Courthouse Square Wedding

Woodstock, Illinois

Emma & Joe’s Woodstock Courthouse Square wedding was a fall dream of a wedding. This unique location offers old architecture with modern updates, a very hip renovated jail for cocktail hour, and beautiful tall windows throughout letting in tons of natural light. Set at the top of the quaint, Hallmark-movie-like town square, there are tons of unique locations for photos within walking distance, making the Courthouse Square perfect for a wedding day.

I first met Emma and Joe for their winter engagement session at the Woodstock Square during Christmas time. I parked along the square, stepped out of my car, and immediately felt like I stepped into a Hallmark movie. There was Christmas music playing, the air was frigid, and there was even a horse and carriage taking families on rides around the square. Because it was so cold, they opted to do another session after winter at Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake. That was a much warmer day during cicada season. Thankfully, the cicadas left us alone and we got some beautiful photos among the trees and pond.

On their wedding day, Emma and her girls got ready at a nearby salon on the square. The salon was conveniently located next to a huge candy store, so of course the girls had to make their way over there for bags of goodies before getting dressed. Joe and his guys got ready at a nearby home, and got in a little putting practice with the ring bearer before they headed to the venue.

The Courthouse Square has the most beautiful getting ready room with tall ceilings, huge windows, and tons of natural light. This was a bonus because there was a homecoming parade happening that afternoon on the square, so we were able to do all of the family photos inside the getting ready suite. The building also has a beautiful staircase where Emma & Joe had their first look before heading out for photos. I had so much fun getting to know their family and wedding party.

Joe’s grandpa officiated the service, which was so sweet and full of joy. My favorite part was after he pronounced them husband and wife and he said, “Okay, now I need a hug.”

One of the most unique parts of this venue is the Sheriff’s House area where they hold cocktail hour. It’s a tastefully renovated jail and still has a lot of the original fixtures and cells from when it was used for that purpose. The old jail cells are set up with leather seating and cocktail tables, and several lounging areas are sprinkled throughout the connected rooms. The guests absolutely loved this area to hang out, converse, and enjoy some delicious drink and appetizers while waiting for dinner.

Following cocktail hour, everyone headed back upstairs for the reception in the ballroom for dinner, dancing, and dessert.

 

Vendor Team:

Venue: Courthouse Square

Florist: JH Events and Flowers

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

DJ: An Enchanced Evening

HMUA: Bella Wedding Beauty

Getting Ready Salon: Empowher Salon

Bridal Boutique: Genevieve’s Bridal Couture

Men’s Attire: Bride-ology

Catering: True Cuisine

 

If you are a sweet, joyful couple who loves your family and friends and are looking for a joy-filled, detail-oriented, wedding photographer to give you an amazing photography experience, I would love to chat with you. I photograph weddings all over the midwest, SW Florida, and am available for travel anywhere.

Contact me today!