So many beautiful fall weddings this year, and next up is Marissa and Michael’s romantic wedding day!

I adore this couple! They are kind, caring, generous, and so in love with each other. It was a joy to connect with them last year when they were searching for a wedding photographer. These two currently call the Springfield area home, but they have family ties to Kankakee County where I am based – I love it! I’ve enjoyed getting to know this couple from those first emails to FaceTime dates to their snowy engagement session to texts back and forth with the bride to documenting the joy on their wedding day. These two are the best!

Marissa and Michael met five years ago. Marissa is a nurse and Michael is a plastic surgery resident, and they work at the same hospital. So, when Dr. Ruebhausen didn’t like how Marissa did a patient’s dressing out of care for his patient, these two did not hit it off at the start. But fast forward four years… These two reconnected after Marissa started working in the burn unit around many plastic surgery residents. Michael started pursuing Marissa to go on a date, but she was hesitant after that first meeting years ago. Soon enough, Michael started growing on Marissa, and she found herself thinking about him all the time. On June 4, 2016 these two went out on their first date, and it has been history ever since that first date! Second chances truly are a beautiful thing in this life.

On a “solo” trip to visit Marissa’s sister in Albuquerque while Michael was back home “working”, Marissa was completely surprised by a proposal. On the second day of the trip, Marissa’s sister told her they were going to meet a friend for breakfast – little did Marissa know, Michael was planning to meet them and propose later that day. When they arrived at the restaurant, Marissa was shocked to see Michael standing in line. They spent the day exploring Santa Fe and that evening took a trolly to the peak of the Sandia Mountains at sunset (my heart!)… Michael proposed as they watched the sunset in such a beautiful and romantic setting.

Like I said, I adore this couple… I truly, truly adore them! Their story, their love, their outlooks on life – they are amazing. They love spending time with their dog Lilly, watching sports, traveling, cooking, and spending time with their families.

On the day of their wedding, I loved arriving with my second shooter Emily at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in downtown Springfield to start documenting their day. The girls and guys were all relaxed and enjoying the morning… And they were even a little ahead of schedule! I love it! Before we knew it, it was time to travel to the ceremony location at Lincoln Park. I appreciated that Marissa and Michael chose the Lincoln Park Pavilion for their wedding ceremony because the park holds sentiment to them… They live in the neighborhood near the park and take their pup for walks in that very park often. How meaningful for this time in their life!

After Marissa and Michael shared a beautiful, simple ceremony at the pavilion, we rolled into bridal party photos and explored a bit of downtown Springfield with the bridal party before joining the reception. The air was a bit chilly, but the day was truly beautiful. The clouds made the scenery even a little more romantic which perfectly complemented their navy, gold, and red wedding day style. And as the sun started to set and the city lights started glowing, I loved the romantic, simple vibe the downtown setting gave us.

There were a few details of this wedding day that were so inspiring! I loved the locket Marissa carried on her bouquet throughout the day in remembrance of her father – so, so sweet. Plus the florals were full of rich fall tones and textures and beautifully framed details for the day. And the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was a lovely reception venue that was perfectly fitting for these two… So unique!

Marissa + Michael… Thank you times a million for opening your hearts to allow me to get to know you both and document your wedding day. I love you both and wish you many happy married years!

Bride’s Attire: Pronovias at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Kenneth Winston at Elite Bridal – Champaign, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Maggie Angeli | Makeup: Shandi Brown | Getting Ready Location: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel – Springfield, IL | Ceremony: Lincoln Park Pavilion – Springfield, IL | Wedding Officiant: David Ruebhausen | Reception Venue: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum – Springfield, IL | Guest Accomodations: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel – Springfield, IL  | Transportation: 1UP’N Limos – Springfield, IL | Day-Of Coordinator: Linda Moss | Florist: True Colors Floral Artistry – Springfield, IL | DJ: JR Levora at Epic Entertainment – Carlinville, IL | Ceremony Rentals: Noonan Grand Rental – Springfield, IL | Catering: Secret Recipes Catering – Springfield, IL | Cake: Specialty Cakes – Springfield, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: MagnetStreet