The joyfulness and exuberance I felt immediately from bride, Katie on her wedding morning was nothing short of electric! She was smiling from ear to ear and surrounded by all of her favorite ladies at Willow & Birch Salon in Downtown Springfield, Illinois, where they were prepping with hair and makeup ahead of her and fiancé, Scott’s nuptials at Panther Creek Country Club. The anticipation I had going into Katie and Scott’s big day was immense. Their engagement session had been a blast and I had no doubt their wedding day was going to encompass some of the same easy-going, lively, and deeply seeded love this couple shares with one another. And believe me, it certainly did not disappoint!

Katie looked incredible as she stood in the tall windows of the salon with her mom being buttoned into her gown. Katie’s classic and timeless style included a fitted, strapless dress with ruching in the bodice and buttons all the way down the back. She was an absolute vision! Her ladies seemed to think so as well, since when they saw her for the first time, tears began in a few of their eyes. Katie’s bridesmaids wore various designs of dresses (which I’m OBSESSED with) and even mixed up the shades of the colors between eucalyptus, dusty sage, and champagne. So beautiful! We then headed over to Panther Creek to meet up with Scott and his guy where they had been getting ready for the day. They were looking very dapper in navy blue suits and champagne ties. Scott was relaxed, but anxious to see his bride! We had scoped out a spot on hole 10 on the lovely golf course next to the lone willow tree on the course for Katie and Scott’s first look. Scott got set up first and you should have seen his eyes get bigger when he heard Katie coming on the golf cart. He was so excited to see her! Katie moved in behind her groom and gave him a little tap on the shoulder allowing Scott a chance to turn and she his bride. It was truly a special moment in the day! A long embrace, a few tears, and pure joy at seeing one another on their wedding day! I genuinely have the best job ever! Who else gets to share this memory with so many couples?!? Then we captured a few photos of Katie and Scott before the craziness of bridal party photos began. We then headed back by the clubhouse where we were meeting their large and amazing bridal squad, who were awaiting for their close-ups. Katie and Scott, along with their crew were incredibly flexible all day as we had some rain in the forecast and from the get-go everyone was in agreement that if we could push up photos to beat the rain we would do it. With a big bridal party you never know if you will get behind, but Katie and Scott’s gang was attentive, helpful, beautiful, and an absolute blast!

Leading up to the ceremony time, everyone’s eyes were on the radar. The ceremony was originally planned to be outside overlooking the golf course. However, with a few sprinkles and the radar showing that right around Katie and Scott’s “I Do’s” there could be rain, this couple had a hard decision to make. Yet, Katie’s brother, David asked them, “Which decision felt better…Getting married outside like you planned the entire time? Or inside in the basement? And how would you feel if after all this worry about rain…It didn’t rain at all?” After posing those questions to them in that light…It seemed like an easier decision to the duo and they decided to go for it and have their ceremony outside. Just as it was time for Katie to walk down the aisle, the few sprinkles that were falling…let up. The setting was elegant and exactly right for Katie and Scott as they shared their vows, exchanged rings, and sealed it with a kiss. Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Egolf! Then within seconds of the newlyweds walking back up the aisle together as husband and wife…The sky opened up and the rain began to pour! So it held off just for them!

We finished up a few family photos before the couple was announced into their reception. Katie and Scott had mentioned to me they wanted to keep their reception events short and sweet and be able to simply enjoy mingling with their guests throughout the evening. Scott thanked their loved ones who attended and both Katie and Scott’s dads stood and gave a toast and prayer to the couple. That was the extent of their planned events, which they were super happy about! After a delicious dinner, I noticed a little pop of the sun peaking through the clouds. I went to go find Katie and Scott and see if they were game to go outside and see if we could make any type of “sunset photos” work. Thank goodness for their trust and not thinking I was crazy. We took out a cute umbrella to start for the little drizzle was falling and honestly I thought that was the best it was going to get. Boy was a wrong! The rain totally stopped within a few minutes and a glorious pink sky started popping out! Katie and Scott were down for just about anything I could come up with and we had such a great time! Katie has this incredible laugh that everybody who loves her knows and she just makes you feel happy. And Scott brings that laugh out a LOT! Hearing these two having the best time regardless of rain on their wedding day is the reason I love my career! These newlyweds understand their wedding day is just a day. Was Katie and Scott’s day incredible? Absolutely without a doubt! Were there a few hiccups? 100%! But did they face them together and come out holding hands and laughing about it in the end! Yes, they did! And that is what marriage is all about, friends! Cheers to a long and happy marriage to Mr. & Mrs. Egolf!

Warm Regards,

Venue: Panther Creek Country Club

Florist: Petals & Co

Hair & Makeup Artist: Willow & Birch

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Catering: Panther Creek Country Club

Bride’s Dress: Cloud Nine Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jim Herron 

Ceremony & Reception Entertainment: Illinois Symphony Members