I remember when I first connected with these two back in February when Lauren’s best friend Kaitlin (one of my amazingly talented photog gal pals!) recommended me as a wedding photographer! This industry has given me many blessings, and the photographer friends I have made in this very industry are simply the best. Kaitlin is no exception to that!
Lauren and Jesse met online via Tinder. Shortly after swiping right, these two went out on a Halloween evening date and had one of the “most fun, spontaneous, comfortable, and longest dates ever” per Lauren’s quote. After that first date, these two couldn’t stop talking and even started planning their second date the day after their first… It was truly a match made in heaven, and their story began!
On a Wednesday – yes, Wednesdays are a special day for these two – Jesse made plans to see Lauren while she was working her evening job as a waitress. After he stopped by for dinner, these two drove home. Once they got to the Treehouse (what Lauren and Jesse call their home!), Lauren said “YES” to Jesse’s surprise proposal! His proposal was simply sweet, and totally these two!
As the months have passed, I have enjoyed getting to know these two via email, FaceTime, phone calls, and a spectacular coffee date. I always enjoy my time with these two! I have loved learning of their wedding style – these two are totally vintage, and I love it! Their wedding day was a fusion of navy blues, forest green, and metallic + marble touches – IN LOVE! Plus, their all-in-one venue – The Silver Fox – was out of this world! These two pulled everything together flawlessly…
On the morning of this wedding day, Kyle and I were greeted by our excited groom Jesse as we had perfect timing to run into him and deliver Lauren’s purse to her – hey, we will help out in any way we can on your wedding day! As we walked into the bed and breakfast the ladies were getting ready at, the atmosphere was light and joyful. All of the gals were relaxing and enjoying their morning together as the amazing Bridal Brigade made them so very glamorous… Oh, and this was after their morning “rehearsal breakfast” took place. I’m telling you, Lauren + Jesse are planners at heart, and they planned a wonderful Wednesday wedding day. P.S. – Lauren and Jesse live in Pittsburgh, so these two had their work cut out for them as they lived miles (well, states) away and planned their Central Illinois wedding day. I have to say that these two made it look easy!
After a few hours passed, it was time for Lauren and the ladies to get dressed and send Lauren to her first look with Jesse. I loved documenting this sweet first look moment with this couple… It was a tender moment filled with so many smiles and happy tears. As soon as these two saw one another, they eased into each other’s arms for a tender embrace and spent the rest of the day so near to one another. So, so beautiful!
As the day carried on, there were so many special moments shared with the couple and their parents and siblings and family and friends as their two families became one. And gosh, I have so many little favorite details from this day! I loved Lauren’s forest green earrings given to her by her younger sister from her travels to South Africa along with her custom headpiece that included her grandma’s pearls. Oh, and I LOVED their pre-ceremony ring blessing that allowed guests to warm their wedding rings and offer a blessing over their new marriage – how meaningful! And I cannot forget the emotional family dance (yes, I couldn’t stop crying behind my camera in this moment!) that Lauren and Jesse shared with Lauren’s brother, dad, mom, and Jesse’s mom at the reception.
All in all, this couple is simply amazing. They are compassionate, generous, quirky, and perfect for one another. Each and every person in their life is so lucky to be a part of their story!
Lauren + Jesse, thank you for trusting me as your wedding photographer. It was an honor to be by your side throughout your most perfect wedding day. I am so lucky to know you two! Wishing you many, many years of wedded bliss!
Bride’s Gown:Maggie Sottero at Bridal Beginning – Pittsburg, PA | Bride’s Fur:Vintage-Furs | Bride’s Headpiece: Lilly Suwinski at Crown Yourself Designs | Bridesmaid Attire:David’s Bridal | Groom’s Attire:Calvin Klein | Groomsmen Attire:Men’s Wearhouse | Hair + Makeup:Bridal Brigade – Chicagoland | Ceremony + Reception Venue:The Silver Fox – Streator, IL | Florist:Finding Eminence – Lexington, IL | Ceremony Pianist:Eric Burgett – Nashville, TN | DJ: Jeff Dowell | Transportation: Central IL School Bus | Photo Booth:123 Picture Me – Ottawa, IL | Catering:Wooden Paddle – Lemont, IL | Cake:Lost in Time Bakery – Fairbury, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods:Vistaprint