I’m excited to share Stephanie and Skyler’s wedding day! These two were my second Fourth of July wedding that I’ve photographed, and these days are always so fun! Even while the forecast called for RAIN throughout most of the day, we were lucky enough that it never rained a drop on us during photos or when we were outside shooting on that warm + humid day. Happy dance!
Skyler and Stephanie hopped on my calendar earlier this year for their July wedding day, and I am so glad they did! These two went to high school together but weren’t connected as friends at the time. It wasn’t until a few years later during Stephanie’s junior year of college that her best friend connected her with Skyler – then a Marine living in California. In December 2010, these two went on their first official date (at Monical’s Pizza – any other Monical’s lovers out there?!) while Skyler was home on leave over New Year’s Eve. These two hit it off quickly and starting long distance dating shortly after. In the time since, these two have been throughout deployments together, so I have a place in my heart for them after our personal experience with my husband’s deployment last year. And now, they’re back in their hometown of Watseka!
These two love going on trips + traveling, so it was only fitting that Skyler proposed on one of their trips back in July 2015. They were on their way home from Glacier National Park in Montana and planning to stop by Mount Rushmore on their way home. They stopped at a secluded lake, took a photo, and after taking the photo Skyler asked, “what if that was the last picture you took before we got engaged?” Then he proposed, and she said yes!
Their wedding day started out on a relaxed note. Stephanie enjoyed her morning with her favorite ladies in her life before the wedding ceremony started. I loved that Stephanie and Skyler chose to get married in the church Stephanie grew up attending… How meaningful! And they asked Stephanie’s mom and Skyler’s dad to be their Matron of Honor + Best Man on their wedding day. So sweet!
After the ceremony before heading to the local reception, I loved visiting the place Stephanie and Skyler call home and photographing them in this special place. Of course, we also HAD TO take photos with their pup Schatzi. You guessed it — I definitely insisted and knew they would love the result! These photos are so sentimental to me, and I love how they truly incorporate their shared meaning of love and home.
I loved that this wedding day was all about Stephanie and Skyler’s happiness, becoming husband and wife, and sharing the day with their closest family members and friends. And Stephanie shared the most beautiful voice over during her father-daguther dance at the reception thanks to Lucas with Sound Express Entertainment. One of my very favorite parts of this day! It’s true, this Fourth of July wedding day is one I won’t forget!
Stephanie + Skyler… Thank you for sharing your wedding day! You two were a delight to work with, and I hope you enjoy all of these photos!!!
Bride’s Attire: Michelle’s Bridal & Tuxedo – Champaign, IL | Groom’s Attire: Michael Kors | Hair: Jamie Nix | Ceremony: St. Edmund Catholic Church – Watseka, IL | Reception Venue: The Elks – Watseka, IL | Florist + Decor: Carma Anderson with Main Street Gifts – Watseka, IL | DJ: Lucas Henrichs with Sound Express Entertainment – Fairbury, IL | Catering: Luke’s One Stop – Cissna Park, IL | Cake: Terri Smith – Watseka, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Etsy
