I admit it, I have been anxiously awaiting this wedding all year.  Really, since this sweet couple asked me to be their wedding photographer.  I always love it when the bride or groom was a student of mine (and there are a lot of those in this year’s lineup- though this is the last!). It is so special to me– and I just adored this bride then and now. But in addition, I am not sure I have ever seen a bride work so hard on her wedding, all while knowing that the marriage will be equally beautiful.  Sarah just loves planning, and decor, and sparkle, and all the many things that can go into making a wedding physically lovely. But she also enjoys moments and words and kindness and all of it was shown in abundance on her wedding day.  And it doesn’t help that her style and aesthetic for this day was just exactly right up my alley too! You will see why very soon.

But all that beauty was so backed up by a bride and a groom who adore each other, who are so excited to officially begin their family, and who are able to express and speak to each other what they mean to one another.  It was evident in every moment of the day, and I adored watching them together, and watching them with their loved ones.  This is definitely a new all time favorite for sure and I am so excited to share it with you all!

This dress!  Sarah was the FIRST bride in Illinois to own it! LOVE these rings together! Sarah, in typical “Sarah” fashion, spent the morning helping her girls prep and beautify– she is a hair stylist by career, but she is also an extremely helping and caring soul!! Sarah you are so perfect! First looks are just always my favorite!! She had a yellow umbrella for this moment as a little surprise, and my How I Met Your Mother adoring heart just nearly exploded!! James is just a gem of a man…and so clearly adores Sarah! I LOVED his expression when he first saw her! Willows are my FAVORITE!! Favorite! I could NOT love the styling of this bridal party more!!! Seriously these dresses?? They all picked them out in individually and they were PERFECT! #squadgoals!!! Friend and fellow photographer Lauren Westrich second shot for me for the day and I loved my time with her– she took these of the gentlemen! The ceremony site was just gorgeous- they did such a good job beautifying up the already beautiful Erin’s Pavillion!  Now that’s a first kiss! They literally danced their way back down the aisle…they were so excited! I love Lauren’s image on the left here, and the right might  be my favorite of the day! Sarah and James, I absolutely adore you two and am so honored to have been a part of your beautiful day!! I hope you are reliving many sweet memories from Saturday as you see this, and I hope you love them all as much as I do!!

To see this beautiful couple’s engagement session, click here!

We loved working with Sarah and James’ great creative team for their perfect day!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park

Wedding Dress Boutique: Elite Bridal Shop

Dress Designer: Stella York

Tux Rental: Men’s Wearhouse

Makeup: Danielle Taylor

Hair Stylist: Lizzie Hinton with POSH Salon & Spa

Hair Stylist: Emily Hazelwood with Shear Joy Salon

DJ:  DJ Doc Chad Burton & MadHatter Productions

Catering: Hamilton’s Catering

Invitations: BasicInvite.com