Christopher and LeAnn are artsy, creative and love history and film, so their historic Springfield wedding day was just perfect! It was full of beautiful moments, creative theming at the reception and a ceremony spot that was loaded with rich history.

Typically with my couples, I’ve met them a time or two to discuss their wedding day and have photographed engagement photos of them. That wasn’t the case with Christopher and LeAnn. Due to their busy schedules and living in Chicago, we didn’t meet face to face until the wedding day. However, leading up to the wedding I was able to talk to LeAnn on the phone and sent multiple emails back and forth creating the perfect timeline, answering questions and getting to know them a bit. I knew that I was going to love them and that their wedding day was going to be so unique.

Chris and LeAnn love history, meaning, old movies, and have a great eye for style and class. They chose the historic Edwards Place in Springfield, Illinois for their wedding ceremony. This historic home was built in 1833 and contains the “courting couch” of President Abraham Lincoln and the piano that was played at his wedding. The home was a gorgeous backdrop for this couple to say their vows and become husband and wife.

I met up with Chris at Edwards Place where we decided where they were going to do their first look once LeAnn arrived. Though the weather was questionable due to some late effects of a tropical storm, the rain held off for the entire time I was with them that day. We were able to do the first look outside on the porch and Christopher’s reaction when he first saw LeAnn was priceless.

Chris & LeAnn opted not to have a bridal party, but that is not because they are in any way lacking in friends. They had a very extensive family and friends shot list that was very important to them. I’m so thankful that we were able to do all of those photos outside in front of the mansion. The light was perfectly diffused by some clouds and their family and friends were so fun and cooperative. Even when a bike tour came through the parking lot, temporarily throwing us off of our shot list schedule, everyone was laughing and just enjoying their time before the ceremony.

The ceremony was full of surprises. LeAnn surprised Chris by arranging for one of their very talented friends to sing some meaningful songs as they walked down the aisle. And when a few of their friends came up to do some readings, they sprinkled in some of the best quotes and movie references that make the couple tear up at points and belly laugh at others.

Once the ceremony was over, Chris and LeAnn headed to downtown Springfield to meet up with us for portraits. The way these newlyweds looked at each other, giggled and then looked right into each other’s eyes was so beautiful. We had a nice cool breeze which made for some great movement in the pictures with LeAnn’s hair and dress. I was so excited that they were up for embracing the wind and letting it do it’s magic.

Once we were finished with photos, we headed over to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for their reception. I walked in to find each table elegantly decorated, each with a different movie theme. Take a look below and see if you can figure out which tables represented which movies. I loved this unique venue for their reception. Complete with a replica of the White House, where Chris & LeAnn made their grand entrance, it was a very unique location that worked perfectly for their style. LeAnn had another surprise for Chris at the reception, where she had a mutual friend of theirs write a rap for them that he sang after the other speeches were over.

The night ended for me when LeAnn did an alternative to the bouquet toss. Instead, she had the bouquet locked inside a clear box. Each person took a combination to try to unlock the padlock to see who would be the next to be married. The guests had a blast with it.

 

 

Chris and LeAnn, thank you for choosing me to photograph your special day. It truly was an honor to be there and document it. Best wishes in your marriage!

Other Vendors that helped make their day magical:

DJ: Superior Sound Entertainment

Florals: True Colors Floral

Bride’s Dress: Girls in White Satin, Designer: Allure

Officiant: Crystal, friend of the couple

Venue: Edwards Place & Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

 

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