Hannah and Steve are a dream of a couple… They are funny, kind, and perfectly fit into this life together. Today, I’m honored to share more of their wedding day with you!

These two met while working out at a local Crossfit gym. They were both taking different classes, but they would cross paths and started talking before and after classes. Then, these two went out a few times and grabbed drinks at the bar Hannah worked at. And soon after that first date, they officially started dating. Hannah and Steve told me that they hit it off from the start and working out at the same gym allowed them to see each other every day – talk about icing on the cake! Before they knew it, they saw firsthand how great of a team they were together as they started participating in Crossfit competitions alongside one another.

Fast forward a couple years… Hannah and Steve were at a local winery for an afternoon picnic with friends. Steve really wanted to arrive “earlier than everyone else”, and they shared a wine tasting, selected a bottle of wine, and setup a picnic outside of the winery. What Hannah didn’t know was that Steve had arranged for some of their friends to arrive early at the winery, too, to take photos of his soon to be proposal. Hannah was perfectly surprised and said “yes” to Steve’s proposal. Then they spent the day and evening celebrating at the winery and in downtown Champaign.

This couple is amazing. They are driven, hardworking, and compassionate. Their love for their family and friends is unmatched – they would do anything for their people and for each other. They love to be active together whether it be working out at the Crossfit gym together or competing. And they love cheering on their favorite sports teams together, too!

Over the past year, I have been so excited for this wedding day. From their engagement session last year back to that very first connection with Hannah’s mom, I am thankful for these two and their families. Hannah and Steve’s families have been involved and so kind from the start of the planning process, so I have loved not only getting to know this couple but getting to know members of their immediate family, too. It truly has been a joyful experience!

On the morning of their mid-October wedding day, Kyle and I arrived at the iHotel where the bridal party was getting ready. Even though the day’s forecast was bringing very chilly temps and 40+ mph winds, we were excited… Excited to spend the day with Hannah and Steve – celebrating their love and commitment to one another! As we arrived to both getting ready spaces for the ladies and gents, everyone was relaxed and looking forward to the day ahead. I love when wedding days start on a relaxed and calm note because it truly sets the tone for the day – love it!

Before we knew it, it was time to travel to Hannah’s family church – St. Patrick Catholic Church in Urbana – for their first look and wedding ceremony. I love how Hannah and Steve chose to share an intimate first look at the church before their ceremony. It was touching to photograph this moment in time for this couple. Goodness, these two are just perfect together!

After they shared a lovely ceremony, it was time to brave the wind with their bridal party at the University of Illinois Arboretum for a few more photos! Thankfully, this couple (along with their bridal party!) was up for anything and willing to brave the crazy weather conditions… And I am so thankful everyone trusted us! Even while everyone was wind blown, I love these photos. They truly encompass this couple, their joy for the people in their life, and their perfect wedding day.

As the sun set and the afternoon became the evening, we loved documenting Hannah and Steve having the time of their life in celebration with their loved ones. Their reception details were beautiful, and we also LOVED sharing our fisheye photo booth with their reception guests, too. So, so fun!

Some of my favorite details on this wedding day were the sweet gifts the couple exchanged early in the day. Both gifts were thoughtful and perfectly meaningful for this couple. And I’ve grown up in a family of girls, so I loved how Hannah and her sisters were able to share the day together. There is no bond like the bond sisters have, and it was a joy to see these sisters spend such an exciting day together. And finally, I just loved the color palette of ink blue + peach paired with accents of wine, gold, and tons of greenery. I don’t think I will ever get tired of eucalyptus!

Hannah and Steve – you two are amazing! I hope you continue to love each other more each day and share your love and kindness with those around you. It is a true joy and honor to know you two, hugs!

Bride’s Attire: The Wedding Studio – Carmel, IN | Bridesmaid Attire: Azazie | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo – Urbana, IL | Hair + Makeup: Timothy John Salon & Spa – Urbana, IL | Getting Ready Location: iHotel and Conference Center – Champaign, IL | Ceremony: St. Patrick Catholic Church – Urbana, IL | Reception Venue: iHotel and Conference Center – Champaign, IL | Florist: Blossom Basket Florist – Champaign-Urbana, IL | DJ: Bugbee’s DJ Plus – Champaign, IL | Photo Booth: Kara Evans Photographer Fisheye Photo Booth – Bourbonnais, IL | Catering: University Catering Services – Champaign, IL | Cake: Trefzger’s Bakery – Peoria, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Bliss Paper Boutique | Calligrapher: Letters from Lindsey – Urbana, IL | Favors: Tic Tac Labels at Dear Emma