kara evans

WEDDING

Summer Farm Wedding in St. Joseph, Illinois | Logan + Josiah

September 22, 2016

Hey, I’m Kara!
Hey, I’m Kara! A wedding and family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois! Whether I’m photographing your wedding day or everyday milestones and memories as a family, this job is my joy.

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Do you remember Brittany and Luke’s wedding day? Well, the wedding I’m sharing today may have a few familiar faces between the bride, groom, and family and friends in the bridal party!

Last summer, I met Logan and Josiah through Brittany and Luke. Josiah and Luke are brothers – both proposed to the girls together at the same time and place – and they have an unbreakable bond. Throughout the past year in working with each of these couples individually and together, it has become even more clear that these four love and support one another unconditionally… It truly is magnificent to see the strong relationship between these two couples! 

Logan and Josiah’s love story started several years ago, and as soon as Logan met him, she had a feeling in her heart that he would be the man she married. As I grew to know Logan and Josiah, I just knew there was something about these two that would stick with me. Maybe it’s their kindness or simply the way they love one another in a subtle yet bold nature… I haven’t been able to pinpoint it yet but being around these two is fulfilling and their happiness is contagious!

When Logan and I talked about her wedding from the very get-go up until her wedding day, she was always focused on documenting the true joy of the day. She told me, “I want to be able to look at pictures in 50 years and see nothing but happiness and love.” Isn’t that powerful? And I honestly, 100%, believe that these photos show just that.

On Logan and Josiah’s wedding day, my second shooter, Karen, and I were greeted with hugs and smiles from the excited bride. As we made our way into her childhood farmhouse, we were greeted by her bridal party, family members, and hairstylists – everyone was so genuinely happy to be celebrating the marriage of Logan and Josiah on that day!

After generously showering her moms and bridesmaids with gifts and love, I have never seen a bride so giddy to put on her wedding dress! Before Logan was zipped into her dress, we joked that married life will consist of Josiah coming home from work to Logan hanging around the house in her wedding dress… But oh my goodness, this bride was beautiful!

Since their engagement session took place on Josiah’s family farm, I loved the sentiment that getting ready (and having the first look plus bridal party photos) at Logan’s childhood home gives to these wedding day images. Between their wedding and engagement images, I believe they have the “best of both worlds” or a taste of the two sentiments. Logan’s childhood home was a beautiful part of their day, and something they can share with their children and grandchildren someday in the future.

As I first starting clicking through the culmination of images of this wedding day, I was flooded back with all of these emotions – happiness, joy, eternal love, and calmness. I had tears in my eyes as I relieved this day through unedited, raw photographs before bringing the entire day and finished product together.

Looking back, a very distinct moment in this day stands out to me and still brings me to tears when I think or talk about it… During the beginning of the wedding ceremony, the grandparents, parents, bridal party, ring bearer, and flower girls happily made their way down the aisle. Then, the sanctuary doors closed and the organ stopped playing. Faintly, the beautiful, harmonious sound of church bells began. In this moment, I felt chills down my spine and was brought to tears. Such a simple, memorable moment of emotion before the bride made her way down the aisle. The anticipation was breathtakingly beautiful.

As you can probably tell, this wedding day was one for the books, and their pre-thunderstorm sunset photos were the icing on the cake. Logan and Josiah are amazing souls, and I am thankful to know them! The love and support they were surrounded with – and will continue to be surrounded with throughout their marriage – is truly amazing.

Logan and Josiah – Thank YOU! You two have been a blessing to me this wedding season and throughout the past year. I am honored to have been your wedding photographer, and it truly amazes me how other phenomenal couples can connect me to people like the two of you! Much love to you and your married years!

 

Bride’s Attire: Stella York at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Sorella Vita at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL  | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Hair & Makeup: Illini Glam Squad – Rantoul, IL | Ceremony: Immanuel Lutheran Church – Flatville, IL | Reception: Royal Community Building – Royal, IL | Florist: Tammie Lawson | DJ: Ryan Ideus – Flatville, IL | Photo Booth: Elite Entertainment – Champaign, IL | Catering: Niemerg’s Steakhouse – Effingham, IL | Cheesecake: Bride + Groom Cake made by the Bride – Guest Cheesecake from Schnucks | Save the Dates: Shutterfly | Invitations: Mixbook | Programs: Hope Street Printables via Etsy

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Chicagoland wedding & family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois

@karaevansphotog