Moody Wedding at Arlington’s in Springfield, IL | Caitlin + Trevor
[THE BLOG]
Heyoo, I'm Rachael (she/her)! I'm a Wedding + Elopement Photographer based in Illinois, helping tell love stories in Chicago, St Louis, and beyond. I hope you'll find some inspiration and helpful resources on this blog, whether or not you choose me to be a part of your big day.
Sometimes, you just know when you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and that was the case with Caitlin and Trevor. These two met in high school, Trevor had snuck into a friend’s math class, saw Caitlin, and decided to shoot his shot. Seven years later, they returned to their hometown to tie the knot, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.
A Wedding Ceremony in the Lincoln Memorial Garden on Lake Springfield
If you’re local to Springfield, you know Lincoln Memorial Garden on Lake Springfield. With over 100 acres of preserved nature and six miles of scenic trails along Lake Springfield, it is a staple to the Springfield area and a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony. And for Caitlin and Trevor, it held even deeper meaning.
Trevor’s grandpa, Larry, was the head gardener of LMG for 30 years. He lived on the property and even got married there! So it only made sense that Caitlin and Trevor spent most of their wedding day on the grounds Larry lovingly cared for for so many years.
Their ceremony overlooked Lake Springfield where they started their marriage surrounded by family and friends.
They quite literally tied the knot. Together they completed a fisherman’s knot to celebrate their union and close their ceremony. These two tied the knot so fast, and I mean they are like, really good at tying knots.
After signing the marriage license on a tree, we headed to Alrington’s for the reception.
Their Wedding Reception at Arlington’s in Springfield
Upon arriving at their historic Springfield wedding venue, there were little table games for folks to best each other in tic-tac-toe, and home-harvested honey as a wedding favor. Their intimate wedding was romantic and timeless.
They surrounded themselves with the people that mattered most to them so everywhere you looked you saw so much love for this couple.
Caitlin’s big sister Bri’s speech made us cry most I think— and then we partied.
And by partied I mean danced, HARD.
We closed their wedding night with C + T sneaking off to play some games as they do at home together. It was the perfect way to close their thoughtful intimate wedding day at Arlington’s in Springfield.
5 Ways to Create Intentional Moments On Your Wedding Day with Your Partner
One thing that C & T did SO well throughout their wedding day was setting aside time for them to enjoy just the two of them. Here are some easy ways to incorporate quality, intentional time on your wedding day, just like C & T did for theirs!
Plan an activity to do together
Schedule a first look
Set aside down time in your timeline
Go for a walk together
Hide away during cocktail hour to eat some snacks
Exchange vows or letters privately
Have a sweetheart table
All of these little moments can add up to a lot of quality and intentional time on your wedding day with your partner. I have so many other examples that past couples have used that I would love to share with you as we plan your wedding day!
If you’re planning your thoughtful wedding day and looking for someone to document all of the little details that make it feel like you, reach out via my contact page! I can’t wait to be a part of your wedding day.
Heyoo, I'm Rachael (she/her)! I'm a Wedding + Elopement Photographer based in Illinois, helping tell love stories in Chicago, St Louis, and beyond. I hope you'll find some inspiration and helpful resources on this blog, whether or not you choose me to be a part of your big day.
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.
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.
Whether you have 10 or 100 folks witnessing your vows, are planning the big shebang or a small backyard party, or just want to celebrate getting through life with your best friend—I'd be thrilled to document it for you.