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Sloane & Ben | Washington Park Botanical Garden | Springfield, IL | Summer Wedding Photographer

Weddings

October 7, 2024

Sloane and Ben are free spirits. They love nature, going on hikes, spoiling their Golden Retriever, Bruno (who made an appearance at their engagement session last fall), and they adore the Grateful Dead or listening to live music in general. These two thrive when they are living in the moment and connecting with their people! Which is exactly what they did on their early September wedding day at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens in Springfield, Illinois. Sloane had mentioned to me in our chats leading up to their big day she didn’t want to feel like we were spending forever taking photos and didn’t want a ton of posed looks. I’m a girl who adores movement in my images, but Sloane was pushing me in my creative vision and I was up for the challenge. She also told me she loved the simplicity of her details so clean, easy to the eye detail shots were my goal for her look! It was fun to change it up! She got ready at her parent’s home in the morning with her sister as well as her three other beautiful bridesmaids. The girls wore various styles and blue hue dresses, which was a delightful take for their wedding look. Paired with their floral bouquets of deep plums, burgundy, peach, and greenery it was the perfect way to enter into fall. When it came time for Sloane to step into her gown, she was an absolute dream! Her classic, sleek form-fitted dress included sheer sleeves and buttons all the way down the her back to the end of her train. She topped it off with a timeless veil and strand of pearls. She was a stunning vision for sure!

I met up with Ben and the guys at Washington Park right before the ceremony for a few portraits. They were in great spirits laughing and having a wonderful time. The guys were dressed in navy suits, striped ties, and a pocket full of florals for a pop of color. There were so many jokes and sheer excitement for the day with this crew they made my job super easy. Then before we knew it, the nuptial time was here! Let’s get Sloane and Ben Married!! Their ceremony was set under the pergola in the Rose Garden. Chairs were filled with their guests as Ben awaited Sloane to make her way down the aisle with her father. This was his first time seeing his bride and as soon as he got a glimpse of her, his emotions got the best of him. The officiant spoke about how there still a “discussion” on when the couple actually met. I have a feeling that will never been settled. However, what will be settled in their marriage are any arguments Sloane and Ben might have in the future as they decided to add a Celtic Bell of Truce blessing into their ceremony. They had a bell blessed and the bell is then kept in their home as a reminder of the couple’s wedding day. When arguments arise, the bell is called into use for a truce. The ringing sound will remind the couple of their wedding vows and conjure up the happiest memories from their wedding day. Such a wonderful idea! They shared personal vows, exchanged rings, and kissed to officially make them Mr. & Mrs. Harbison!

Following the ceremony and some family photos, it was time for fun with the bridal party! This crew from the beginning brought so much energy and they matched Sloane and Ben to a “T”! Plus with added movement in photos meant extra laughter from everyone! The various blue hues from the bridal party’s attire popped perfectly against the birch trees in the background as they celebrated their newlyweds! Then it was Sloane and Ben’s turn for their closeup! These two have such a deep genuine love, yet don’t take life too seriously and make sure to live in the moment. I think an unforgettable moment for me from their portrait time was when I was trying to entice a laugh out of Sloane by having Ben whisper his favorite breakfast food in her ear in his “Sexy voice” and she laughed, but then ROASTED him for saying “Oatmeal”! He said he “Panicked under the pressure!” Oh my goodness it was hilarious! These two are just very playful together and it was a blast to witness.

Reception time was then upon us and we headed over to the gorgeous Illini Country Club in Springfield, Illinois. The venue was beautifully decorated with classic table settings of gold chargers, glass vases holding delicate stems of colorful florals, and for that little pop of whimsical and fun tambourines with multicolored ribbons attached for the dance floor later. Mr. & Mrs. Harbison entered in full blown party mode and stayed there most of the evening! They enjoyed their cake, sharing their first dance, as well as Sloane breaking it down with her father, and Ben taking a spin around the floor with his mom. They listened to a few wonderful emotional, heartfelt, and hysterical toasts before they opened the dance floor with one of their favorite local bands, “Sunshine Daydream”, a Grateful Dead tribute band. I was able to steal these two one more time before the sun dipped below the horizon out on the golf course for sunset photos. This was a delightful way to officially finish out portrait time with them! After sunset photos, if you needed to find the bride and groom the rest of the evening, all you had to do was check the dance floor! They were in their element singing and dancing with loved ones! I had an absolutely incredible time with Sloane and Ben, along with their families and friends. I wish them many years of happiness and health in their marriage!

Warm Regards,