* Springfield Illinois Country Club * Classic Slate Grey Wedding Photographer *
Well…I’m now about 0 for 100 or so weddings where I didn’t make it without shedding a couple of tears! I can’t help it! Whether it’s the groom crying when he sees his bride for the first time. The special moments between a mother and daughter. Or listening to the heart-felt vows prepared and read as a couple becomes husband and wife. The moment that touched me the most on Amy and David’s special day was one I’m sure most of their guests felt too. Let me set the scene for you. The doors at the back of the beautiful Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Springfield, Illinois open and there is Amy in her gorgeous gown, arm in arm with her brother, Mark, who is walking her down the aisle. I turn just when David is seeing the love of his life for the first time and he has to take a second to dry the tears from his eyes. I look back at Amy getting closer to her groom and she is starting to loose her composure and begins to melt. While all this is going on, the extraordinary musicians in the choir loft were pouring their souls into the organ and horns. It felt like we were in a movie and this wonderful scene was being filmed as the church was being flooded with the voices of the whole congregation. The goosebumps and tears that day are something I’ll never forget. Amy and David had so much anticipation, love, and faith between one another and the whole experience was incredible.
The couple currently lives in Massachusetts yet, both have family in or around central Illinois. They both wanted to ensure that their background and past adventures with their home state were honored along with their present residence. So after they were officially declared husband and wife the bridal party walked across the street from the church to the Illinois State Capitol, where David used to work, to continue photos. The grand staircase, the warm lit corridors, and the ceiling in the rotunda were all some favorite spots of mine. The bridal party along with Amy and David rocked them all! Especially when we played with Amy’s stunning cathedral length veil out in front of the capitol. A family friend’s gift to the newlyweds was to chauffeur them around in his 1972 Fleetwood Limo. David had one more fantastic stop he wanted to make before heading over to the reception. He and Amy had met in 2015 at the Blues and BBQ Fest downtown in front of the Old State Capitol. David actually called the organizers of the festival and was able to obtain two T-shirts from the BBQ fest from 2015 to use in a few surprise photos on wedding day! I mean come on! That’s adorable!
Once we finished reminiscing about their first meeting, we headed over to the reception at the Illini Country Club. I love this venue and it’s intimate setting along with it’s terrific golf course views. Just as they had showed off their memories for the state of Illinois, they also made sure to represent Massachusetts with many of their favorites! Sam Adams Boston Lager, Cape Cod salt water taffy, and of course lobster gummies were all little touches included at the reception! We settled in for some excellent toasts filled with humor, faith, and admiration for the couple. There were many tributes to Amy’s father, who passed away a few years ago in her mom and sister’s speeches, the locket she carried with photos of her and her dad, as well as her dance with her Godfather, which brought on many tears. So very touching. Then I rushed the couple outside to the course to catch a final glimpse of the sunset before it dropped below the tree line. These intimate, yet fun moments seriously make my heart flutter! Watching David gaze at his new wife and the look of perfect contentment on Amy’s face throughout this short time was so fulfilling. I completed my evening with the Lakemans surrounded by family and friends on a packed dance floor! No better way to end a night of shooting! Congrats Amy and David! I couldn’t be more thrilled for your new married life!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
Vendor Shout Out! Thanks so all the amazing vendors who helped make Amy and David’s day gorgeous day! Ceremony Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church http://www.trinity-lutheran.com/new_church/Reception Venue: Illini Country Club https://illinicc.netFlorist: Petals and Co. http://www.petalsandco.netCake Artist: Sue BullDJ: Sam Sevener https://www.facebook.com/sevenersound/Hair Artist: JMG Hair Gallery https://www.jmghairgallery.comBridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal http://www.davidsbridal.com/DBIAjaxStoreLocatorDirectionsView?stLocId=623Tuxes: Savvi Formalwear http://www.simon.com/mall/white-oaks-mall/stores/savvi-formalwear
