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WEDDING

Summer Wedding Day at Erin’s Pavilion in Springfield, IL | Katie + Sebastian

Katie and Sebastian's summer wedding day at Erin's Pavilion in Springfield, Illinois with Chicagoland photographer Kara Evans Photographer.

July 4, 2019

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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It’s the season of weddings, weddings, and more weddings! I’m honored to share Katie and Sebastian’s summer wedding day at Erin’s Pavilion on the blog!

My sweet friend Kate Spencer connected me to Katie and Sebastian last spring, and I’m thankful for the connection! This couple is laid back, kind, and so so fun together. And there is just something about the tender love and bond between these two.

From the Bride

Our love story began when we were kids. Sebastian is the cousin of one of my best friends growing up. He would come to her birthday parties, and both of our crushes began then. We first “dated” (if you want to call it that) in 6th grade. This lasted maybe a couple months as we were young and did not know what we were doing. Then, we started a more mature relationship on March 18, 2009 when I was a freshman in high school and he was a sophomore. Since then, we have grown so much as a couple. He proposed to me on March 18, 2018. It was our anniversary, and we were going to Danenberger Family Vineyards with some friends to celebrate.
When we got there, a photographer that we know came up to us and said that he was working for Danenberger and that he wanted to get some pictures for the website. One of the workers came up to us chiming in and talking more about these pictures for the website. So I fell for it and said “sure.” They took us to this back room that was reserved for a party that was later in the day. We started taking pictures. All of a sudden, Sebastian pulled the ring out of his pocket and got down on one knee. I was truly surprised, and I was even more surprised when the room was rented out for my friends and family to come celebrate with us. It was perfect!
We love to go to wineries, spend time with friends, be active, go see movies, and binge watch tv shows together. In our life, we value family more than anything. Sebastian and I love going anywhere with a beach, and we both love country music and living in the country. We both are goofy, and we just love to be goofy together.

Over the past year, I’ve had the honor of getting to know these two as they planned their wedding day. From first meeting them to photographing their engagement session to the texts, emails, and FaceTime dates in between… One thing is for sure – these two are meant to be!  ?

The Wedding Day

On the morning of their summer wedding day at Erin’s Pavilion, Kyle and I arrived to the venue where the girls were finishing up getting ready. While the morning was full of storms and rain, I was encouraging Katie to be optimistic about the weather. Thankfully, their wedding day was taking place at a venue where the rain wouldn’t be a problem. Before we knew it, it was time for the couple to share a first look before rolling into bridal party photos. I loved photographing this sweet first look and was extra thankful for my second shooter husband to hold an umbrella over me and my camera during some of these photos.

After we tucked the couple and bridal party away from arriving guests, it was go time – time for the ceremony! Katie and Sebastian shared a ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. It was incredibly touching how these two shared a unity candle lighting followed by a memorial candle lighting in honor of Sebastian’s late parents. I don’t know if there was a dry eye in the room. What a beautiful moment and remembrance of Sebastian’s parents.

As the ceremony was wrapping up, the skies began to part and the rain stopped. We were thankful! I knew our optimism would be worth it and that Katie and Sebastian would find sunshine on their wedding day. The bridal party was amazing for a few more quick photos outside the venue before the reception began. The wide open and scenic views of Erin’s Pavilion paired with the passing clouds were exactly why Katie and Sebastian loved this venue’s outdoor space. I enjoyed seeing their blush pink (wait until you see her shoes!), gray, and gold decor paired with their florals all come together throughout the details of the day.

And friends, the sunset on Katie and Sebastian’s wedding day was unreal! From the rainy start to the day to the gorgeous sunset… We couldn’t have asked for a better weather turnaround on this day! I like to think that Sebastian’s parents sent that special sunshine to their evening. ?

Katie & Sebastian – Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your summer wedding day at Erin’s Pavilion! We loved getting to know you two, sharing lots of laughs on your wedding day, and photographing your love.

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Bride’s Attire: Morilee at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Bill Levkoff at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: The Rage Hair Studio & Spa – Springfield, IL | Makeup: Morgan Carroll-Douglas | Jeweler: Zales | Getting Ready Location: The Rage Hair Studio & Spa + Erin’s Pavilion | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Erin’s Pavilion – Springfield, IL | Wedding Officiant: Jared Long | Guest Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites – Springfield, IL | Florist: True Colors Floral Artistry – Springfield, IL | DJ: Complete Weddings & Events | Reception Rentals: Signature Event Rental – Springfield, IL | Photo Booth: DIY | Catering: Hamilton’s Catering – Jacksonville, IL | Cake: Simply Sweet Cakery – Mt. Zion, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Invitations by Dawn

P.S. – Wanna read more love stories and get wedding inspiration? I love sharing more wedding days here!

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Chicagoland wedding & family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois

@karaevansphotog