More fall wedding goodness coming your way today!

Lakyn and James are one of the kindest couples, and I’m so excited to share more about their love story and wedding day with you. These two met through their Illinois College connections but not while they were attending Illinois College… It wasn’t until post-graduation that they were both back celebrating homecoming at the college when they met and connected. Their relationship quickly started to grow! These two found each other and their love in a place and a time when they weren’t looking, and I love this beautiful part of their story. They say that “you know when you know”, and I’m positive that’s true for Lakyn and James as they’ve told me so. These two hit it off from the start and as their love story unfolded before their eyes, they were looking to the future and so excited for their days to come.

Then earlier this year over Easter weekend, James completely surprised Lakyn with a simple and sweet proposal in their home with their three pups. They jumped into planning right away, and I remember getting an email from Lakyn the day after they got engaged… Friends, she’s the best! So you’re probably wondering how I am connected to this couple? I remember meeting Lakyn in my first days at Illinois College and being so welcomed by her spirit of positivity and kindness. Over the following years, she followed along with my photography work, and I was so thankful to hear from her as soon as they got engaged.

Over the past year, I have adored working with Lakyn and James. Trust me, the entire process with them has been a blast, and they are truly my people. Before and after their wedding day, I am so thankful to have been able to document their wedding day, and even more thankful to call them friends.

Their wedding day started out like most where the guys and girls were in their separate spaces getting ready for the big day. As hair and makeup wrapped up at the hotel, all of the girls traveled to the beautiful Annie Merner Chapel in Jacksonville where Lakyn would get dressed and then we moved into a first look and bridal party photos at Illinois College. It was only fitting for these photos to be taken at such a meaningful place in their story together! I love to seeing Lakyn light up as she saw James for the first time and documenting James get teary-eyed as he saw his bride on their wedding day for the first time, too. As we braved the cold, I was beyond grateful for this bridal party that trusted me and was willing to brave the 26° temps on this early November wedding day. We were thankful for fall colors and even a little bit of a dusting of snow!

Before we knew it it was time to travel back to Annie Merner Chapel to get ready for the ceremony. I love taking a moment to grab just a few more shots of this couple inside Annie Merner on this chilly day. And these are some of my favorite photos from their wedding day! Then, Lakyn and James shared a sweet ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends and one of their dear friends even officiated the ceremony – it was perfect for these two.

After the ceremony, we snuck outside and caught the fall colors and sunset light at the perfect time. These photos are some of my favorite sunset photos from this fall wedding season. The joy and love and emotion between Lakyn and James is so evident in these photos, and I loved being able to document these moments on their wedding day.

Some of my favorite details on this wedding day were, first off, Lakyn’s beautiful wedding gown and blush pink detailed veil. This girl is a girl after my heart! I also loved the blush pink bridesmaids dresses because… PINK! Another favorite detail on this day was the charm Lakyn carried on her bouquet with her Grammy’s signature. Even though her Grammy had passed, she was still with Lakyn all throughout her wedding day. And of course, I loved documenting Lakyn and James reunite and celebrate with all of their Illinois College friends throughout their wedding day.

Lakyn and James – Thank you times a million for trusting me on your wedding day!  You two are a true joy and your kindness is incredibly contagious. Every moment I spent working with you reminded me why my job is my joy. Love you guys so much!

Bride’s Attire: Allure Bridals at Frew’s Bridal & Formal Wear – Alton, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Bill Levkoff at Frew’s Bridal & Formal Wear – Alton, IL | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Bree Dyche + Jenn Brenneisen | Makeup: Morgan Cooperider + Kristen Reich | Getting Ready Location: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – South Jacksonville, IL | Ceremony: Annie Merner Chapel – Jacksonville, IL | Reception Venue: McClelland Dining Hall – Jacksonville, IL | Wedding Officiant: Rob Peters | Florist: True Colors Floral Artistry – Springfield, IL | DJ: Chad Burton – Virden, IL | Reception Rentals: Rustic Love Rentals – Lincoln, IL | Videographer: Spencer Bloome | Catering: McClelland Dining Hall – Jacksonville, IL | Cake: Carolyn Sweatman | Invitations + Paper Goods: Etsy + Faith Printing