Whitney + Tony - Married! Illinois Wedding Photography

Whitney and Tony tied the knot in a small church and partied into the night with friends and family at The Falls reception venue in Columbia, Illinois.  They managed to keep their cool even though it was an incredibly hot, humid day (and we wrapped up their portraits just before the downpour started!)  Here's a few of my favorites from their big day...

When I arrived and went outside to check out "The Falls" for the first time, they were watering and the rain drops looked beautiful on this pink flower.

I love the look on Jamie's face! Such a happy maid of honor:

First sight in front of the falls... they were pretty happy to see each other <3

We took a few minutes for some couple portraits...

Time to party?  Not quite yet...

Love the look on a groom's face the first time he sees his bride :)

We had beautiful weather at Bee Tree Park for portraits until...

The sky started to get dark...

(and it poured rain!)  But the skies cleared for 5 minutes as we raced to Mehlville High School for a quick photo.  Whitney and Tony were high school sweethearts!

Someone baked these yummy cookies and decorated them with W's and T's in pink and yellow icing - cute!

During the toast they laughed...

And cried...

This shot might be my absolute favorite from the entire day!

These boys REALLY want to get married next...!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Maus... thanks for having me be a part of your special day!

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Sneak Peek - Whitney and Tony

Here's a little sneak peek from Whitney and Tony's wedding last weekend.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Maus!  More to come!

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Kickapoo Camping

A few weeks ago, Bill and I went camping with some old college friends from Chicago.  I love pre-Memorial Day camping because a) it's not crowded yet, and b) the weather is just perfect, not too hot.  We chose Kickapoo State Park in Illinois as a good midway point to meet.  It was sunny and we had a great camping spot close to a cliff overlooking a pond.  A few steps from our campsite, you could walk down a stairway to a fishing dock.  The park has trails to walk/hike on and you can rent canoes and kayaks to take on the various ponds.  It was the prettiest Midwest camping spot I've been to, if you like to camp definitely check it out.  Their two dogs Abby and Brody had a great time!

Abby tried to go after the geese.  We had a good laugh at her expense:

Brody looked handsome as I took his picture just before sunset:

Abby posed for me too:

Beautiful sunset (completely unaltered photo, I promise!):

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Heather + Ben tie the knot!

Heather and Ben were married on beautiful (but cold!) sunny day in Staunton, Illinois.  Their royal blue theme was perfect for January and made me think of snow and icicles.  I have to applaud everyone in the wedding party, especially Heather and the ladies, for being troopers during the portraits because it was sooo COLD out!  Heather and Ben: you're a great couple and I wish you the best of luck!  Thanks for sharing your special day with me and enjoy your wedding images!

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