I’m so excited to share Clare and Chayce’s rustic fall wedding in Springfield today! I connected with these two last year through my photographer friend, Lauren, and I’m so thankful for that! Get to know this couple…
From The Bride
Chayce and I were both at a point in our lives where we weren’t into the traditional dating scene. We were both working full time, and I worked nights at a hospital. Total opposite schedules! We both said we downloaded dating apps, but didn’t have very high expectations. Of course, we matched on Bumble, and here we are… Chayce likes to remind me that I tried hard to cancel our first date. If I had been successful in canceling, he never would have talked to me ever again! Thankfully we both kept the date, and it led to this! Chayce says he saw me walk out to his Jeep that first night and knew I was the one. I knew shortly into our dating relationship, but after hearing more about our shared views on family and goals in life, I knew he was the one too.
Fast forward about a year and a half… And I was ready to be engaged. I was starting to wonder when Chayce was going to propose and even my coworkers were taking bets! Chayce surprised me completely by proposing one Saturday my brother Connor was in town visiting us. We were heading to the Route 66 Car Festival in downtown Springfield when Chayce insisted we stop by the lake to fly Connor’s drone. I knew something was up for a few reasons! We finally ended up at Chayce’s grandparent’s house on the lake, and Connor insisted I go walk our dog, Rubi, by the water… We try hard to keep her safe from the water- so that was another clue! I walked Rubi down to the water, and when I turned around Chayce was down on one knee. Connor got the whole thing on the drone!
Chayce and I are both very family-oriented. We spend a lot of time with each of our families, and love when they all get together! We have two amazing fur babies, a black cat Maverick and French Bulldog Rubi – who are insanely spoiled. Chayce and I love taking Rubi for walks, out to explore Scheels, or on car rides.
The two of us also spend a lot of time at the lake – he’s big into the jet ski, wakeboarding, etc. I enjoy just riding the boat, under my big hat and wearing my sun shirt! We also love going out to eat, trying new places but then enjoying the favorites as well. We are always up for sushi, but frequent local places in our town, Chatham, quite often. When it comes to cooking at home, thankfully we have Chayce… If it were up to me it would be a dinner of whatever can be done in the microwave, ha! Chayce loves attempting new recipes and having a full balanced meal ready when I get home for dinner, and I’m so thankful for that!
We are so excited to embark on this new journey of married life!
The Wedding Day
This Springfield wedding day started off on the perfect note as Clare and her wedding party gathered to get ready at the hair salon while Chayce gathered with his wedding party to get ready at his parents’ home. Everyone was in excited spirits after a pretty stressfree wedding week and a fun, laid-back evening before the wedding! For this wedding day, our friend Morgan worked alongside me with photography while my husband Kyle documented the day through videography. Loved it!
Before we knew it, it was time to travel to the church to get these two married! They shared a traditional Catholic ceremony and gosh, this church is beautiful. I hadn’t been back to this church since second shooting a wedding there 5 years ago, so it was great to be back. It’s a gorgeous church!
After the ceremony, the fun really started! We traveled to downtown Springfield for photos at the Illinois State Capitol and at the Old State Capitol. And I definitely think we made Clare and Chayce’s downtown Springfield wedding photo vision come to life! Even despite the warm and very windy September day, this couple and their loved ones were all in for photos and so trusting of us. It made for the perfect afternoon full of fun and newlywed photos!
Then it was reception celebration time! After a few changes due to coronavirus, Clare and Chayce were grateful that a family friend offered their barn and property for their wedding reception. And it worked out perfectly! Clare told me that she has always loved rustic vibes and moving reception venues let them lean into those rustic touches even more! Um, how absolutely perfect! It all works out and at the end of the day, these two are MARRIED after sharing a wonderful wedding day with their loved ones!
Clare + Chayce – We loved being a part of your wedding day! You’ve been so fun to work with over the last year, and we’re incredibly grateful for your kind souls and love!
Creative credit goes to…
Clare’s Attire: Frew’s Bridal – Alton, IL | Chayce’s Attire: Seno Formal Wear | Wedding Party Attire: David’s Bridal + Seno Formal Wear | Hair: Morgan Roth at Kalon Hair Studio – Springfield, IL | Makeup: Makenzie Lock at Trends Terra Bella Salon & Spa – Chatham, IL | Jeweler: Luttrell Jewelers – Springfield, IL | Ceremony: St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church – Chatham, IL | Reception Venue: The Drum Farm – Rochester, IL | Guest Accommodations: Staybridge Suites Springfield – Springfield, IL | Florist: Trendsetters Floral – Chatham, IL | DJ: Music by Cory Brown | Transportation: Countryside Rentals | Reception Rentals: Cook Party Rentals – Springfield, IL | Photographer & Videographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Catering: Twyford BBQ & Catering – Jacksonville, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Annie James Stationery | Snacks: Del’s Popcorn – Springfield, IL