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WEDDING

Boho Wedding Day at Hamilton’s on the Lake in Jacksonville, Illinois | Lauren + Alex

Boho wedding day at Hamilton's on the Lake in Jacksonville, Illinois with Chicagoland wedding photographer Kara Evans Photographer.

June 20, 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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So excited to share this boho wedding day at Hamilton’s on the Lake!

You might remember these two from their farm engagement session last fall. They are the sweetest, and I’m honored to share more about their love story and wedding day with you!

From the bride…

We have known each other for years, crossing paths at many small town parties, but never actually talking to each other. It wasn’t until my best friend Kelsey, his friend Brady, and I were out road tripping one night that our paths truly crossed. After that night, we settled on a friendship and spent the summer boating, attending fairs, and having fun with our new intermingled friend group. As time went on, I couldn’t deny that I did develop feelings for him (which I think was pretty mutual!), but neither of us wanted to admit it and risk ruining our friendship. It wasn’t until St. Patrick’s day that following spring that Alex finally asked me out on a date. We were out with a big group of friends, and I honestly thought he was being sarcastic and blew him off laughing. It wasn’t until the next day that he texted me saying “he was serious about that date” that I realized this was our opportunity to give things a shot. So we went out on that first date, and honestly we have been completely inseparable since.

Last August they went on a trip to the Wisconsin Dells to celebrate their birthdays that are only days apart. As they relaxed and enjoyed some time in the hot tub one afternoon of their trip, the marriage conversation started as it had before in their relationship. At the time, Alex played things off that he didn’t see it happening in the near future. Lauren was discouraged and maybe a little sulky. ? Then, when Alex asked her if she was upset, she walked around the corner feeling a little sassy and to her surprise Alex had a ring box in his hand. They experienced a whirlwind of emotions together that day, and Lauren was totally surprised!

Now, these two live on Alex’s family farm surrounded by cows, two puppy dogs, and a cat. Over the last months, you could find these two working hard to remodel a family farmhouse that they now call home, farming, wedding planning, and finishing up student teaching. These two are happy go lucky and so very in love! 

Lauren and I connected pretty quickly after their engagement last summer and instantly clicked! All throughout the planning process, she has felt like a bride but even more so a friend. I loved getting to know these two early on while learning their love story and hearing about all of their wedding plans. And I have loved from the start that Lauren’s mom and two older sisters have been helping her plan every detail of their boho wedding day at Hamilton’s on the Lake!

The Wedding Day

On the morning of the wedding, I arrived to Trend Setters Salon and Spa in Jacksonville where the girls were busy getting ready for the day ahead. Soon we traveled to the chapel where the first look and ceremony would take place… I LOVED photographing Lauren and Alex’s sweet first look where they exchanged letters before seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. Heart eyes!

Annie Merner Chapel, as always, was a stunner for pre-ceremony bridal party photos. It’s such a simple yet beautiful building, and I always enjoy photographing there! Before we knew it, it was time for Lauren and Alex to share vows and rings in front of their closest family and friends.

After the ceremony, we traveled to Hamilton’s at the Lake where their reception was taking place. I appreciated how Lauren and Alex molded two parts of their wedding day – a church wedding and outdoor reception – seamlessly. And once again, I enjoy photographing weddings at the lake. It was the perfect backdrop and fit for Lauren and Alex’s style – earthy, neutral tones, and pops of greenery + dusty rose. Plus I ADORED photographing another jaw dropping Petals & Co. wedding flower creation.  Love, love, love it! ?

As the evening rolled into sunset, not even a torrential downpour and hail could dampen this couples spirits or their celebration! I loved seeing Lauren and Alex laughing and catching up with loved ones, dancing on the dance floor, and radiating newlywed bliss all throughout their boho wedding day at Hamilton’s on the Lake.

Lauren & Alex – thank you, thank you, thank you! It has been a delight to be your photographer and friend throughout your wedding planning and wedding day!

 

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Bride’s Attire: Chic Nostalgia Bridal at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Morilee at Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL |  Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Trend Setters Salon and Spa – Jacksonville, IL | Jeweler: Denney Jewelers – Springfield, IL | Getting Ready Locations: Trend Setters Salon and Spa + Annie Merner Chapel – Jacksonville, IL | Ceremony: Annie Merner Chapel – Jacksonville, IL | Wedding Officiant: Becky Long | Reception Venue: Hamilton’s at the Lake – Jacksonville, IL | Guest Accommodations: Sleep Inn and Suites – Jacksonville, IL | Florist: Petals and Co. – Rochester, IL | DJ: Epic Entertainment – Carlinville, IL | Transportation: BTM Transportation – Murrayville, IL | Reception Rentals: Schmidt Tent Rental Inc. – Liberty, IL | Videographer: New Expressions Photography – Springfield, IL | Catering: Hamilton’s Catering – Jacksonville, IL | Cake: Icing on the Cake and Bakery – Jacksonville, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Ashley Flynn Designs and Photography – Jacksonville, IL

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  1. […] Mallory and Brandon! These two found my work through two of our past and most loyal brides, Lauren and Lyndsey, and I’m forever grateful for […]

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Chicagoland wedding & family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois

@karaevansphotog