Staci & Kevin's Intimate Wedding at Lake Bloomington in Bloomington, Illinois
August & September have been a busy month for me. I’ve been in the process of rebranding my business, streamlining processes, client management systems, questionnaire designs and so many other things. Not to mention that August was probably the BUSIEST month for me with number of sessions so far in 2018. Staci & Kevin’s wedding was something I desperately needed. Because when I photograph a wedding, I get to step out of the crazy of everyday life and completely immerse myself in other people which is something we all need sometimes. After being so focused on our own lives, it is such a gift to be able to spend an entire weekend putting two other people FIRST. To wonderful opportunity to forget anything and everything that’s happening in my own world and be invited in to one of the most important days in someone else’s world.
Staci & Kevin’s wedding was so beautifully coordinated. It was held at Lake Bloomington in Bloomington Illinois. They had a rich color palette filled with blush pinks, whites, tans, and succulent greens. Blush pink roses intermixed with white roses and baby’s breath. Hints of lace. Succulent greens vines, over white washed wood. Every single detail of their day was stunning.
The day started at Magnolia Salon in Bloomington, Illinois. Let me just say, that I have been in a LOT of getting ready places and this one was BY FAR my favorite getting ready location I’ve ever been in. The paint colors, the decor, the mirrors, the chairs, the beautiful hard wood floors and gorgeous one-of-a-kind woodwork were just a few of my favorite things. Not to mention the white rustic fireplace and floor to ceiling windows giving the whole entire salon a bright and airy feel. I’m not kidding. This place looks like it was decorated by the actual Chip & Joanna Gaines. Not only that, the owner & bride’s sisters-in-law to be, Jessica Yamada, was sweeter than pie. She was friendly and made everyone feel relaxed and stress-free. Just what you want on a wedding day!
The next place we went to was Ewing Cultural Center. While I have done regular photo sessions here before, I have always DREAMED of doing wedding photos here. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every single square inch of this place is jaw-hitting-the-ground gorgeous! It is impossible to get a bad backdrop! This was the PERFECT location for the bride and groom’s intimate first look moment! The groom started the first look by reading a sweet letter that his bride had written him all while his bride came down a set of historic stone steps, making her way toward her groom. Once she tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around and all the hugs, smiles, and joy ensued. After the first look we spent some time getting some bride & groom shots as well as some shots of the bridal party before heading to our next location!
The next stop was Lake Bloomington where the ceremony took place outdoors. The view of the lake from their ceremony was breathtaking. The couple was married under a white arbor traced with beautiful green vines and pinecones. The ceremony was quite intimate with a guest list only around 50 people long, filled only with the closest friends and family. The guests sat in white chairs with the end of each row adorned with bouquets of babies breath. After the ceremony, the reception took place in a cabin just a couple yards away from the ceremony location. There were white tablecloths, blush pink and white centerpieces, and mason jar mugs that also served as gifts for all of their guests. The mugs were craved with the couples names and wedding date. The desert table was decorated with a beautiful tiered wooden cupcake stand filled with delicious chocolate and vanilla cupcakes made by Sam Danosky, a baker located out of Lincoln Illinois. After the traditional reception festivities, I grabbed the couple and we snuck outside by the lake to get some last pictures taken in the last 10 minutes before the sun disappeared on their beautiful wedding day.
Staci and Kevin! Congratulations! I wish you two a lifetime of happiness and love! Thank you so much for choosing me to document your wedding day. Enjoy these sneak peeks!
