Today we photographed a beautiful wedding at Starved Rock State Park in Utica Illinois. The ceremony and reception were both at The Lodge on the same premises.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The couple decided that they would see each other before the ceremony. This would allow us to have more time for formal portraits together as a group and with family and to enjoy all of the beauty that Starved Rock National Park had to offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though seeing each other before the wedding, the Sam and Kevin still wanted the excitement of seeing each other for the first time. To deliver this, Samantha went out with me into the campfire area by the old cottages. There I photographed her individual portraits, both in traditional and unique contemporary styles. The day was perfect for it too, with clouds overhead leading us to constant unbroken shade. Once we final the brides portraits, I went to get the groom alone and bring him to his bride to be. Kevin, upon seeing his gorgeous bride standing out in front of him, shed a few tears of joy. It was clear that he was marrying the women of his dreams. His emotions could not be contained as he stepped towards Samantha and embraced her in a warm and loving hug. I was moved and touched by the moment; it is always an honor and privilege to see such love between two people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the couple had spent a few moments together, we captured the bridal parties photos, under the cover of the old camping cottage house and on the long bridge. Finally, we move closer to the main building, and with an overlook onto the big open area, we had the family portraits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ceremony was in Great Hall and in the main conference room. There, surrounded by friends and family, Sam and Kevin were married. Shortly after the wedding we moved into the conference room for cocktail hour, while the staff set up The Great Hall for dinner. The rest of the evening was spent in dance and laughter!