There is just always something different when they are mine. My students, my kids. And this bride, Claire, was one of my first.  Her Freshmen year was my first year, and that group will always be so beyond special to me.  But in addition to her being involved in every inch of the program that she could be, and being such a talented and integral and student leader type part of it, there was so much more to the story for her family.  Her mother was also my accompanist, and my seamstress for musical.  9 years of this family being a part of my life, and a huge one. I respect very few families I know as much as this family, and was just so honored to get to be such a close witness to this beautiful wedding day.

Claire and Tyler are such a special and beautiful couple.  I knew it, and everyone else there did too.  The sermon in their wedding focused on taking that beautiful love that they have for each other and using it in the world.  Using it for good, to help better those around them. And these two just won’t be able to help but do that.  Claire’s mom ended her speech at the reception by saying something that moved me very much, and I know is so true- and will hold so much truth for them: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”. These two will define this hope…just as their parents did for them.

This day was beautiful.  It was Traditional.  It was Classic.  It was extremely DIY (do-it-yourself!) but in the most beautiful way. In the way that isn’t about showing how crafty someone is, but just that there are so many real talents and so much heart behind every single detail of the wedding.  I could share so many things about this day. Hand touched things, DIY things, personalized things, about truly each and every one of these images. But you would be here all day reading, so I will just share the really REALLY big ones in my mind.

The monogram on the front of their invitation is their “thing”…they draw it everywhere. At the bottom of love letters, in the sand on vacation, on foggy windows…you name it. The beautiful invitations (among many other things) were made by the grooms talented mama! Claire’s mom is telling the bridesmaids about the veil…her veil…and how she modified it to fit perfectly with Claire’s dress. Claire was wrapped in the most beautiful symbolic reminder of her parents beautiful marriage all day long…but she didn’t need that reminder to know about the legacy that comes before her. Oh my heart… I believe this was the most tender first look I have seen yet. Claire made the flowers. ALL of them in this entire post. She took a flower arranging class, ordered a million kinds after tons of research and debating, and spent days with may loved ones putting together the table center pieces, ceremony vases, and flowers for all the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The crowning jewel, of course, being her bouquet. I wouldn’t have believed it didn’t come from a flower shop if I didn’t know the Watson women better. 🙂 LOVED this little spot on the beautiful University of Illinois’ campus! What good looking people…and it is nothing compared to their hearts! That veil… Every one is a new favorite I think! Tyler and Claire got married in the church that brought them together. That they attended throughout college together. That they got engaged in (this is the exact spot right here).  Their love was born and grew here…but as their Chaplain said, I think it was made for so much beyond these beautiful walls… Love this view with the stained glass of Michael’s on the left! The cutest flower girl EVER right here…just wait and see! I’m pretty sure she was saying “mommyyyy” at this point! Oh this walk…my eyes were not dry! Out of any and every, I believe this is my favorite, of the entire day. Claire’s mom…so much pride.  Claire’s dad…I can’t even talk about it! And Claire. She is looking up…and in my guess, at the cross at the top of the aisle and what this place, what this God, represents to her. Thanking Him for what is about to happen.  It brings me to tears in an instant, knowing her. Married! Claire’s other MADE these bridesmaids dresses. And matching purses. And they had pockets.  I mean…seriously! I SO love this! A beautiful, classy, traditional first dance with just a hint of choreography…it was perfect. Claire gave flowers from her bouquet to the most important 3 women in the room to her in lieu of a traditional toss. It was beautiful! And the dance party began. These people know how to dance! 8 ladies I taught and absolutely adore. This picture is one of my favorites of the day. Love you guys! And one of my favorite sunset rounds ever. Dancing is one of their hobbies together.  I loved these even more than the images of Claire dancing at the head of the pack above with the whole group, just like in High School 🙂  Claire and Tyler, we were SO honored and thrilled to be a part of your day. We truly were brimming with joy and excitement for you two because we know so deeply in our hearts that such a beautiful marriage will follow! We hope you love these favorites, and that they always serve as a reminder of your love for you!

I ADORED working with this wonderful creative team!!

Venue & Catering:  Illini Union Ballroom

Wedding Dress Boutique:  My Formals of Litchfield

Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero

Hair & Makeup: No. 7 Salon and Spa

DJ: The Entertainment Company

Ceremony: St. John’s Catholic Chapel