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 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

Mapleside Farms Wedding: Kristen+Billy

Kristen and Billy’s wedding day was relaxed and fun just like the two of the them. Though the skies were clear, their wedding just happened to take place on one of the coldest and windiest days we have had in Northeast Ohio so far. Despite the chill in the air, the events of the day were beautiful.

Kristen got her hair and make-up done at Studio Palmieri in downtown Cleveland and then headed over to Metropolitan Hotel at The 9 to finish getting ready. When I walked into her hotel room and saw her dress and SHOES I was so excited. And then I saw a lovely red chair sitting in front of huge windows and I could not wait to photograph Kristen in that chair.

Kristen and Billy didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony but wanted to get some pictures together in the vault  before heading to Mapleside.

I seriously love the new trend of colored shoes with a white wedding dress. Cold weather does not stop people in the area from getting out and enjoying fun fall activities. Mapleside Farms was crawling with people, but inside the lodge, these two were able to have and intimate and cozy ceremony and reception. 

This bride was a trooper! She had everyone head outside for pictures and didn’t complain once as we swapped family and bridal party members in and out for pictures with her and the groom. The wind was CRAZY and ladies and gents alike had hair flying around in their faces, but you really just can’t get married at Mapleside and not take advantage of their picturesque setting. We warmed up for a few minutes and then it was time to get the party started. This was my first cake pop wedding cake and those cake pops were absolutely some of THE best cake I have ever tasted. The lodge was decorated beautifully and the evening was a blast. Every person seemed to be in party mode and was ready for a good time. The dance floor was hoppin’ and it was fun to feel all the energy in the room. 

Congratulations, Kristen and Billy! Thank you for trusting us to capture such and important day in your lives. Many blessings to you both in your life together.

Rock Island, Illinois Wedding: James + Lydia

What a treat it was for me to be able to photograph James and Lydia’s wedding day.  My husband and I are originally from Illinois and where our family still lives, so when I was asked to photograph this wedding I was thrilled. We were able to spend time with our families and photograph this beautiful couple’s wedding day.  James’ mom was my junior high band director in Pontiac, IL and with my dad taking the high school band director’s position after Jamie’s grandfather retired, well you could say our families have a fun connection and years of musical experiences together:)

Stunning, Lydia!

James and Lydia had a moment together before the ceremony to pray, but not before the bride’s father snapped a picture of his gorgeous daughter.  You could tell all day he was one proud papa.

Lydia left her groom with a little reading material:)

The bride’s father is that pastor at Edgewood Baptist church in Rock Island and had the privilege of being the father of the bride and sharing his ceremony duties with the groom’s uncle.

I don’t know if you have noticed how intently James has been looking at Lydia from the moment she walked down the aisle.  I love it.  You can tell he is serious about his love for this woman.

I mean, look at them!  They are in their own world, now happily married.

We made a quick stop at Lincoln Park to get some outdoor photos.  It was sticky and hot, but it wasn’t raining, so we were good to go!

The day ended with a luncheon reception at the Holiday Inn downtown.  The toasts had us laughing and crying.  Cake cutting was followed by a family tradition of toasting with silver cups and then the dance floor was open.  These two were a joy to watch all day long.  It was evident they took their commitment to one another seriously and that they were so very much in love.  Congratulations, James and Lydia!  Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your incredible day.

~Jen

 

Allardale Park Wedding: Joe + Tess

From getting ready at her aunt’s picturesque house to the ceremony and reception at Allardale Park, Tess had every detail perfectly planned out for her wedding.  She thought of every little thing, including fun surprise signs for her daughter’s to hold coming down the aisle.  I love the 1920’s styled theme she chose and how her dress went along perfectly with it all.  Tess was gorgeous and her daughters were just as beautiful with their beaming smiles all day long.  It was clear that they were very excited for this day and they were having a ball.  Tess and Joe are clearly loved and supported by some amazing friends, as so many people travelled all the way from Florida with them to celebrate this day.  Tess, thank you so much for asking me to capture your day and I wish you, Joe, and your amazing daughters all the best in this life together.  ~Jen

Hudson, Ohio Wedding: Jared + Megan

So far we have had a pretty mild summer, with the exception of a few very hot and humid days.  Jared and Megan just happened to get married on one of those days at the end of June.  Thank goodness the festivities were inside!  Everything was just beautiful.  Megan’s dress felt like it weighed 50 pounds, so it was hard to even hang up, but I’m actually glad because  I love this shot below.  And Megan, you looked so gorgeous in it!

Baumann’s Florist did an incredible job on the flowers.  Just stunning.

Jared, you are just too sweet for words.  I loved watching you all day as you loved on and took care of your bride.

Then we were off to Western Reserve Academy and downtown Hudson for pictures.  We were so very thankful for the shade and the slight cool breezes blowing through.

And of course we have to have a little fun.  Their dancing skills improved from their engagement session ;);)

Then we headed off to the reception!

The Country Club of Hudson was the perfect venue for this couple.

Jared dropped some cake down Megan’s dress, so of course she was going to get him back:)

 

Congratulations, Jared and Megan!  I loved your wedding, but I loved watching the two of you interact more than anything.  You make such a great team and I wish you all the best.

~Jen

Alliance Country Club Wedding: Len + Krista

“Blue skies smiling at me. Nothing but blue skies do I see.”  Its hard not to have those lyrics running through my head when I look at these pictures.  Len and Krista had the most perfect day for their wedding!  You really can’t beat 70 degrees and sunny.  We started out at Glamorgan Castle for pictures and what an incredibly beautiful setting it was.

Krista, you are stunning!

I can’t believe I have never seen a bridal bouquet of peonies before.  So gorgeous!

The whole gang showed up for a family picture and then we were off to the Country Club for a beautiful outdoor ceremony. And the view…gorgeous!

The fun continued with a cocktail hour before their dinner reception and I was able to steal the lovely couple away for a few minutes to take some photos on the beautiful golf course.

What a simply beautiful day.  Congratulations, Len and Krista!

~Jen