St. Joseph Catholic Church/Lincoln Park Wedding: Brittany+Matt|Springfield, IL Photographer

Of all the weddings I have had the privilege to document, I have never had a wedding completely rained out…until this one. Springfield experienced torrential downpours on the day of Brittany and Matt’s wedding day and I’m talking all day long. These two took it all in stride though and smiled the whole way through.

I could not let this nature-loving couple go without outdoor pictures. We met up after their honeymoon, all dressed up, to capture some beautiful outdoor photos in Lincoln Park.

Take 2!

 

Washington Park Engagement: Sara+Quaid|Springfield, IL Photographer

If Life is a song, Love is the music. 🎶 -Anonymous

Washington Park Gazebo Wedding: Susan+Mitch | Springfield, IL Photographer

Susan and Mitch had a beautiful and simple wedding with their close family at the Washington Park Gazebo. Susan added beautiful touches with the flowers she arranged and the decorations she created herself. Being right next to the wonderful tasting Dole Whip was an added bonus for an after ceremony treat!

I’m super proud to call these two friends because I have seen them grow so much as individuals in their faith and in their relationship with one another. It all has been a beautiful thing to witness. I’m excited for what God has in store for this family!

Washington Park Wedding: Kellee+Paul|Springfield, IL Photographer

May 12, 2018

Kellee and Paul’s wedding day was full of fun and laughter. Paul was not afraid to show his emotions and it was incredibly heartwarming to witness. He continually made his beautiful bride smile from ear to ear and laugh from beginning to end. Their wedding celebration was a joy to be a part of.

Wedding Details:

ceremony • Washington Park Botanical Gardens

reception • Artisan Building

justice of the peace  • Judge John “Mo” Madonia

florist • Petals and Company

hair • BJ Grand Salon & Spa

make-up • BJ Grand Salon & Spa

transportation • 1Upn Limos

dj • Troy Armstong

cake • Specialty Cakes

caterer • Hamilton’s Catering

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips!

What a privilege and joy it was to document your wedding day. We wish you many blessings in the years ahead of married life.

– Jen and Jonathan

 

Samantha+Connor: Springfield, IL Sunrise Engagement Photography

We met early as the sun was coming up. The sky was beginning to show its colors and nature was singing its songs. The setting was beautiful as we walked around the lake and got to know each other during their engagement session.

They both played sports at Lincoln Land and met through mutual friends/roommates and spent the majority of their college days together. They both knew together they wanted to be together forever and she thought she had a good idea of when the proposal would fall on the timeline of their story. He was able to surprise her and proposed earlier than she expected.

She loves art and had really been wanting  a “Bob Ross” day. He called upon his sister to help him plan such a day. They both worked on their own paintings and when he turned his around to reveal it to her, she was surprised to see his proposal painted on the canvas!

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful morning or setting. I’m so looking forward to capturing their wedding celebration next year.

Here’s to many more beautiful sunrises together!

~ Jen

Kaitlyn+Peter|Engagement|Springfield, IL

This IT guy knew the way to his librarian’s heart by incorporating their shared love for Harry Potter in his proposal. Not only did he have custom wands made, but he also designed her a custom ring. Kaitlyn’s father passed away a couple years ago, so Peter used the stones from her dad’s ring to create hers. I absolutely love the thoughtfulness and meaning behind her ring and I loved watching these two interact even more. Peter put Kaitlyn at ease and made her laugh all throughout their session. I can’t wait to photograph all the smiles and laughter on their wedding day this coming fall.

And because…Harry Potter.

“Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world”

— Professor McGonagall, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Washington Park Botanical Garden Engagement: Abigail+John

They both attended the same university, but it wasn’t until after they graduated that their romantic relationship began. John eventually moved up to Springfield and stated his intentions for Abigail and the rest is history. Washington Park was where he popped the question, so naturally it seemed like a great place to take engagement photos. We even took some photos on the very bench the proposal happened. Also, can you tell they are big Old Miss fans? These two made their session fun with their laughter, smiles and kisses and I am really looking forward to their wedding this upcoming December!

Mapleside Farms: Kaitlyn&Zak {Illinois Wedding Photographer}

Incredible blue skies and a beautiful venue set the backdrop for Kaitlyn and Zak’s wedding day. Kaitlyn was as calm as a bride could be and Zak provided the comedic relief for the day. Between the two of them and their wonderful wedding party, they made the day pure fun. I even called the groom by the wrong name several times and he was gracious enough to laugh it off every time.  I loved getting to photograph the details of this day. Watching the sun go down over Mapleside Farms as the dancing began was breathtaking and somehow the dance floor stayed busy all night thanks to Jesse Webb Entertainment. Driving away at the end of the night with the barn still full of light and line dancing party-goers put a smile on my face. This wedding day was one of my favorites by far. 

Buddy the Horse and the Sines Family Farm {Springfield Illinois Photographer}

Buddy the horse has been an exciting addition to the Sines family. Last winter they worked hard to fence in their pasture and turn their existing chicken coop into a barn. They had friends who needed to find a new home for Buddy and the three pigmy goats that have been his life companions. Lindsay and Scot have always wanted a farm, so this was the perfect opportunity. Since then, Lilli has been taking riding lessons with Buddy and it was fun to watch her with him. Their youngest son, Zeke was able to sit on Buddy for the first time while I was there and his reaction was priceless! In some ways its hard to remember what their place was like without the farm because they are naturals with all that goes into taking care of the animals and maintaining everything.

Just Married…Again! Senti & Zack {Springfield Illinois Wedding Photographer}

He was offered his dream job in Colorado. After dating for over three years, he knew they were going to last. So, on October 29, 2015 Zack and Senti got married at the courthouse with a small number of family members and moved to Colorado as husband and wife the next day. On June 4, 2016 they gathered again in downtown Springfield to celebrate and reaffirm their marriage vows in front of all their family and friends. Senti and Zack, may you enjoy a long life together full of laughter and adventures!

The day turned from cloud and rain to sun and heat. I turned around from pictures with the guys to witness the bridesmaids helping to air the bride out.

Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception: Central Baptist Church

Flowers: Hyvee

Catering: Hyvee

Hair: Jessica from Snips Hair Salon