Wedding season is definitely upon us now, just a little bit into summer and the amount of pictures and hours of video we are having to cull through is pretty incredible! Jenna and Derek’s wedding took place at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vandalia, IL. Upon arriving, we were directed to where Jenna was getting ready. The room used for prep was absolutely perfect for prep pictures! So much natural light entering in the room and it was set up in a way like a little sitting area or living room almost. I love this look for pictures. The guys on the other hand had the gym, which works out for them because let’s be honest, guys don’t take quite a long to get ready, nor do they like to sit around and chat, so having some basketball available was of course taken advantage of. Prep time went by smoothly and we even had some extra time to spare, which is always nice because I want to make sure that the couple is comfortable leading up to the ceremony. After a ceremony full of smiles and a few tears of joy, we journeyed out a little outside of Vandalia for pictures. It was a warm day, but there was plenty of shade available to keep us a little cool, and the location was absolutely perfect. Tall grass, wild flowers and trees surrounded a small pond. Lately, I’ve been changing up how I photograph couples. In years past we would do some poses of the couple together and then try and go for a vogue look and put some space in between them. While I think these can be cool pictures, lately, I’m all about contact. I don’t want a picture where the couple isn’t making some form of contact, whether it’s arms around each other, faces touching, holding hands, etc. There’s something about bring a couple as close together as possible that accentuates the love they have for each other. Jenna and Derek were perfect during this time too. Photographing them looking at each other, you could almost feel the love they have for one another, and it definitely showed in pictures. Everything about Jenna and Derek’s day was absolutely amazing. We couldn’t ask for a better day for a wedding, and we are so honored to have been a part of their big day. Congratulations Jenna and Derek!
Reception Hall :: Vandalia Moose Lodge
Reception Decor :: Tina Jones- Elegant Creations
Catering :: Cygan & Delaney Catering
Dress :: Elegant Brides
Cake :: Martha Cripe
DJ :: COMPLETE Music
Tux Rental :: Maranatha’s
Hair/Makeup :: Maranatha’s
Floral :: The Turning Leaf