Taylor and Kevin’s winter wedding day at Starved Rock is here!
Over the past few months, I’ve been looking forward to Taylor and Kevin’s wedding day at Starved Rock State Park! It was a beautiful day celebrating their love, and I’m honored to share more of their wedding day on the blog.
From the Couple
Kevin and I’s love story began how most modern-day love stories begin – on the dating app, Bumble. We joke it was “love at first swipe”. We talked for months before meeting in person but when we did, “love at first swipe” quickly became “love at first sight”. In saying this, I think we both knew we were “the one”.
For years I have been dreaming of going to the Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan. I decided to make that dream a reality so I scheduled a whole weekend trip/getaway for Kevin and me. Little did I know, he was planning a surprise himself. We spent the whole Saturday at the Tulip Festival and then Kevin suggested watching the sunset on the beach before dinner. We ended up going to the beach on Lake Michigan where Kevin got on one knee, and proposed! It was a total shock to me!! Kevin later said he walked around with the ring in his pocket all day, waiting for that perfect moment!
Kevin and I are both very family-oriented and love spending time with our families as well as our “fur family”. We have three cats: Slinky, Bullseye, and Peep (all names from Toy Story!) and a Dalmatian named, Echo. Echo was able to attend our engagement photo session but what you didn’t get to see was me having to convince Kevin that the three kitties couldn’t also come with!
Almost three years ago, Kevin and I became best friends and we can’t express how lucky and grateful we are to have found each other and get to do life together.
Favorite Part of the Planning Process
For us, our most memorable moments throughout the planning process have been the moments that our families were also present. We were fortunate enough to have both of our moms at our venue visits, dress shopping, food tasting, and just about everything in between. Because Kevin and I both have very strong family values, being able to include our moms in many of the key decisions was important to both of us.
Advice for Engaged Couples
Our most valuable piece of advice to future couples is to “laugh it off”. We truly believe that laughter is the best antidote.
The Wedding Day
The day started out with the most beautiful blessing… Sunshine! And that beautiful winter sunshine stuck around all day long! We were thrilled for that little detail that truly helped make for such a wonderful day celebrating Taylor and Kevin!
When we arrived at the Starved Rock Lodge, the guys and girls were getting ready for the day ahead. Before we knew it, it was time for the first look! I especially loved Taylor and Kevin’s first look moment because they chose to exchange letters with one another at their first look, too. These moments have my heart!
After the first look, we met up with the wedding party and jumped on the trolley to head out for some photos. Leading up to Taylor and Kevin’s wedding day, we were so excited about the beautiful backdrops and scenery at Starved Rock.
On the day of the wedding, we hiked to St. Louis Canyon (yes, you read that right hiked)… Taylor, Kevin, and their wedding party were absolute rockstars during the hike. We’re thankful for that! And Taylor, gosh, that girl hiked in her heels! What a memory for everyone. If you ask us, it was 100% worth it!
Once we got back from the hike, it was time for the most important part of the day – tying the knot! Taylor and Kevin shared a cozy ceremony at the Starved Rock Lodge with lots of candles and romantic vibes. Then, it was time to celebrate! I loved capturing the fun moments throughout the evening that Taylor and Kevin will cherish for a lifetime.
Taylor & Kevin – Thank you for sharing your wedding day with me!! I won’t soon forget your winter wedding day hike and those beautiful moments. I adore you both and am wishing you a wonderful marriage together!
Creative credit goes to…
Taylor’s Attire: Marien Mae Bridal Boutique – LaSalle, IL | Kevin’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Wedding Party Attire: Azazie + Men’s Wearhouse | Hair & Makeup: Gabby Murphy | Jeweler: The Jewelry Exchange | Venue: Starved Rock Lodge – Oglesby, IL | Wedding Officiant: Sissie Poppie | Guest Accommodations: Starved Rock Lodge – Oglesby, IL | Florist: Heaven’s Designs – Gilman, IL | DJ & Photo Booth: Pete’s My DJ | Transportation: Starved Rock Lodge Trolley | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: Ivory and Oak Films – Peoria, IL | Catering: Starved Rock Lodge – Oglesby, IL | Cake: Kelsey’s Kakes – Peru, IL | Stationery: Zazzle | Favors: Messy Bakes Cakery – Donovan, IL
