welcome to the blog

Real love stories, real couples, real weddings

read more

If you know me then you know I am all about my Central Illinois weddings! And if you really know me then you know I LOVE providing resources for couples to help them plan the best wedding day possible! Today we’re combining these two loves as we’re going to look at some of my favorite […]

8 of My Favorite Wedding Venues in Peoria, Illinois

read more

Today’s wedding is an extra special one that I’ve been itching to share on the blog here for a WHILE now! Nicole and Conner’s intimate wedding in Springfield, Illinois means the world to me, not only because of the incredible day they created, but also because Conner and I go WAY back. We’ve known each […]

Intimate Wedding at Arlington’s in Springfield, Illinois | Nicole + Conner

read more

Not too long ago I wrote my first wedding venue feature about the fantastic Destihl Brewery, and everything that sets it apart as a wedding venue. As I mentioned in that article though, there are a LOT of incredible wedding venues in Central Illinois that I feel deserve a similar treatment. That brings us to […]

Central Illinois Wedding Venue Feature | Wildlife Prairie Park + Taylor and Tyler’s Elopement

read more

If you know me then you know that I LOVE the non-traditional when it comes to my sessions, which is why I’m SO excited to share Cayti and Chris’ couples session in downtown Springfield! This session is special for a couple of reasons, one being the creative energy that both Cayti and Chris brought to […]

Rainy Couples Session in Downtown Springfield | Cayti + Chris

A couple runs during a rainy evening across the street with clear umbrellas in their hands in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

read more

Anyone that’s planning a wedding can attest to just how BIG of a decision it is to choose a venue for your wedding day! To help guide couples through this decision I’ve written articles in the past covering some of my favorite wedding venues in Central Illinois as well as Bloomington, Illinois. There are venues […]

Central Illinois Wedding Venue Feature | The Destihl Brewery

A bride and groom hug one another while exiting their wedding ceremony at their venue, The Barrel Room at the Destihl Brewery in Central Illinois

read more

I want to start by saying that Gilly and Eli’s engagement session in Central Illinois basically has everything I love all smooshed together into one session. Combine the natural beauty of Matthiessen State Park, the epic throwback vibes of The Rootbeer Stand, and finally Gilly and Eli’s uncompromising love for one another, and I’m sure […]

Central Illinois Engagement Session | Gilly + Eli

During their engagement session a couple smile at one another and hold hands while next to a creek in Matthiessen State Park of Central Illinois

read more

Congratulations you must be engaged! This is such an exciting, crazy, and happy time in both of your lives!! As you begin to get into the thick of planning your wedding day you’re going to be making a LOT of decisions. One of the most important of these decisions is going to be choosing your […]

Questions You Need to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors underneath the cover of large trees in a park

read more

Madison and Wes’ wedding! Wow, I have so much to say about this wedding which goes to show just HOW much thought and care they both put into this day! Their wedding day took place at Trailside Event Center, but also included some other Peoria locations as well that we’ll talk about soon enough!  Here’s […]

Floral Wedding at Trailside Event Center in Peoria, IL | Madison + Wes

A bride and groom face one another with their eyes closed while outside of their wedding venue, Trailside Event Center

read more

As some of you may know, and others may not, there are a TON of spectacular wedding venues throughout Bloomington, Illinois! From historic buildings with their original feel and style intact, to new and modern spaces with their own unique vibe to them, there’s something for everyone around Bloomington-Normal. Don’t believe me? Well sit down […]

My 10 Favorite Wedding Venues in Bloomington, Illinois

A bride and groom stand facing one another during their wedding ceremony at their venue, Reality on Monroe in Bloomington, Illinois

read more

Ashley and Jake’s intimate wedding day at Reality on Monroe was a day filled with love and emotion, their story starts LONG before their wedding day though! The two practically grew up together, but were never interested in one another. They later moved across the country from one another, Ashley to Colorado and Jake to […]

Intimate Wedding at Reality on Monroe | Ashley + Jake

A bride and groom stand outside the Vrooman Mansion and smile at one another after their first look