Briar & Bramble Wedding Venue // Romantic Styled Shoot
[THE BLOG]
Briar & Bramble is a wedding venue in you do not want to miss in Central IL. Located 40 minutes from Springfield, and 1.5 hours from Bloomington, Peoria, and Champaign, it has so many spots for photos.
Abby & Derek have put a lot of love into this place. I can attest to it personally! In 2016 I attended a wedding when it was a much more rustic space. Now it is updated and GORGEOUS.
Abby of Abby Jean Photography hosted a few central IL wedding photographers for a small styled shoot. She has a great design eye- which is partially why Briar & Bramble look so good! The styled shoot was a blast.
There was a main table filled with candles, and I do mean lots of candles.
The Vendors
Before you scroll anymore you have to check out & follow these very talented folks! The gave their time and talent and brought real magic to life.
Venue/Styling : @briarandbrambleevents
Dresses and suits: @cloudninebridalpeoria
Makeup: @makeupbycarissastclair
Hair: @bridalhair.bykaley
Florals: @brilliantbouquets217
Models: @kperks_ @makeupbycarissastclair
I didn’t even photograph the entire space!! There is so much at this venue.
Spaces at Briar & Bramble
- The Main Ballroom
- The Bridal Suite
- The Bourbon Room
- The Back Patio
- And now, they are growing a vineyard!!!
You can check out their virtual walkthrough here.
The short dress, we called “the bubble dress.” Because it felt like a bubble at the bottom!! This was probably my favorite look of the day. The bows and the beads were beautitful.
That wedding I attended back in 2016? EVERYTHING was brown. The ceiling. The floors. The walls were brown brick. Which, normally I am not a fan of painting brick but honestly it works REALLY well at B&B.
Whether you purchase a second gown from your bridal store, or thrift a short white dress, I highly recommend getting another gown for the reception. Usually (not always) the main gown purchases is gorgeous AND heavy. Not easy to dance in. A second, lighter weight fit will truly make you feel lighter.
This year I’ve really been wanting to work on my flash work- to create more light-trails, and bring a special kind of energy to photos. So glad Kayla was down to let me “flash” her so many times!
Ugh and the sun was out that day so I used the shadows for added ✨drama✨.
This was my second styled shoot of the year! My first was at Hotel Royer in Champaign with Sarah & Sky. It’s so important to stay creative and try new things, as well as photograph somewhere you’ve never been before.
What a fun Sunday!!! Thank you Abby for hosting us and allowing us to create. 😊
Looking for second dress ideas? Check out these blogs:
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.
