Last October, I first connected with Bree and Zack, and today (close to one year later), I am happy to share their wedding day images on the blog!

Bree and Zack met at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during their college years, and their love has grown ever since! After a few years of dating, Zack proposed to Bree in a breathtaking and unforgettable place on a trip together… Pike’s Peak in Manitou Springs, Colorado! I loved learning their story as we started to get to know each other. Our first offical in-person meeting was at their Starved Rock State Park engagement session last winter. Of course, we waited all winter for a snowy day and schedules to align, but we had to opt for a winter session incorporating the state park’s scenery… And even in the middle of winter, the photos were so fun!

As the months went on, I was looking forward to Bree and Zack’s wedding day! This wedding day started with the bride + bridesmaids getting ready at the venue… The lakeside home of the groom’s parents and the home he grew up in – how special! I LOVED how Bree and Zack chose to have their wedding ceremony and reception take place at such a meaningful, intimate place to them. The location was perfectly fitting for these two and their small wedding with all of their closest family and friends alongside them.

My favorite details of this wedding day were, of course, the venue. But I also had a handful of other favorites. First, the flowers from Flowers Plus in Streator were breathtaking. This is the second wedding (remember the gorgeous flowers from Lacey and Jake’s wedding?) that I have photographed and worked with this vendor, and once again, I was blown away at the sheer talent of these florals. The florals were the perfect statement to Bree’s romantic boho vision for the style of her wedding day. Just wait until you see those florals next to the wine bridesmaid dresses – heart eyes!!! Second, I loved the meaning behind the ring Bree wore on her wedding day. It was her grandma’s ring from the 1940s, and it was so incredibly special to wear on this occasion. And finally, I loved the sunset on the lake on this wedding day! It was the best ending I could have imagined to my time photographing Bree and Zack.

This couple are laid-back and love to have fun, so fun for me to document the two of them enjoying their wedding day and celebrating with their favorite people! These two compliment one another’s personalities and have adventurous hearts. And oh, I cannot wait to see photos from their honeymoon adventure in New Zealand this November!

Bree and Zack – Congratulations! I am thrilled to share your wedding photos with you!

Bride’s Attire: Jasmine Bridal at Frew’s Bridal and Formal Wear – Alton, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Vera Wang at David’s Bridal | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Kristen Gust | Makeup: Mikki Weaver | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Lakeside Home of the Groom’s Parents Tom & Nancy Raube | Tablecloths/Linens: Tri-County Event Rentals – Bloomington, IL | Florist: Flowers Plus – Streator, IL | Transportation: Shaw Shuttles – Odell, IL | DJ: Devon Lehmkuhl | Catering: Tom Tuley | Cake: Pfaff’s Bakery – Pontiac, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Mpix + Vistaprint