Craig+Laura: Married | Downtown Springfield Illinois Fall Wedding
The day dawned party cloudy and a beautiful fall 65 degrees. Michael and I were doing our usual pre-wedding routine (which involves Starbucks for me and McDonalds for him) on our way as we talked the details of Laura and Craig’s wedding, and there was an excited energy in the car- it had been 5 weeks since our last wedding together, and we were SO ready to get our fall wedding season started! And the day did NOT disappoint- it was absolutely delightful in every way!!!
I met Laura through one of my 2015 brides who I absolutely ADORED and who had one of the largest wedding parties I will probably ever photograph- Laura was one of those bridesmaids! I liked her instantly, and completely fell in love with her and her Craig at their engagement session. They were insanely sweet together, very playful, and have the most BEAUTIFUL dog I think I have ever seen! We had so much fun that night, and at dinner together after, and I knew we were a great match! Fast forward to their wedding day…Laura was in the Presidential Suite of a the stunning downtown Springfield Abraham Lincoln Hotel, surrounded by makeup and hair artists and 8 beautiful friends of hers (and a darling junior bridesmaid niece!), and it was a flurry of fun, laughter, hairspray, soulja boy, and drinks! I was in absolute heaven photographing her stunning details- the perfect amount of neutral and color! Their bridal party was ON POINT, their family was kind and welcoming, and their celebration was full of love. Enjoy this beautiful day!
Oh happy sigh…
Laura’s aunt had the foresight to give her a baptism bonnet…20 something years ago…that would turn into a handkerchief, her something old at her wedding. Unbelievably beautiful!
Mixed metals aren’t Laura’s favorite, but I loooove them!
The suite was INCREDIBLE!
Laura’s girls made her a beautiful and sweet scrapbook that they shared over tears in the morning. This is just about the sweetest tradition ever for a bride!!
Friends- robes for your bridesmaids is a BEAUTIFUL thing for the getting ready pictures! Love it!
These beauties were so excited to see her in her dress! They were such perfect bridesmaids!
Laura…you are PERFECT! Absolutely stunning- this on the left is an all time favorite!
These flowers from by The Enchanted Florist took my breath away!
Michael’s view- love it!
Laura!! I love this too!
Looking good, Craig!
A favorite moment of wedding season so far.
Laura and Craig signed their marriage certificate as a part of their ceremony and I loved it. Since this is the legally binding part, it seemed so right to include it, and it made something that gets done in an office and often just before the ceremony anyways so meaningful!
This may be one of my favorite portrait locations in all of downtown Springfield!
Favorite!
Love this bridal party!
Looking good guys!
Love these faces 🙂
The ballroom was just all over elegance- loved it!
Tammy at Specialty Cakes made this STUNNING cake- I just love it!!
There was so much fun fun dancing at this reception!!
Congrats Laura and Craig, we hope you are reliving your perfect day with your toes in the sand!! We are SO SO grateful that we got to be a part of your day and so excited for what comes next for you guys!!!
I loved working with Craig & Laura’s creative team!!
Wedding Dress Boutique: Bridal Elegance
Hair: Lyndsey Becker with Exsalonce Hair Studio
Makeup: Erica Bertrand with Appearances Salon
Flowers: Enchanted Florist
Cake: Tammy with Specialty Cakes
Venue/Catering: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel
Invitations: Lisa Lu Designs
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I'm Jill, a wedding and portrait photographer based out of Chicago and Central Illinois, and available world wide! I'm also a photography educator, wife to my favorite person on the planet, mama to 3 amazing kids and an energetic Aussie, and obsessed with statement jewelry and all desserts (especially fruit pies!).
As a past high school teacher, I have a major heart for education. After going full time in my business, I have built a business I love that gives me an almost 6 figure salary and allows me to be home part time with my kids. I dream for you to run a business that enhances your life and lights you up, and I believe I can help you learn how to do it with a little hustle and a lot of heart!
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You're in the right place! As a past high school teacher, educating others is my life's work and a HUGE part of my business! I have been teaching moms and hobbyists how to use their camera from first purchasing it all the way to coaching them into businesses of their own, and I'd love to help you as well, wherever you are (and whatever camera you have!).
I'm so glad you are here! Teaching Photographers and other small business owners how to run more joyful, successful, and profitable businesses is one of my favorite parts of my business! I specialize in working with photographers to make their goals a reality (or figure out what their goals should be in the first place!).
Beautiful wedding!! Love all the detail shots!
These are FANTASTIC Jill! You should be very proud. I’m loving your detail shots. 😉
These are fantastic!!! Love the bouquet, such a gorgeous color palette.
So very lovely, Jill!! Love these….love the pics on the stairs!
Beautiful pictures! I particularly like the shot of him dipping her on the steps and how it shows off the beautiful architecture.
You did such a great job capturing the story of their day. Love the outdoor portraits of the ladys especially 🙂
i love all her statement necklaces on her bridesmaids!
Beautiful! Love the portraits
What a beautiful wedding!! 🙂