Remember Shannon and Jimmy from their winter engagement session earlier this year? Well, now it’s time to share their fall Aerie’s Winery wedding day!
I met Shannon years ago when I worked retail in our college town. Shannon was a few years younger than me – I even photographed her senior photos – and we hit it off from the start! As time went by and we both moved on in our lives between my business and her nursing school journey, I loved getting to reconnect with her at her brother’s senior photos. And then, it was an absolute JOY to hear from her as soon as she and Jimmy got engaged! These two are high school sweethearts with a story that reminds me a lot of Kyle and me. This couple definitely holds a special place in my heart!
From the Bride
We started dating when I was a freshman in high school and he was a junior. We met during P.E and at first I didn’t like him but as soon as Jim texted me we hit it off! I think we both pretty much knew from the get-go we wanted to be together forever and now it’s becoming a reality. We have a 2-year-old golden doodle named Sutter who is the love of our lives.
The two of us love traveling and vacationing, and we both value our families and everything they have taught us throughout our time together! We both love New Orleans and visiting my brother in Florida, and my goal is to convince Jim to love Disney World as much as me. He proposed to me at home on Christmas Eve with a pickleball paddle (the first game we ever played together in P.E.) and of course I said yes!
The Wedding Day
This wedding day started off with a chilly fall morning before beautiful sunshine made for an amazing Aerie’s Winery wedding day! Kyle and I arrived while the guys and gals were getting ready on-site at the Aerie’s Resort. And friends, this place is a little slice of heaven in Illinois! The views are breathtaking.
As Shannon and the ladies finished getting ready, I loved photographing a sweet moment between Shannon, her dad, and her brother. It was such a special moment for her and these special guys in her life! I don’t think there were many dry eyes around.
Then, it was time for Shannon and Jimmy to see each other for the first time on their wedding day before traveling to Pere Marquette State Park for photos. Their first look was short and sweet and full of tender embraces. These two are the sweetest together!
I loved exploring a few parts of the state park for photos. And like I said, these two lucked out with the weather forecast! Between the sixty-something degree day, sunshine, and ZERO percent chance of rain… It was wonderful! Plus, their bridal party was pretty awesome, too. You could definitely see the love and happiness between Shannon and Jim radiating to everyone else!
As the afternoon rolled into the early evening, it was ceremony time! These two shared an outdoor ceremony on the terrace overlooking the river. I love how this ceremony + reception venue was perfect for these two because Jimmy loves the river, and Shannon loves the winery – such a perfect match! And better yet? Their early fall style with dusty blue, maroon, and gold paired with tons of lanterns and candles fit in perfectly with the venue and scenery, too.
Then, they danced the night away with their favorite people! Their happiness truly was contagious on this Aerie’s Winery wedding day. We loved being there to document it all!
Shannon + Jimmy – Thank you! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us – we loved photographing you two and your wonderful families on your special day!
Creative credit goes to…
Bride’s Attire: Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: Girls in White Satin – Jacksonville, IL | Hair: Megan Piper | Makeup: Brooklyn Johnson | Jeweler: Rogers & Hollands | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Aerie’s Winery – Grafton, IL | Wedding Officiant: Gary Grogan | Florist: Tipsords – Winchester, IL | DJ: Complete Weddings & Events | Videographer: Complete Weddings & Events | Catering: Gregory’s Creative Cuisine – St. Louis, MO | Cake: Holly Cakes Bakery – Jacksonville, IL
