When we met Jessica and Drew for the first time it was clear they were meant for each other. They actually grew up living next door to each other...how cool is that! Since they were neighbors both families are actually close friends which made for a very loving celebration. The couple were married at First Lutheran Church in Decatur, with the reception at Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The colorful stained glass at the church made for a lovely backdrop for Jessica's gorgeous gown from Elite Bridal.
We love capturing the details throughout the day. Here we placed the rings from Rogers and Holland on Jessica's beaded garter for this blinged-out macro shot. For our photographer friends this was taken with the 100mm 2.8 macro lens (at 2.8).
The garter used in the ring picture above is pictured below with the flowers and shoes. We love when personal touches are added to honor family members that are no longer with us. Picture charms on bouquets are a perfect way to keep your loved ones close as you walk down the aisle.
Jessica's sister and mom helped her into her dress, and I must say it was a very entertaining group. Growing up in their house had to be so much fun! Actually, fun and humor was a popular theme throughout the day!
Even the card Drew picked out for Jessica had her laughing. Well the card had her laughing, and the words might have caused a tear or two...the perfect balance of humor and romance!
Jessica wanted to have a first reveal with her father and it was such a sweet moment as he saw his little girl for the first time in her wedding dress. They had to share his hanky to wipe away a few tears.
And here it is...the moment when Drew saw Jessica for the first time. We love when couples choose to do a first reveal so they can get through many of their pictures before the ceremony. One it allows couples to get to their reception faster and be with their guests, but more importantly it gives them a chance to have that special moment in a more private setting than in front of all their guests. It's a chance to calm each other's nerves, say a few private words, and just be together. We stay far enough away at this time so we're not interfering with the moment, but we're also happy to step away once we have the pictures so the couple can share a truly private moment.
Here are a few of the pictures we captured right outside the church prior to the ceremony. You can see no big park is needed. All you need to do is find a pocket of greenery and use a long lens to compress that background closer (just another tip for our photography friend blog readers).
And here we are in the church stating the vows! She Clicks loves getting around to the sides (not up too close though) when possible. The facial expressions are priceless captures!
This is the inside of the First Lutheran Church. It was actually our first time photographing in there!
The first kiss as husband and wife!
Time to let loose and party!
But first one quick stop at the old Korn Krib in Latham IL.
Whew...that was some bright sun! Really the day was absolutely gorgeous!
The Crowne Plaza in Springfield was a beautiful location for their reception! They know how to spoil their brides and grooms (and guests). There was a large hallway right outside the banquet area that made for an amazing cocktail hour. No one was allowed in the ballroom until the bride and groom had the first look. It was a great opportunity for them to really take in all the details they had worked so hard on. As you can see it was gorgeous!
Drew works in the cattle industry so it was only fitting they had cowbells for the guests to ring if they wanted the couple to kiss...instead of the standard clinking the glasses! Perfect personalized touch! MORE COWBELL!!!! :)
First dance as husband and wife.
An end of the night shot done in the hallway where the cocktail hour was held.
Where there is an elevator (with a good camera angle) and a bride and groom willing to have fun He Clicks-She Clicks will play! Final shot of the night! Congratulations again to Drew and Jessica, we wish you MANY, MANY years of happiness!
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