outshine him too much and cleaned up pretty well in his navy suit and white tie. Now that these two are looking incredible, let’s get them to the church!

McKenna and Drew held their nuptials at the magnificent St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis surrounded by loved ones, who packed the pews. McKenna and her father made her big walk down the aisle towards Drew as the organ played and it really was a moment. This couple chose to get married on this meaningful date of May 4th for a reason. And if their guests listened carefully during the ceremony, they would hear McKenna and Drew weren’t only exchanging rings and vows, but they were actually celebrating their one year anniversary! Yes, I said that right! SURPRISE!!! McKenna and Drew technically tied the knot a year to the day at the same church surrounded by immediate family in an intimate lovely ceremony unbeknownst to many friends. Drew was only days away from being deployed as a firefighter in the U.S. Army (Thank You so much for your service, Drew). I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful couple as they pledged their lives to one another and become Mr. & Mrs. Watson in this exact spot a year previous. They kept this their little secret until a year later when they could share it with the world! McKenna and Drew renewed their vows and sealed it all with a kiss! Congrats to this wonderful couple!

Following the ceremony, the bridal party headed to Ramsey Lake State Park, which was in between Nokomis and Vandalia (where the reception was held). This lovely park was also meaningful to McKenna and Drew as this was where he popped the question! We had a blast with their energetic bridal party with the girls in their dusty shade of blue and the gentlemen in their navy. There was so much laughter and love shared throughout this group filled with siblings and friends. Then getting the opportunity to spend more time with the newlyweds was just a joy! McKenna and Drew are easy going and adore being in one another’s company. We had some extra time, so before heading to the reception hall we took a quick stop at the Vandalia Municipal Courthouse to grab a few more photos of The Watsons! What a statement these made with the large columns and the happy couple making their way around the grounds! Absolutely incredible!

McKenna and Drew’s reception was gorgeous at 8th Day Venue with lovely touches of rustic, gold glam, and of course so much fun! They shared delightful dances as Mr. & Mrs. as well as McKenna with her father and Drew with his mother. McKenna and her mom even busted out a fun line dance and invited bridesmaids and guests to join! How amazing! And can I just tell you about their sweet table?! McKenna and Drew didn’t just cut the cake…The cut a cheesecake! And their sweet table was filled with truffles, cookies, and mini cheesecakes! I’m mean, delicious!!! I may have snuck a few home with me! We tried to sneak McKenna and Drew outside for any type of sunset photos before the impending storm (that luckily stayed at bay all day for us) rolled into town. Unfortunately, by the time they finished dinner and we went to walk out the front door, the winds kicked up and for safety we called it off! Yet, the dance floor was filled all evening and the party was on in celebration for this awesome couple! So can’t be mad at that! I’m so honored I not only could be a part of celebrating the marriage of McKenna and Drew once, but twice on their one year anniversary! I’m wishing them many more years of blessings! Cheers to The Watsons!

Warm Regards,