Oh, Brittany and Luke! They’re finally married and enjoying life as newlyweds! Let’s take a look back on these two and their wedding day…

Brittany and I go way back (if you will)! When we were younger, we danced together for a few years, and we’ve always been the same year in school. Living in small towns so close to each other, we always “knew” each other throughout the years.

Fast forward to last summer when Brittany contacted me after getting engaged! Oh my, was I excited! I had heard about her and Luke and their budding relationship, and Brittany looked so incredibly joyous in all of the photos I saw of her. Soon after, Brittany and Luke were planning engagement and wedding photography with me.

I love Brittany and Luke’s love story… These two grew up in agricultural families, so guess where they met? An antique tractor show! I LOVE hearing about their first meeting, and it is beautiful to see where their love has taken them.

Last fall, we set out for their engagement session, and I still remember the day fondly. It was a bit windy, but a fairly warm day in October. It was sincerely fun to document these two being themselves – Brittany smiling as Luke gave her a goofy grin or a sweet kiss on the cheek. These two are the perfect match and compliment one another wonderfully!

On their wedding day – July 30th – I arrived and everyone was filled with joy and excitement. Brittany was finishing getting ready and her bridesmaids were relaxing. I was overwhelmed with the realization that Brittany and Luke were entirely surrounded by their loved ones, their support system, their friends. These are their people, and they were full of JOY!

I loved this entire wedding day, but a few moments in time initially come to my mind when looking back… Brittany, her mom, and her sister have an unbreakable bond, and I loved photographing them as they talked, giggled, and prepared Brittany for her first look with Luke. And it’s true, there is nothing like a special moment with your dad. Brittany and her dad had a beautiful, emotional reveal. She was a truly breathtaking bride with gorgeous blonde hair along with lace and button details on her dress. And her dad’s face when he saw his beautiful daughter as a bride was priceless.

Wedding days are incredibly emotional, and Brittany and Luke’s was nothing less… There were tears, laughter, and all sorts of fun. I always cry at weddings, and once again, I was brought to tears during their beautiful ceremony as they chose to symbolize their marriage with a unity cross. It brought me back to my own wedding and the unity cross my husband and I used to symbolize our new marriage. So, so sweet!

And all throughout the day and into the night, everyone was full of celebration! Happiness and laughter were overflowing throughout the day – it was a beautiful sight! 

I sincerely loved documenting this day, seeing many familiar faces, and being welcomed like I was part of the family. Oh, and you may notice a few familiar faces… Tracie was also a bridesmaid in one of my June weddings, and Logan and Josiah (Luke’s brother) will be married this weekend. How fun!

Mr. & Mrs. Hesterberg – Thank YOU! You two are wonderful souls, and I am thankful to know you both. Your laughter, tender hearts, and positivity are amazingly encouraging from behind the lens! Love, love, LOVED working with you both, clients and friends!

Bride’s Attire: Kenneth Winston at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse + Pard’s Western Shop | Hair: Lisa Martinez – Watseka, IL | Makeup: Amanda Wichtner | Ceremony: Milford Christian Church – Milford, IL | Reception: Iroquois County Fairgrounds 4H Building – Crescent City, IL | Reception Air Conditioning: Cat Rentals | Florist: Debi Grimes | Table Linens: Elite Entertainment | DJ: Chris Morrison | Photobooth: Portrait Place Studio – Onarga, IL | Catering: Luke’s One Stop – Cissna Park, IL | Full Service Bar: Blondie’s – Crescent City, IL | Cake: Nana’s Cakery & Bake Shoppe – Bradley, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Zazzle + Etsy | Guestbook: Sean McCalla of McCalla Laser Design – Milford, IL