Butler-Rotramel Wedding | Arcola, IL | Wedding Photography

I have been looking forward to Nikki & Jake's wedding for quite some time now. Nikki and Jake are a couple of the coolest, most fun people I know. I had technically only met Nikki once before the wedding, but I knew her and Jake were going to end up together. It is so easy to see the love between these two and pure joy they get out of being together.

Nikki looked absolutely beautiful! She did her hair and makeup herself, and I think she did a spectacular job!

Nikki & Jake didn't see each other before the ceremony. So the first glimpse they got of each other on the wedding day was as they walked down the aisle. And the way they looked at each other was so perfect and telling.

You can't deny how happy these two looked after being pronounced Husband & Wife. :)

After the services we headed outside for some photos of the bridal party. Nikki and Jake wanted a shot in front of the church so we did that first.

We took the guys across the street to get some pics in front of the empty fields. And these guys...they crack me up. No one knows how to have fun like them!

Then we headed out back to get some pics of the girls. Aren't they gorgeous?!

We finished up the outdoor shots with some fun bridal portraits of Nikki & Jake. This couple is just too cute together And Nikki - you like drop dead gorgeous!

This wedding is my last wedding this year and the perfect wedding to end it on. This family is downright fun to be with. I don't think it is at all possible to be in the same room with them and not be enjoying yourself. I absolutely love this family and am so happy for Nikki & Jake. I wish you guys many years of happiness and can't wait to see what the future holds for you. :)

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My New Favorite Album...

So my friend and June bride - Meagan - finally got to see her wedding album this past weekend. After several months of looking for the perfect vendor and designing the perfect layout for her photos, the completed project arrived in the mail. This was my first album design and my first product order from from my new photo lab - so I was super excited to see the result. And they did not disappoint! I love this album so much I'm seriously contemplating buying my own copy to show my future brides! But for now - here's some pictures of the album to give an idea of what it looks like (though the pictures really don't compare to holding this book in your hands.)

I decided to take pictures of the book in the room I normally meet with my brides and potential clients in. So you're getting a sneak peek at the room and the photo album - there on the coffee table.

The cover of this book is really neat. It is printed on a metallic paper that gives a sheen a glow to the image. **sigh** I just love it!

These books come in set page numbers of 20, 40, & 60. Meagan's book has 40 pages. Which really felt like the right number to create a really nice flow.

Each page is printed on high quality paper and then mounted to matboard to add extra thickness and sturdiness to each page. This book is also what is known as a lay-flat album, which basically means it's designed to be able to lay flat open and it won't do any damage to the binding of the book.

All the images in Meagan's book are pictures I took at her wedding in June. I also laid out all the pages myself as well. The whole process of designing Meagan's book probably took me between 12 and 18 hours. Below you can see a sampling of some of the pages.

So there you have it! One of my all time favorite products. If you are interested in having an album designed from your wedding photography - feel free to send me an email or give me a call and we can discuss the details.

Happy Veterans Day! :)

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Jason & Gina Miller Wedding | Tower Hill, IL | Wedding Photography

I was lucky enough to get to take Jason & Gina's engagement pictures back in September, and so I got the chance to learn a little bit about them before their wedding. But let me tell you something, weddings add a whole new dimension to understanding a little about the couple you're shooting. 

These two didn't have a huge bridal party or even a ton of guests, but you could tell just how much this young couple was loved - especially by all their nieces and nephews! At times it was actually hard to get a picture of Gina & Jason without the little ones in it. That's the kind of people Jason & Gina are. The happiness and love these two share is just magnetic and pulls all their loved ones in. I can't explain to you just how much happiness and joy was in the air…all of their guest were just so thrilled for these two.

There was also one very special young man who equally shared in this day with his newly married mom and step-dad. Gage was such a handsome young man and so happy for his mom. In his toast, he told his mom he couldn't be happier - knowing that she found someone who makes her happy. 

Jason & Gina - thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day! I had so much fun getting to know your bridal party and family! I hope these pictures help to remind you of your special day and just how very much you are loved.

Enjoy the sneak peek! 

The First Look....I think Jason was very happy at the sight of his beautiful bride. :)

The happy family.

Isn't she absolutely gorgeous!? The dress was absolutely gorgeous on her, and the flowers were beautifully made by Jason's mom.

**sigh** Love those eyes!

Another shot of Jason's mom's beautiful work.

Okay...so I can't take credit for this pose. It was all Aaron's idea (Aaron is the second guy from the right). Apparently the pose was inspired by the fifth/sixth grade girls he teaches. ;)

Don't know why...but I love this picture!

It's official. I love churches that have balconies!

I thought this was so nice. Three candles were lit - one fore Jason, one for Gina, and one for Gage.

Then they all three lit the unity candle to symbolize their life together as a family.

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