Over the last year and a half, I have been looking forward to Alison and Brandon’s wedding day! And today, I’m honored to share their wedding day on the blog.

Alison and Brandon are high school sweethearts. These two met back in 2010 when they were in high school and working at the local Monical’s. Before they knew it, they were in love, engaged, and planning their wedding day! As for how I know these two… Brandon and I go way back to kindergarten! I honestly don’t remember a day that I didn’t know Brandon as a friend, and I cherish the days we spent growing up together in our small town throughout grade school, junior high, and high school. Fun Fact – In high school, Brandon and I were both voted first to get married out of school. Love it!

Over two years ago, Brandon visited Alison at pharmacy school for her sorority’s formal weekend. After formal on Friday night, they planned to spend Saturday exploring Indy. First, they visited the zoo. And much to Brandon’s surprise, they made it through the entire zoo in less than three hours – he was anticipating they would spend six or so hours there… Ooops! After the zoo, they explored downtown and did a little shopping. After a little back and forth and the day’s plans passing by much more quickly than Brandon planned, it was finally sunset and their last stop was White River State Park. They walked around for a bit, and then Brandon got down on one knee and asked Alison to marry him. And much to Alison’s surprise, two of her friends were hiding in the background taking photos of the proposal… I just love this couple and their story!

These two have been together for over EIGHT years and planning their wedding day for a couple of those years, so you can probably guess that their wedding day was full of joy and love! The day started out with quite a bit of rain, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits… It was finally Alison and Brandon’s wedding day! I loved photographing Alison’s details and getting ready moments at her grandmother’s home on the morning of their wedding day. And before we knew it, it was time to travel down the road to the church.

The wedding ceremony Alison and Brandon shared at Alison’s family church is one I won’t soon forget… I loved their candlelit unity ceremony that included a candle lighting exchange with both of their moms. The ambiance and sentiment of that moment was truly beautiful as everyone was tucked inside the warm church, away from their rain outside, and soaking up the union of this couple! After the ceremony, we traveled north for the reception and the stormy skies parted – yay! We were so thankful for a break in the rain as we took photos at Governor Small Memorial & Park in Kankakee before joining the reception celebration.

I loved Alison and Brandon’s wedding day for so many reasons! First, their elegant style paired with blush pink, navy blue, and lace was truly beautiful. The florals paired with this color palette truly pulled together the classic + elegant details of the day. Oh, and I cannot forget that there were Two Whisks Bakery cakes as centerpieces at the reception… IN LOVE. Second, I love high school sweethearts, and these two are dear to my heart! To me, it seems like these two have been together forever, and they are a perfect match. Lastly, there were so many joyful moments and happy tears surrounding this wedding day from gift exchanges between the couple to the reveal between Alison and her dad to Brandon’s special dance with his mom and everything in between. All throughout the day it was truly evident just how loved this couple is by their family and friends. It truly doesn’t get better than that!

Alison + Brandon… It was an honor to photograph your wedding day! I love you both, and I wish you so many happy married years together!!

Bride’s Attire: David Tutera at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Sorella Vita at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Seno Formal Wear | Hair: Kenzie Schuler + Grace Ahlden at A Cut Above Salon & Spa – Watseka, IL | Makeup: Brittany Koroyanis Makeup Artistry – Paxton, IL | Jeweler: James & Sons | Ceremony: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at Schwer – Milford, IL | Reception: Expo Center at Kankakee County Fair & Exposition – Kankakee, IL | Guest Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn – Kankakee, IL | Florist: Sheila’s Sunny Bloomers – Cissna Park, IL | DJ: Party on Productions – Urbana, IL | Transportation: Elite Luxury Bus | Reception Rentals: Elite Entertainment – Champaign, IL | Photo Booth: Picture Perfect Memories Photo Booth – Streator, IL | Videographer: Andrew Lamping | Catering: Ford-Iroquois County Pork Producers | Cake: Two Whisks Bakery – Manteno, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Basic Invite | Calligrapher: Margaret Stratford