To say I’ve been looking forward to Abby and Francisco’s wedding for awhile would be a complete understatement! Ever since I first talked to this sweet couple on the phone followed by our meeting in Bloomington (which was half way for this Chicago couple) for their engagement session last fall, I knew we were going to have a good time! Abby is energetic, bubbly, and loves her family and friends hard! Francisco is soft spoken, enjoys taking care of people, and couldn’t be more head over heels in love with Abby. These two just make sense. I have photographed one other wedding at the beautiful Engelbrecht Farm in Paxton, Illinois on a super chilly day in the winter. So I really didn’t get to explore the grounds. However, for Abby and Francisco’s wedding, it was a perfect September day with lots of sunshine, happy faces, and so much celebration. 

Abby and her ladies were busy getting ready when I arrived at the farm in the morning. With hair and makeup being finished up and preparing their dresses for the day they were all excited for what was to come. Abby had let me in on a little secret that she had been keeping from her bridesmaids which was the dress they all saw her choose at the bridal shop was not the only one she had! The satin, more simple dress they saw was what she was planning on changing into for the reception. But, she had secretly purchased another glamorous and beaded gown for the ceremony and majority of the day. After her girls got dressed in their own gowns, which were various styles and patterns, yet all in the same dusty blue hue, Abby’s bridesmaids waited patiently for their first look to see their bride. Abby had her mom, Mary Lou, birth mother, Betsy, and her sister, Hannah all helping her into her gown. The amount of love in this room while Abby was getting dressed was palpable. Then the time came for the first look with her bridesmaids. The shocked look followed by many tears was so fun to watch as each bridesmaid figured out what Abby had done! She said, “When you can’t figure out which dress to pick…You buy both!” Such a fun little twist in the day! While the girls were getting photographed at the farm, my second photographer, Jaime, was at a nearby hotel with Francisco and his groomsmen. His crew included his two brothers, his brother-in-law, and some close friends. One of his brother’s traveled with his family all the way from Mexico. Francisco took time with his loved ones to get themselves all ready in their suits and ties for their own close ups when they arrived at the farm.

Before we knew it, the ceremony time had arrived! The nuptials were set in the back of the main barn underneath a beautiful iron gazebo draped in colorful flowers and surrounded by loved ones. As Abby made her way down the aisle with her dad towards Francisco, he was overcome with emotions. You can actually feel the love these two share with one another whenever they lock eyes! They each wrote their own vows and as they spoke, emotions got the best of both of them and some happy tears were shed. And Abby even took it one step further and learned a little bit of Spanish to express her love for Francisco. So sweet! After exchanging rings they sealed it all with a kiss! Their joy was written all over their faces as they exited the ceremony as husband and wife! 

Since Abby and Francisco chose not to see one another before the ceremony, we took some time during cocktail hour for bridal party photos as well as some “Just Married” photos of the newlyweds! We wandered around the farm and found some lovely spots with nature as well as the rustic white barns and buildings throughout the venue. Seeing the full bridal party together in their blues and pops of red flowers brought every together. Such a fun and beautiful crew! And when it was just Abby and Francisco, the magic really happened! The deep bond this couple has really is the reason I love my job so much! They adore laughing together and understand one another’s emotional side. It was so special to have a front row seat on their delightful day! The reception was kicked off with some wonderful toasts from Abby’s dad, who thanked so many people for traveling so far to celebrate Abby and Francisco. His emotional Thank You to Abby’s birth mother, Betsy, brought so many tears in the room. He also finished his speech with some words in Spanish, which came as a surprise to Abby and Francisco. Then Abby’s sister and Maid of Honor, Hannah, toasted the couple and their new life together. Then while their guests were eating, the bride and groom slipped away for Abby’s dress change! Francisco was let in on this little secret, however he had not seen the dress. So we did an intimate first look with the couple before they had another grand entrance back into the barn for their first dance. They spun and twirled around the dance floor with such happiness and joy. Then came the time for sunset photos! My favorite part of the day! Not only did Abby change dresses, but she added a dramatic, cathedral length, pearl veil for us to play with! And at sunset…It was absolutely gorgeous! The golden light was dazzling and watching the newlyweds have a few quiet moments was literal perfection! We ended the evening with Abby and Francisco dancing the night away with their family and friends! I couldn’t be happier for this amazing couple and I wish them nothing but blessings in their lives together! Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs. Ugarte! 

Warm Regards,

Venue: Englebrecht Farm

Florist: Fancy Florals by Nancy

DJ: Will Smith / Porta Party DJs

Videographer: Tori Beach Videography

Makeup Artist: Whitney Lea / Loft Beauty Co.

Hair Stylist: Haley Rice / Revive Hair Studio

Cake: Pfaff’s Bakery

Catering: Drummer Creek Catering

Bride’s Dresses: Marien Mae Bridal Boutique

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Suit Supply & Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Truly Engaging

Transportation: Peoria Charter Coach Co