2017 wedding season has begun, and it could not have been a more beautiful day!  Nearly 70 degrees in February in Illinois?! I’ll take it!  Jennifer and Kerem’s day would have been beautiful even if it had been 5 degrees all day though.  It was filled with personal touches, heartfelt moments, gorgeous details, and so so much love.  Jennifer and Kerem live in Virginia now, and the last few months since they have moved there have marked one of the longest periods since they started dating that they have been in the same place, not separated by states or oceans.  Coming back to Jennifer’s home for their wedding and knowing that their time together is only beginning must have been extremely sweet for them!

As I spent the morning with Jennifer, her girls, and her and Kerem’s moms, so many things struck out to be about Jennifer.  She was smart, and kind.  She had everything perfectly prepared, and planned. She was checking to make sure others were comfortable and cared for and knew what was next- on her wedding day! She just takes care of other people, and she brings a light to every room she is in with her smile and laughter.  We are often in situations with large bridal parties, so spending the morning with a more intimate group was really fun for me.  Her awesome wedding planner Katie from Pink Anchor Events was there to make sure everything was perfect (which it was), her flowers were delivered and were PERFECT with her details, and it was just such a joy to watch this group of women together!

But the beauty of the day really came into play once I saw Jennifer and Kerem together. They were so excited and joyful, and their first look was one of the sweetest I have witnessed.  But they are also extremely settled together- truly the best of friends, in total comfort and ease together. They watch each other, smile when the other doesn’t know, and truly are an amazing match together.  Their ceremony was filled with 150 people they loved, who were so clearly excited to see these two together, and it was just a beautiful thing to see.  And once the dance floor was open, they lit up the whole thing, which I LOVED!  It was a spectacular party, a celebration for the ages, as two amazing people chose to love each other forever.  And I just know they will.
These are honestly some of my all time favorite detail shots…and how could they not be with those Jimmy Choo bridal shoes?! Jennifer had the most beautiful fur stole for typical February weather…but she didn’t really need it!!
These little decorations on the right? Jennifer’s grandma made them for her mother and father’s wedding! I LOVED that they made an appearance on her day! This lovely woman is full of so much grace. I absolutely love it when my couples exchange letters- it is such a sweet moment of the day filled with so much anticipation!
Seeing her daughter as a bride for the first time!! First look time…some of my favorite moments of the day! I LOVE Jennifer in the second image that Michael captured here!!! Favorite! Kerem just lights up his bride…I love it!
We did a lot of dancing….I couldn’t help it, they took my breath away a bit! Looking good, you two! Such beauties!! We did family formals OUTSIDE, and I loved it! They got such beautiful natural light for these images because of this decision!! Sunset!! These flowers by True Colors Floral were absolutely STUNNING!!! I loved the berries and succulent mixed in- they were just perfect! Favorite! I walked into the ceremony and reception space and was in complete awe…I have always loved this building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, but it was a whole new level of beautiful! Candle lit ceremony 🙂 Married! These reception details…Katie from Pink Anchor events and the company she worked with, I Do Rentals, totally outdid themselves!!! Every time I turned there was something I loved more! This stunner of a cake was done by a new local cake designer- it was GORGEOUS and delicious too! Seriously!? You know I’m in heaven with all that classy gold and subtle sparkle!  We feel your pain, buddy! 😉 Congratulations, Kerem and Jennifer! It was an absolute honor to capture your day, and I am so glad I got this sweet glimpse into your future!! 

I ADORED working with Jennifer and Kerem’s amazing creative team for this beautiful February wedding!!!

Wedding Planner:  Katie Centeno with Pink Anchor Weddings and Events

Venue:  Artisans Building

Decor Rental: I do Events in Peoria

Flowers:  Hannah with True Colors Floral

Wedding dress and bridesmaids dress store: Nordstrom Michigan Ave

Wedding Dress Designer:  Anna Maier

Band: Spoken Four Band

Caterer:  Nelson’s Catering