Lizzie and Dave are both teachers (mad props, by the way, as teaching is one of the hardest but most important professions out there!), having met while teaching at the same school. They decided they wanted their engagement session out at Allerton Park out in Monticello, which made me very excited since it's so beautiful out there! With little Bentley, their pup, in tow, we worked our way through the gardens, enjoying the sites and each other's company. Best of all, the peony garden garden was in full bloom, allowing for some spectacular shots! I'm very much looking forward to their wedding next summer!

Sharon and Harvey have been together for many years, and their love for each other shines through when you're with them! Their day was relaxed and joyful, likely because they themselves are both laid back!

All the day's events took place at the I Hotel in  Champaign (which is a fantastic wedding venue, by the way!). The two of them started off the day with a quick wedding rehearsal with their wedding party. After the rehearsal, they departed into separate locations to get ready, and before we all knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin! During the ceremony, they participated in a sand ceremony with their beautiful daughter, all three of them pouring sand into a shadowbox. Their daughter also read a note she had written about the big day, which included thanking everyone for coming.

After the ceremony we were able to go outside the hotel to enjoy the beautiful day and get family and wedding party photos. Except for one little boy who didn't want to get his photo taken (:)), we enjoyed the sunshine, and before long it was time to boogy on the dance floor.

After toasts, dinner, and cutting the cake, Sharon and Harvey's friends and family danced the night away. Harvey also bought cigars for the special occasion, which he and his guy pals shared outside--it was truly a special moment!

Congrats, Sharon and Harvey! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

During our initial meeting, Rachel and Greg explained that they met in community band in Philly, and I immediately thought to myself "Ah! These are my people!" I love people who are super into music, being close with so many people involved in it (my sister was a drum major for the Marching Illini back in the day, in fact!). When I got home immediately told my husband "You wouldn't believe how awesome Rachel and Greg are!" And of course, taking engagement photos with the two of them proved my instincts correct! We met in downtown Champaign and then went out to Mattis Park, where we were all delighted to discover had a cute wooden keyboard by a garden--perfect for two musicians, of course! We ended the evening back downtown to take some photos under the twinkling lights outside the Blind Pig Brewery, where we also enjoyed answering some of the trivia questions that we could hear from inside :).