This styled shoot was a DREAM!

After a yoga class together early in April, my sweet friend Michaela and I started brainstorming and dreaming of a local to Kankakee County styled shoot. It’s on both of our hearts to connect and engage with our community and wedding vendors alike, so we knew a styled shoot would be a wonderful opportunity to do just that and so much more. Our hearts were willing and open for the experience!

Right away, we encouraged each other and jumped in with planning the shoot together. Our vision for the shoot was both romantic + whimsical along with touches of boho and tons of natural elements. We were praying for beautiful weather for our OUTDOOR shoot (next one we’re thinking maybe an indoor location in Kankakee County… Stay tuned)! After getting a feel for the overall style vision of the shoot, we started reaching out and connecting with some of our favorite local vendors to make the outdoor shoot happen. We were filled with joy as each and every vendor we reached out to said “yes” to the collaboration.

It’s no secret that Michaela and I LOVED planning + preparing for the shoot with this vendor team. We are thankful! We loved visiting Elite Bridal (and their fabulous ladies!) to select bridal attire and sharing cake inspiration with Two Whisks Bakery and meeting One Fine Day for coffee and even running into another sweet vendor, Hannah, at a local coffeeshop. It was a joy to ooh and aah over the florals Michaela was designing, the swing my husband made, the decor and furniture the ladies at One Fine Day shared with us, and don’t get me started on the impeccable invitation suite(s) and calligraphy.

Oh, and I cannot forget to mention that we loved being able to do things a little differently than a traditional styled shoot! With this very shoot, we were able to feature several bridal looks (because why not?!), invitation suites, calligraphy options, and “scenes” on-site. As these details started to unfold and the generous vendors shared their talents, I was reminded that it’s all about leaning on each other, collaborating, and growing in the experience. Friends, these details simply started falling into place before our eyes. It was truly remarkable!

As the days drew nearer to the May 14th styled shoot, Michaela and I were watching the weather like crazy ladies – just ask our husbands! We were praying that the weather would hold out for our shoot to bring these creatives together… And it did! While we thought the day would end up being overcast – and dare I say “cooler” – with the stormy forecast, we were pleasantly surprised with a nearly 90 degree day and sunshine. That’s right, sunshine! On the day of the shoot, we spent nearly the entire day on-site where all of the details, and most importantly, people came together with their creativity to make the shoot come to life. We shared sunburns (yep, me!), sweat, and tears as the shoot wrapped up with our friend (and model) Autumn saying “YES” to a beautiful proposal by her now fiancé, Michael.

It’s amazing what people can bring together through creativity, and I am so thankful for everyone we collaborated with on that special day! The relationships formed on this day and beyond are relationships we will cherish and continue to pour into our local community. Thanks again to our amazing creative team – it truly wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you!

Creative credit goes to this team… Floral Design + Event Styling: Michaela Mantarian at Pink Peonies Events | Photography: Kara Evans Photographer | Videography: Joe Mantarian Photography/Videography | Videography: Kyle Evans | Bridal Attire: Elite Bridal | Hair + Makeup: Brio Beauty Bar | Cake: Two Whisks Bakery | Event Design + Decor: Sheila St. Aubin + Jennifer Harvoth at One Fine Day | Invitations + Paper Goods: Tess Johnson at Alline Design | Calligraphy: Hannah Karen Creations | Models: Autumn Davis + Michael Hodak