Rebecca & Nathan – Edwardsville Wedding Photographers
Rebecca and Nathan were married in January at Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL on what was probably the nicest, warmest day of the winter! For months before their wedding I had visions of a wedding gown set against a backdrop of fresh, white snow (I like to visualize the images in advance…it’s one of those things that results in strangers thinking that you’re staring at them. Then all of a sudden you snap back to reality and some 16 year old creeper thinks you’ve been lusting after him while you wait for your burger and fries to be ready…anyway…). When the forecast shaped up to be a sunny 50-something degrees, my vision changed!
We started the day bright and early at the Pere Marquette Lodge where vendors were already busy making things beautiful! So we snagged the wedding day essentials – dress, jewels and shoes – and had some photo fun:
Yay for brides who like their hair dos : ) 
Matching robes for the ladies called for a slumber party style shot, complete with giggles: 
I must tell you the giggling didn’t last long! Someone (ahem, the bride) turned to mush at the sight of her wedding dress. Nothing wrong with that, because you can’t beat an image like this:
Mean while, somewhere down the hall, men were doing manly things and getting themselves all fancied up…
Man details:
Once everyone was looking their best, we headed out into the beautiful sunshine for the first looks! It is, of course, every bride and grooms personal choice between seeing each other before their ceremony and having a private (although documented!) First Look or waiting to see each other at the ceremony. If you’re looking for advice I 187% recommend seeing each other before hand. If you aren’t looking for advice then never mind that last bit. But, regardless, a first look with dad is always a nice touch…
After Rebecca and her dad had their moment, it was the grooms turn to be wowed! Cue adorable grin seen through veil…
And then it was just a photography free for all. I almost lost my shiz numerous times. I kept squealing from behind my camera. It couldn’t be helped. These people are pretty and the light was delicious and I was just having myself a damn fine time. 
The bridal party was not left out of the action…
I knew Rebecca wanted individual photos with each of her bridesmaids but was looking for something more personal and less posed (aka not boring) so I went for the giggle. You can never go wrong with the giggle…
Love me some men in gray suits! How about one more of those…
We even snagged a little sunset something before heading back inside for the evening:
After some freshening up it was go time on the marriage front! The ceremony was gorgeous with the stone fireplace lit with purple up-lighting. Nothing fancies up a space like up-lighting!
Once wed, it was reception time! Love the reception space at Pere Marquette! And the snowflake lighting was a killer addition!!
Once dessert was served and toasts were made an insane dance party developed. For real. Crazy dance party. I love photographing people having a good time…
Rebecca and Nathan – Many thanks for making us a part of your beautiful day! May you grin like fools and sing to each other for many years to come! : )