Trinity Lutheran Church & Inn at 835 Wedding

Springfield, Illinois

Rebecca and Michael’s beautiful fall Springfield Illinois wedding came to me at the very last minute, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been able to serve them on their wedding day. Due to illness, their photographer had to cancel, so they booked me 24 hours before their wedding. I can’t imagine the stress that must have caused them, but I’m glad I could step in and meet these beautiful people.

I started the day at the Heckel house, where Rebecca and her girls were getting ready along. Rebecca was in the final stages of getting her hair done and had all of her beautiful details ready for me to photograph. Once all of the girls were ready, we all headed to Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Springfield.

Rebecca wanted to get her dress on at the church and have a special moment with her mom. This was one of my favorite parts of the day. Rebecca’s mom gave her a sweet note that made both of them (and this photographer) tear up. It was such an emotional moment before Rebecca did a first look with her bridesmaids and flower girl. After a sweet first look with the girls, Rebecca did a first look with her dad. You all know father-daughter moments get me every time, and this one was no different. There’s just something special about those moments on a wedding day when parents see their daughter as a bride. At this point Rebecca was starting to feel the nerves and said she needed to touch Michael’s hand before the ceremony. That first touch with her person was just what she needed.

The ceremony was a traditional Lutheran ceremony rich in meaning and tradition. Watching Michael as Rebecca walked down the aisle with her dad made everyone in the church emotional. Following the ceremony, we took family photos and headed outside to the capitol building for wedding party photos. Walking out of the church, one of the bridesmaids saw “Abe Lincoln” walking around and asked if he would take a picture with the wedding party. You can find that photo below. 🙂

Walking around the capitol building for photos with the wedding party was a blast. Rebecca and Michael’s friends were so sweet and fun to work with, and I could have photographed them for hours. But for some reason they wanted to get to the reception, so I went with the newlyweds to the area in town where Lincoln’s home is located for some more photos of just the two of them before heading to The Inn at 835 for the reception.

At the reception, the new couple was introduced before a delicious dinner and dancing. When I headed out for the night, the dance floor was full and everyone was having a great time.

Rebecca and Michael, it was such an honor to be able to step in last minute to photograph your beautiful day. I wish you all the best in your life and marriage!

Vendor Team:

Church: Trinity Lutheran Church

Venue: Inn at 835

Florals: Petals & Co

DJ: Dave Isaacs w/ Elite DJ Service

Bridal Boutique: Cloud Nine Peoria

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Cake: Harvest Market

HMUA: Jenna Mack-Stubbs, Mindy Crifasi at Jennarations

 

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I photograph weddings in Chicago, central Illinois, SW Florida, and around the country!

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