Hilary & Skyler’s fall Jacksonville wedding was the perfect fall midwest wedding. They could not have asked for better weather for an October wedding in Illinois. I’m so excited to share a few of my favorites from their day.

I first met Hilary when she was a bridesmaid a couple of years ago at her friend Tiffany’s wedding. I was so excited when she reached out to me last year about photographing her 2019 wedding. I finally met Skyler at their spring engagement session at Allerton Park. If I remember correctly, that was shortly after Skyler completed police academy and also right after they got their adorable puppy. We had so much fun that night wandering around Allerton, which made me even more excited for their wedding day.

Getting Ready

On their big day, I met up with Hilary at the hotel where everyone was getting ready. When I arrived, Hilary was almost done with her hair and makeup and ready to get into her dress. While the rest of her girls finished up and slipped into their dresses, Hilary made her way over to the room where she would get into her gown and finished handwriting some special vows she had written for Skyler. I love that she wanted to transfer them from her phone onto paper in her handwriting. Once she finished up and the girls started trickling in, a few of them started helping Hilary get into her dress. The mood was very lighthearted until Hilary’s mom, Heather, entered the room. Tears were instantly welling up in Heather and Hilary’s eyes, with the bridesmaids eyes quick to follow. These moments were some of my favorite of the day. Maybe it’s because Hilary has a lot of sisters and it made me wonder what it will be like when my own girls get married, but it was a sacred moment that had me hiding my own tears behind my camera.

During this time, Heather gifted Hilary with something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. The gift also came with a handwritten note that I’m sure Hilary will cherish for years to come.

First Look & Portraits

Once everyone was ready, we headed to the campus at Illinois College in Jacksonville. Hilary and Skyler shared the sweetest first look and we got some time for portraits of just the two of them before the wedding party arrived. We had a great time photographing the fun wedding party. I’m always thankful to be able to photograph the wedding party before the wedding so that after the wedding they can just enjoy the celebration. Once the wedding party returned to the bus, Hilary & Skyler shared their personal vows with each other. It was so sweet to watch them read their vows and wipe tears from each other’s eyes.

The Ceremony

Just before the ceremony at the church in Winchester, Hilary shared a sweet first look with her dad. She is the first of four girls (and one boy) in her family to be married and Hilary claims that they are all daddy’s girls. What we didn’t know was that during their first look, the pastor had started the wedding without us! Thankfully, my second photographer was up front photographing everyone coming down the aisle and the bride and dad were in place just in time to walk down, but that was definitely a first for me. At one point during their ceremony, the youngest flower girl just decided to plant herself in the middle of the altar and lay down for a bit. It made everyone laugh and the groom ended up having to physically pick her up and move her. I love how you just never know what kids are going to do at weddings.

The Reception

Following the ceremony, we took family photos and then headed back to Jacksonville to Hamilton’s at 110 North East for the reception. It started raining on our drive back, but the rain stopped in time for a few more photos downtown before the bridal party was introduced.

After a few very funny and sentimental speeches by the best men and maid of honor, the cutting of the cake, a fabulous dinner by Hamilton’s Catering and the first dances, the dance floor opened and it was time for me to head home. I always enjoy reliving the day as I travel back home. While their were a few funny mishaps during the day (like the second photographer and I getting sent to the wrong church), it was a perfect day as Hilary and Skyler became husband and wife.

I’m forever grateful and honored to get to capture these moments for my couples. Hilary and Skyler, I wish you a life full of love, laughter and adventure.

Vendor Team:

Reception Venue: Hamilton’s at 110 North East

Florals: Fabulous Flowers & Decorating

Bridal Gown Designer: Allure Bridals

Bridal Gown Bridal Shop: Girl’s in White Satin

Cake: Holly Cakes Bakery

DJ & Photobooth: DJ4U

MUA: Elizabeth Wolf MUA

Hair: The Rage Hair Studio & Spa; Trendsetter’s Salon & Spa

Bridesmaids Dresses: Girls in White Satin

Tuxedos: Seno Formal Wear

Catering, linens, rentals: Hamilton’s Catering

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

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