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

meelay + joe / the barn at hornbaker gardens wedding

First off, any wedding where the recessional is “Chelsea Dagger” (the Blackhawk’s goal song) notches up on my top wedding list. Then add the sweet details throughout the day and I don’t just mean the vintage decor, stunning florals and adorable barn venue. What I remember most was the heartfelt wedding ceremony performed flawlessly by Joe’s cousin. Then add the reserved front row seat where we all felt Joe’s mothers presence through the ceremony. The lockets both bride and groom kept close to them with her photo so she was with them all day. Or how about my favorite memory of all, the way that Meelay repeatedly told Joe how good he looked with that ring on his finger.

It was a wedding to remember to say the least and these two filled my heart with their laughter, love and sweetness for everyone on their day, including myself.

venue: the barn at hornbaker gardens, princeton, illinois

dj: DJ4U, peoria, illinois

floral: hannah graham with PLAN events & design, jacksonville, il

cake: christy’s kitchen, peru, illinois

hair:  janni robertson and karla humphrey from emerald bay salon, geneseo, il

makeup: deanna lewis makeup, naperville, il

bride’s dress: house of brides couture

suits: jos a bank, peoria, il