molly+wes / trailside event center wedding

When Molly first asked me to photograph her wedding last year, I had to quickly reminisce of the day I met Molly. We met at a college party (or was it high school?) and she shared a McDonald’s cheeseburger with me. I even have pictures to prove that first moment of friendship but Ill refrain from sharing 🙂 When I heard of her engagement I couldn’t be happier for such a sweet girl to find her perfect man!

After meeting Wes during their engagement session I knew these two lovebirds were the real deal. Surrounded by so many great friends and family who helped make their day so memorable, I was beyond honored to be there to capture it. It was just as perfect as they are!

Ceremony: St. Philomena, Peoria

Reception Venue: Trailside Event Center, Peoria Heights

Bridal Dress: Country Bride, Peoria

Bridesmaid Dress: David’s Bridal, Peoria

Groom’s Suit: Jos A Bank

Floral: Flowers by Mona

Cake: Trefzgers, Peoria

DJ: Complete Weddings 

Videographer: Hannah Lefler Photography

Hair & Makeup: Colleen Elser

cassandra + bruce / mackinaw valley winery wedding

There was so much to love bout Cassandra and Bruce’s day. Theres just something about the way Bruce looked at Cassandra all day, clearly blown away that she was becoming his wife. And the way he made her smile from ear to ear all day long. So many memories their family members made throughout their day from a choreographed dance by her bridesmaids to a mashup first dance with the father of the bride. I love when weddings have special features that set them apart from any other. By far my favorite moment of the day was the intimate prayer with both the bride and groom’s parents on the alter during their ceremony. Its clear these two are the perfect pair and their day was equally as perfect!

Venue: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard

Ceremony: Metamora Mennonite Church

Bridal Dress: Adore Bridal Boutique

DJ: Weddings With Wes

Floral: The Flower Basket

samantha + zach / orchard ridge farms wedding

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I can’t help but think about all the amazing opportunities and people I meet through this hobby of mine and I am so so so incredibly thankful for that! Thinking back to this aaaaaamazing wedding gives me chills. Not only were Samantha and Zach a picture perfect bride & groom, their attentiveness to detail & style made this day one to remember. From the jaw-dropping venue at Orchard Ridge Farms, to the personalized pumpkin place settings this wedding was your perfect fall celebration. Can we just go back and relive this day already?

Venue: Orchard Ridge Farms/ The Pavilion Rockton, Illinois

Planner: Backyard Soiree Wedding and Events

Caterer – Henrici’s

Videographer – Matt Eickoff

Florist – Event Floral

Rentals –Forever Birdy

DJ and lighting – Luxe Productions

sadie + grant / quad cities wedding

When Sadie and Grant approached me at their friend’s wedding last year all newly engaged and giddy, I could not wait to photograph their big day! These two are madly in love with each other and it is so apparent. Every event during their day was full of smiles, laughter and happy tears. My favorite moment of the day? Waiting with Grant while Sadie walked up behind him, watching him struggle to keep the tears in and then fall to complete mush when he laid eyes on her. This kind of love is what its all about my friends…..

ceremony venue: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bettendorf, IA

reception venue: Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center

cake:Sophisticakes By Mary

design & decor: Tamara Wendt Events

floral: Tamara Wendt Events

DJ: Double “H” Entertainment

Hair & Makeup: Haus of Heir