LGBTQ Wedding Inspiration at Hotel Royer
[THE BLOG]
“Would you want to get married again?”
When I reached out to Sarah and Sky seeing if they would want to put their wedding dresses on again for a collaboration with other wedding vendors of a styled shoot. A new hotel & wedding venue popped up last summer, Hotel Royer, and I knew their outfits would look so good there.
S&S were looking for a reason to wear their dresses again, and I was happy to help.
When I first saw that Hotel Royer opened, my jaw dropped at the Centennial Hall photos. Like those vaulted ceilings, those curtains, the fireplace??! There really is nothing like it in central Illinois.
Getting ready at Hotel Royer
Before heading into the Centennial Hall for wedding portraits, we hung out in a room for getting ready. Javonne from Mobile Glam Lab worked on S&S’s hair and makeup while I did some detail shots.
The hotel stationary was SUCH a cool touch to the shoot. Bridget at Hickory Street Studio did an amazing job creating details that fit an old hotel theme. Those room keys were so cute!
Not before long it was time to hang out in Centennial Hall!!!
Their Springfield Engagement Session
If Sarah & Sky look familiar, it’s because I have photographed them before! Last year they reached out to me to get engagement photos before eloping in Colorado. We spent some time at a local Springfield park as the sun set enjoying each others company and making these beautiful photos.
Unique Wedding Dresses
One of the many things I love about weddings is seeing how couples make choices that reflect them that are maybe a little different than the norm. One of the coolest ways to do that is through what you wear on your wedding day.
Sarah and Skyler both chose beautiful wedding dresses that reflected their own styles and beauty. Sarah‘s dress was white but a thick beautiful lace with a vintage feel. Skyler‘s dress was full of embroidered colorful florals.
Both dresses were so stunning and fit so well with the vintage feel of the wedding venue.
They were beautiful in the backdrop of Colorado, but I thought what it would look like here in Illinois? 🤔 Not in a barn venue, but in a new hotel & venue in the area, Hotel Royer in Urbana, Illinois.
This wood paneling!! Can we bring back walls like this in restaurants & homes? WOW.
Urbana Wedding Venue, Hotel Royer
Hotel Royer has a grand ballroom with tallllll ceilings, deep wood, paneling, and long thick curtains. It’s a beautiful backdrop for folks who want an intimate wedding in the central Illinois area. The best part about this wedding venue, is that the venue is a part of a large hotel where guests can stay the night following the wedding day.
I’m so proud of the girl power that went into this style shoot. A big big biggg thank you to these amazing vendors that came together to bring this vision to life. 💖🧡
Photography:Â Rachael Marie
Venue:Â Hotel Royer
Planner:Â dearly beloved hosts
Stationary:Â Hickory Street Studio
Hair & Makeup: mobileglamlab
Gowns:Â @thebridalparlour
DJ/lighting:Â @tddpentertainment
Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
All love is affirmed & celebrated here.
I'll give you direction when you need it and space when you don't. I believe the best photos aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
Sometimes they're the ones where your best friend is crying. Your grandma is laughing.
Your partner is looking at you when you aren't paying attention. And someone is absolutely losing their mind on the dance floor.
Those are the photos I want to make.
I'm Rachael (she/her) by the way.
For the people who would rather be living the moment than posing for it.
