February 8, 2024
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 a little info about these two before we dive into their day. They initially met on Bumble, and met for the first time while in Uptown Normal. They share a deep love for one another, and love to spend time together going on walks, checking out concerts, exploring new places, and cooking together. Really anything that they can do together they’re ALL for! Madison loves Wes’ sense of humor and how he is genuinely kind to everyone he meets. Wes adores how excited Madison gets and loves how she humors his music rants. I could go on and on about their love for one another, but I think the wedding day they created will showcase that better than I can!
Getting Ready and a First Look
Madison and Wes each got ready separately with their wedding parties at two incredible Airbnb’s which was SUCH a fun way to start the day! Wes and his gang got ready at this 3 bedroom home in Peoria Heights. While getting ready Wes also was able to give out gifts to his groomsmen including thrifted pint glasses, vintage matchboxes, and non-thrifted cigars. Spirits were high at the guy’s house, and the same was true with the gals! Madison and her ladies were at Blackbird On the Drive, which you may recognize from my list of potential spaces for an Airbnb elopement! The Airbnb was super stylish, and fit the moody floral vibe that Madison was looking for perfectly. After everyone was ready it was time for Madison and Wes’ first look!
For their first look, Madison and Wes chose Donovan Park in Peoria Heights as their location. Normally photographers will try to avoid open areas like this at high sun as the lighting can be challenging to work with. I on the other hand think that it brought a light, airy, and joyous feel to Madison and Wes’ first look and I’m SO happy that these two put their trust in me! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, when choosing your wedding photographer be sure to ask to see a full album of theirs that features ALL kinds of lighting! After their first look it was time for their wedding ceremony at Trailside Event Center, but not before a few portrait photos!!
Portraits and Their Wedding at Trailside Event Center
We chose to take advantage of the time we had in Donovan Park by taking a majority of Madison and Wes’ couples portraits then as well as wedding party portraits. I’ve also talked about this before, but getting your portraits done early is something that you can really only do with a first look, and it makes your wedding day timeline SO much more flexible! After portraits in the park we headed to Trailside Event Center for some family portraits prior to the start of their wedding ceremony.
The ceremony space at Trailside Event Center is magnificent, and one of my favorite venues in Central Illinois. It’s spacious and open, and while it does have its own unique style it isn’t overbearing and allows you to bring in your own decorative touches. Madison’s father built an arbor as the centerpiece for their ceremony which Madison then decorated with fresh florals to fit the style she was going for on their wedding day. The ceremony was beautiful, emotional, and the perfect way to celebrate this next chapter in Madison and Wes’ love story.
Wedding Reception at Trailside Events Center
After their ceremony, Madison, Wes, and I snuck outside of Trailside Event Center for some newlywed portraits. Creating this alone time on your wedding day to really take in the moment and all that’s happened so far is something I’m ALWAYS recommending my clients do! The celebration began with a cake cutting followed by speeches from the maid of honor, the best man, and both fathers. Both of the father’s speeches had the entire room tearing up, especially when Wes’ dad pulled out a letter he wrote to them while he went off to college. I’m a sucker for emotional speeches, and these two got me GOOD!/Following this was Madison and Wes’ first dance to “Love is Everywhere”, as well as the newlyweds sharing a dance with their parents.
After the first dances were out of the way the rest of the dance floor opened up for Madison and Wes to enjoy with all of their guests! There were quite a few highlights from the dance floor that evening, the first being Wes and his family’s traditions of dancing to “Shout” while on their hands and knees! As a final highlight of the evening, Madison had a surprise for her father. It was actually his birthday as well, so she decided to surprise him with a cake. Talk about a perfect birthday!
Madison and Wes put together a one of a kind wedding day at Trailside Event Center in Peoria, Illinois. The day was honestly perfect from start to finish and I am SO happy to have been a part of it! Head to my contact page if you’re looking to book me to document your wedding day, I’d love to hear from you so we can reserve your date today!
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All love is affirmed & celebrated here.
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.
For the people who would rather be living the moment than posing for it.
I'm Rachael (she/her) by the way.
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.
