Romantic Wedding Day at The Majestic

Kankakee, Illinois

Valentine’s Day may be over, but I couldn’t let hearts month pass without sharing a wedding that felt like it was made for it. Kenzie and Steven’s wedding day at The Majestic was full of so much love!

From the very beginning, this day was bursting with personality, color, and so much joy. And for me, getting to photograph it felt extra meaningful. A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing Kenzie’s sister Ciara’s wedding to Cody, which you can see here. When Kenzie reached out and asked me to photograph her day, too, it felt like being invited back into a story I already loved. There is just something so meaningful about walking alongside families for more than one wedding day.

Kenzie has always loved color, so, of course, her wedding day was filled with color! Hot pink was the star of the show in the very best way. From the bridesmaids’ dresses to the decor and even Kenzie’s pink hair, every detail felt true to her. It was playful, romantic, and perfect!

The morning started off wet and rainy, and for a minute it looked like we might be indoors all day. But if there is one thing I have learned after all these years of weddings, it is this: trust the timeline and wait for the light. Sure enough, the rain cleared and downtown Kankakee gave us the most beautiful light. The streets were still slightly damp, but everything had that soft after-the-rain glow. We were able to sneak outside for plenty of portraits, and it was absolutely worth it.

Kenzie and Steven chose to do first looks, and they were some of my favorite moments of the day. Steven’s reaction when he saw Kenzie was so genuine and full of emotion. But the first look with her dad? That one got me! The way he looked at her and the sweet reactions from her sister and maid of honor watching nearby… It was one of those moments that reminds me why I love what I do.

Their ceremony was heartfelt and joyful, and when it was time to celebrate, the celebration did not slow down. Their first dance to “Nobody” by OneRepublic was perfect for Kenzie and Steven, who so clearly adore each other. And then the dance floor opened! From the very first song, it was full of energy and fun.

Kenzie and Steven’s day was joyful, colorful, and filled with so much heart. It felt like a beautiful reminder that romance shows up in so many different ways. Sometimes it looks like hot pink dresses, happy tears in the rain-cleared sunlight, and a dance floor that celebrates all night long.

What a gift it is to photograph two weddings for this family and watch love stories continue to unfold. Kenzie and Steven, thank you for letting me be part of your beautiful wedding day!

Vendor Team:

Venue: The Majestic

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

Florist: Amy Pooley

Hair: Tracy Warmbir

Makeup: Balinda’s Beautique

Catering: The Longbranch

Desserts: Alicia Gigl & Nothing Bundt Cakes

Dress: Vera’s House of Bridals

Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ: The Boys DJ

Rentals: For the Love of It Wedding Rentals

To see more weddings like this wedding day at The Majestic, click here.

If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.