Belinda and Dylan's big day started off rainy, but you know what they say about rain on your wedding day being good luck! The girls started off the day by doing their hair and makeup and drinking some mimosas at Belinda's parents' beautiful home in Monticello. After Belinda changed into her light lace dress, it was time to go over to Homer Lake, where the ceremony and reception were to be held. As luck would have it (see, the rain was already making things lucky!), the rain let up just in time for the ceremony, so it could still be held outside in front of the lake. I am not exaggerating when I say Belinda and Dylan's wedding ceremony may be one of the most beautiful ones I've ever been so privileged so see. From Dylan's emotional reaction as Belinda came down to the aisle, to the smiles on their faces during the vows (and Pokemon references, yes!), to the cheers of the crowd when they were announced as husband and wife, you could feel true love radiating throughout the area. After the ceremony, we took family and wedding party photos and had some time to capture some beautiful shots of Belinda and Dylan by the lake before partying it up inside the Salt Fork Center. Belinda and Dylan did a fantastic job decorating the center, providing an airy, beachy vibe throughout their decor and choosing the most amazing wedding I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of wedding cakes!). And as luck would have it, the sun started poking through the clouds at sunset, so we popped out to take some photos in front of the vibrant colors. 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. After many years of dating, the day finally came for Kari and Jeff to tie the knot! I met with Kari and her bridesmaids at Attitudes Salon in Carlyle to capture them all getting their hair done before traveling over to Jeff's parents house to get some quick photos of the guys. We all then traveled to St. Mary's Catholic Church for the girls to finish getting ready and to await the start of the ceremony. Rain started falling outside as we were gathered in the church, but the cozy anticipation inside made everything seem warm and inviting! Jeff's face lit up with pride as he saw his beautiful bride traveling down the aisle with her father. A beautiful ceremony found the two exchanging vows and rings, as well as participating in a sand unity ceremony, before sharing their first kiss and exiting the church as man and wife. The sky threatened to rain while we took family photos after the ceremony, but luckily let up as Kari and Jeff left the church to their wedding party blowing bubbles. After taking many photos of the fabulous wedding party out at Jeff's parent's house, the same place we took engagement photos a few months prior, we headed to the American Legion Hall in Breese to party the night away. The reception included a wonderful photo montage put together by the couple's parents, including photos from their entire relationship and baby photos of Kari and Jeff. Congratulations to you both, and may you have a lifetime of happiness and love! |
May 2018
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