Our first of two December weddings is hitting the blog! It was an honor to photograph Sarah and Jon’s winter wedding day at Willow Creek Community Church.
Sarah and Jon joined our wedding calendar this past fall, just a few months before their wedding day. We’re thankful that Sarah and Jon got to work with us as friends of our past couple, Ivanna and Chris, at their wedding three years ago. Sarah was Ivanna’s maid of honor, and you know that I always love when our past couples connect us to new couples!
This winter wedding day was a cold one but absolutely beautiful and perfect for Sarah and Jon!
From The Couple
Jonathan and Sarah met in college at UIUC through the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. As a junior, Sarah was a leader within the dorm and Jon was just a freshman when he started developing feelings though Sarah didn’t know until a year later.
Friendship naturally occurred with Jon intentionally trying to spend more time with Sarah and Sarah thinking she was being a good friend. They both attended events within the Christian Fellowship and were on the same ultimate frisbee team, had lunch together 2x a week (often more) because classes were close, had late-night study parties, boba adventures, and began watching Parks and Rec together. Before they knew it, they were going for late-night adventure walks around campus and holding hands without even talking about whether or not that was normal and without having any formal talks about it.
Eventually, timing worked out for a conversation, where they both disclosed that they mutually had feelings for one another and that holding hands wasn’t just a normal thing friends did! Who knew? They took a month to pray about things, talk to parents and friends, and before you knew it, they were giving dating a try for the first time each!
The Wedding Day
Sarah and Jon’s wedding day started with getting ready at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, where their reception would take place later that day. When we arrived, everyone was relaxed and excited for the day ahead.
Once everyone was ready, we traveled to Sarah and Jon’s church, Willow Creek Community Church, where the first look, photos, and ceremony were taking place. I loved photographing the sweet moment when Sarah and Jon saw each other for the first time on their wedding day! The best part? They were together for the rest of the day after sharing a first look, and we love that.
We are incredibly grateful for Sarah, Jon, and their amazing wedding party for braving the 20-degree December day (plus windchill!) for winter wedding photos. Everyone was all-in and ready to make the best of their winter wedding day, despite the cold. I think the photos speak for themselves that it was a beautiful time where Sarah and Jon were surrounded by their amazing loved ones!
After photos wrapped up, it was time for the most important part of the day – the ceremony! Sarah and Jon shared one of our favorite wedding ceremonies from all of our years of weddings. We loved how the ceremony incorporated wedding traditions but also worship and family. It was absolutely beautiful.
As the afternoon moved into the evening, we took more photos with family and wedding party before Sarah and Jon joined the reception celebration at the Hyatt Regency. Their winter wedding vision came to life, and we loved photographing these two and their loved ones celebrating their marriage!
Sarah and Jon – Thank you for trusting us to photograph your special day! It was a joy & we pray that you two always stay rooted in your friendship and love for one another!
Creative credit goes to…
Sarah’s Attire: David’s Bridal | Jon’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Wedding Party Attire: David’s Bridal + Men’s Wearhouse | Hair & Makeup: Zahadita Hair Company | Jeweler: Brian Flight | Getting Ready Location: Hyatt Regency – Schaumburg, IL | Ceremony: Willow Creek Community Church – South Barrington, IL | Wedding Officiant: Joseph Lim | Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency – Schaumburg, IL | DJ + Photo Booth: DJ Jeff | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: Vivid Visual – Chicago, IL | Catering: Hyatt Regency – Schaumburg, IL | Cake: The Baking Institute – Northbrook, IL | Favors: World’s Finest Chocolate Mint Meltaways
