Kathryn and Tom’s wedding day started off my fifth wedding season… Can’t believe it’s real! I am thankful, thankful, beyond thankful!

This wedding day was the perfect start to the season! Kathryn and Tom’s wedding day took place at the lovely Pear Tree Estate in Champaign, IL. This was my second wedding at the venue, and goodness, I fall more in love with each time I photograph there! The venue, overall design + feel, AND staff are out of this world!

Kathryn and Tom’s love story started a couple years ago when they met through Kathryn’s old boss. These two worked hard at their relationship, fell crazy in love, and are best friends and lovers. They are simple people, but their love is big! You can feel it when you’re near them and when they exchange glances.

On the day Tom proposed to Kathryn, it was actually the day before her birthday! They were getting ready to go out to dinner with friends to celebrate Kat’s birthday, started exchanging “I love you’s”, and then Tom asked her to marry him in their first home! I love their proposal story because Kathryn also shared with me that they had just purchased the house several months before the proposal… How meaningful and special!

Throughout the past year, I have sincerely LOVED getting to know Kathryn and Tom. This bride is THE sweetest. She has always been eager to plan, organize, and just chit-chat with me over phone calls and FaceTime coffee dates… Ummm, hello, it’s way more fun to share coffee + conversation even if it’s over FaceTime! I have loved growing a relationship with her, and Tom is such a kind guy, too!

The wedding day started with the ladies getting ready at the gorgeous home on the Pear Tree Estate property. This house is flawless, and the PERFECT space for getting ready. It was a relaxing morning for the ladies, and I loved meeting/greeting Kathryn with hugs and wedding day wishes. Plus, her bridesmaids were so sweet + fun that morning!

When Kathryn stepped into her wedding gown, I was in awe! The delicate cap sleeve detail was perfect for pre-ceremony/ceremony and the dress was later transformed into a strapless dress. I knew Tom would think she looked breathtaking as soon as he saw her. And soon enough, everyone was ready to start the day and send Kathryn off to her first look with Tom. Even though the air was chilly, these two settled in and warmed up as soon as they saw each other early that afternoon.

I truly cannot rave about this bridal party enough… Like I said, it was CHILLY – around 28 degrees outside – but everyone was ready to roll and take photos outside! Of course, we did photos in increments of a few minutes at a time + went inside to warm up + then back out we went. Both the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and bride + groom were troopers, and I love them all for that! They trusted me… The chilly air was so worth it and simply part of their day!

Then, it was onto their beautiful sunlit ceremony and elegant reception. And I will never forget at the reception when Kathryn and I were shedding tears… Kathryn and I truly built such a bond over her wedding, and when she told me how much this meant to her, I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy. I felt, and still feel, the exact same – meeting Kathryn has been an incredible blessing! I am thankful for her and Tom and their friendship.

Kathryn + Tom… Your wedding day is one I will always remember fondly! It was a honor to see the two of your celebrate with those closest to you on your wedding day, and I’ll never forget the blissful expressions you two – husband + wife – wore all throughout the day. I have loved getting to know the two of you, and I cannot wait to see where your marriage takes you!

Bride’s Attire: Allure Bridal at Michelle’s Bridal – Urbana, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Tulle Affairs by Mori Lee at Michelle’s Bridal – Urbana, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Michelle’s Bridal – Urbana, IL | Hair: Whitney Townsend + Ashley Parrott at Leading Edge – Paxton, IL | Makeup: Brittany Koroyanis at Brittany Koroyanis Makeup Artistry – Paxton, IL | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Pear Tree Estate – Champaign, IL | Florist: A House of Flowers – Rantoul, IL | DJ: Rusty Shaver with Music in Motion | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Bourbonnais, IL | Catering: L.A. Gourmet Catering – Champaign, IL | Cake: Kelly Darr – Champaign, IL | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Favors: DIY