This was our last wedding of 2017. I am going to share a little more about that later this week because it has been such an amazing year!  And this was the absolute perfect way to end it!!  This beautiful bride, Liz, was a student of mine for just my very first year teaching HS choir before she graduated into the real world (this was the 4th wedding of this season from one of my past students!).  I adored Liz.  She was the absolute perfect combo for me of talent, fun, and sass!  Liz always stood up for herself and was absolutely her own person, willing to make the tough calls for her life and her future, and I always admired that about her.  She has lived so much life in the past 10 years since we were at that school together, and is just an absolutely beautiful human being inside and out.  She is a mama of 2 beautiful girls…with a masters degree… in her mid 20s…that is amazing!!

I haven’t gotten to know Demeion as well as I know Liz, but let me tell you, I am absolutely positive that Liz found a great man in him, and I am so grateful for that for her.  I couldn’t get over during the reception speeches the stories of Demeion and how he was just always there for people, whatever was needed, whatever the time.  And I know that is how Liz feels about him.  That he is a total rock for her, that he welcomed her daughter into his heart as a father figure before they had their own second daughter, and that he will always be her support and her guide, and I just absolutely love that. Not that Liz necessarily needs that– because she is truly one of the strongest women I know, and was always like that.  But life will be so much better for her with him, and that is what I wish for everyone! They are a beautiful couple and I cannot wait to see what the future brings for them and their family!

You have to know already that I’m absolutely loving the style of this day….pink, fluffy dress, sequins….all the heart eyes for me! Liz is always a mom to these two sweet girls first…before anything else, including a bride.
Love these first look moments!!! This shot was taken by Sarah, my fabulous assistant who also can second shoot!! You two are so lovely together!! Look at this happy family!! Demeion had a gift for Maddi…it was so sweet!  Liz you just made a PERFECT bride!! Not my typical last pic of a wedding blog post, but I taught and/or directed every one of these beauties, 3 of them being #jillgumbrides in the past 2 years, and I am just so thankful for each of them and the memories and parts of my heart they each have.  I just had to end with it this time!! Liz and Demeion, I’m so so happy for you both!!!

To see Liz + Demeion’s beautiful spring engagement session, click here!!

I adored working with Liz + Demeion’s creative team!!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Hair Stylist + Makeup Artist: Jenna Mack-Stubbs with Jennarations Salon and Spa

DJ + Videographer: Kelley’s Entertainment Service

Cake: Specialty Cakes

Officiant: Scott Raper

Wedding + Bridesmaids Dress Boutique: My Formals of Litchfield

Wedding Dress + Veil Designer: Allure Bridals

Catering: Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Flowers: County Market

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Vistaprint