kara evans

WEDDING

September Pear Tree Estate Wedding Day in Champaign, Illinois | Katie + Jordan

October 5, 2017

Hey, I’m Kara!
Hey, I’m Kara! A wedding and family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois! Whether I’m photographing your wedding day or everyday milestones and memories as a family, this job is my joy.

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The day is finally here – Katie and Jordan’s wedding photos are ready for their debut! Cheers to reliving their wedding day through photos!

Katie and Jordan are the best – they are kind, witty, and the perfect match. These two contacted at the end of August last year when they started planning their September 2017 wedding day. And ever since I met them last year, I have felt so connected to them and thankful that they are my clients and friends!

Each love story is so unique, and there’s probably no surprise that I love their story! While these two were both living in southern Illinois – Katie attending grad school and Jordan working in his hometown – they matched on Tinder in October 2014. After messaging for a couple weeks, they decided to jump in and meet for their first date at a local winery. These two hit it off immediately, fell in love quickly, and spent the next six months getting to know each other and their family and friends! Then, that following March, Katie was offered a job in Champaign, and Jordan instantly offered to move. too. By that May, these two were in a new home with new jobs and ready for their adventure together! And the icing on the cake? Champaign is the halfway point between both of their families… It doesn’t get much better than that!

With Katie and Jordan’s love for wine and exploring wineries together, it was perfectly fitting that Jordan incorporated a new winery – Sleepy Creek Vineyards – into the proposal over Memorial Day weekend last year. Once these two were at the winery and played a board game that Jordan won, they shared words of love and joy of sharing time together, and Jordan started digging around in his pocket! Jordan got down on one knee, and after many many sweet words, he asked Katie to be his wife! Katie began to cry happy tears and said YES! After the proposal, Jordan sweetly shared that both sets of their parents would be meeting them for dinner that evening to celebrate, too! What a perfect day for these two lovebirds!

Throughout the past year, I have loved getting to know these two and hearing of their wedding day vision. These two are so fun-loving that I knew their wedding day would be a dream, and it was! Plus, they were sharing it with all of their favorite people – their parents, siblings, best friends, and family members – in a beautiful place, Pear Tree Estate. I remember when I asked what they envisioned on their wedding day, and Katie said, “I want our family and friends to see the love that Jordan and I share every day. I want them to see the way we look at each other, the way we communicate, and how happy we are to share such a joyous occasion with them to begin our journey as husband as wife. I want to celebrate the love, commitment, and fun our families have shared with us our entire lives.” This – this is exactly what Katie and Jordan’s day was all about.

Like I said, this day was nothing short of a dream! After arriving to Katie’s getting ready suite, I ran into Jordan – the day-of wedding decor man in charge – and his energy was through the roof with excitement! Jordan is such a fun yet intentional guy, and it was incredible to see him taking the reigns on the ceremony and reception decor that morning so that his bride Katie could relax with her girls. P.S. – this decor was fabulous! The intricate details, florals, and other various pieces all came together and were so representative of Katie and Jordan! Soon enough, it was time for their first look, and goodness, it was so full of emotion! These two had a beautiful setting at Pear Tree Estate with a mix of summer and fall for these photos, and this moment together was a beautiful start to the rest of their wedding day together. After pre-ceremony photos, these two were able to step inside for a break from the heat – oh yes, it was a very WARM September day – and prepare for their wedding ceremony…

I remember taking in a beautiful moment during Katie and Jordan’s wedding ceremony performed by their best friend… As these two shared words of love, encouragement, and commitment to one another, I remember glancing throughout the room and seeing so many married couples, and couples alike, snuggled in together with arms around one another taking in this beautiful moment in time. This was such a sweet reminder that Katie and Jordan have a tribe of people that will support and encourage them throughout their married days. I loved watching this moment and documenting it as Katie and Jordan vowed forever to one another!

Then, it was really time to celebrate! Katie and Jordan were full of love, laughter, and FUN throughout the entire evening right up to their sparkler exit. All throughout the night, everyone saw their immense love for one another and showered them with love, too!

Katie and Jordan… Thank you for including me on your most special day yet! I am so happy for you both, and I cannot wait to see where your married days take you. Always remember the way you two felt on your wedding day and the promises you shared… Hugs!

 

Bride’s Attire: Essense of Australia at Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo – Urbana, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Various | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Michael Kors at Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo – Urbana, IL | Hair: Laura Sherry | Makeup: Lauren Novosel | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Pear Tree Estate – Champaign, IL | Wedding Coordinator: Shaina Kolzow at Pear Tree Estate – Champaign, IL | Florist: Blossom Basket Florist – Urbana, IL | DJ: Complete Weddings & EventsCatering: LA Gourmet Catering – Champaign, IL | Cake: Sugar by Sarah – Urbana, IL | Cookies: Insomnia Cookies – Champaign, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas | Favors: The Knot Shop + Sugar by Sarah

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Chicagoland wedding & family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois

@karaevansphotog