I had the pleasure of meeting these two at Jared's sister's wedding last year. I was tickled when they came to me shortly after Rachele and Ricky's wedding looking for a wedding photographer of their own! YAY! December wedding? Bring it on!! We were hoping for a little snow but looks like Mother Nature thinks this year Illinois should be a little more like Florida. We had just a touch of frost early that morning which was the perfect touch of winter I was looking for.  

Hannah and Jared are incredibly close to their parents. It was a good thing Hannah's makeup was AFTER the gifts.Poor Hannah, she just couldn't stop crying... Jared on the other hand.... Yeah you just wait buddy! We will get you crying yet!Isn't she STUNNING??Remember how Jared was so proud that he didn't cry during the gift opening? Oh Jared, you were a hot mess! It melted my heart and I am sure Hannah will never ever forget this moment. It is astounding how much these two men love Hannah.Oh this wedding party!! Jamie and Josh are up. The name of the game is let's see who can make Hannah cry more! I was feeling for ya girl! Josh's face when he learns he has to give the blessing too.Junior saved him in the nick of time.This was our last wedding of the year, and we couldn't have asked for a nicer more loving couple! Thank you again Jared and Hannah!! Merry Christmas!

XOXOXO

Jill

Florist: Flowers by Tess

DJ: Live Wire

Reception: Knights of Columbus Hall

Dress: Elegant Bride

When I met Kate and Taylor(John Wayne--seriously, you should see the smirk), they were planning a July 2016 wedding. Well Taylor is in the reserves, and looks like there is a good chance he will be deployed next year. We took a look at the calendars and turned out everyone was able to do this November! Now we may be seeing their wedding sneak peek in a few brief weeks, but everyone HAS to have an engagement session! Especially when Taylor and Kate wanted theirs to be up in Grafton!! HOLY FALL! So pretty! ---I have crazy ADD so the fact that we made it to Perre Marquet in one piece is pretty impressive. I only almost hit like one pedestrian.--- I tremendously enjoyed spending time with Kate and Taylor and can't wait to see them again in two and a half weeks! (OMG! Seriously, is it really only two and a half weeks already!?!?) 

XOXO

Jill

Ashlee and Doug were married in rural Carlyle, IL. Her parent's have a scenic property, and Ashlee and Doug decided to have an outdoor wedding. After a bunch of praying from mom, they had the most beautiful fall day for their wedding. The girls readied themselves at her parent's house and the guys met next door at Ashlee's aunt and uncle's house. The chairs were set out, the decorations were finalized and the guests came and were seated. The moment had finally come for Ashlee and Doug to become Husband and Wife. Tears flowed and vows were exchanged. Everything was perfect and these two absolutely deserved perfect! 

Everything is going along quite well. I am doing surprisingly well at not tearing up, and then mom comes in....The handkerchief is made from her mom's dress and the angel is from her aunt's and this is her grandmother's ring. Dad's turn! Oh my... no words. You can tell that Ashlee is and will always be Daddy's little girl. He is so proud of her. Yep. I totally cried with everyone else in the room. I asked Ashlee and Doug what their favorite moment of the day was and they both said seeing each other for the first time. That one moment is so full of anticipation and love it is unbelievable how long you can remember it. This is her back yard growing up! Jealous?This guy! haha! Quite the riot!My favorite moment. THE SPEECHES! Oh my goodness! Rapping, singing maids of honor......and THE BESTMAN! Stand-up comic should be in his future because he brought down the house!Everyone handing in their keys.And let's not forget the older, wiser bestman, Dave. He got a couple of laughs and made mom cry. (Not gonna lie, I had a knot in my throat too. I am a total sissy at weddings)Daddy/Daughter dance time! They danced for a short while and then watched a slide show of memories. Dad never stood a chance. Someone pass the tissues quick!All mother/son dances make me cry. This one makes me cry every time I look at the next picture. Garter toss time! When Doug first pulled out his phone, I thought he was texting someone. Nope, flashlight! hehe Smart alack!Now check out this grab! (he REALLY wanted that garter!)And a close up of the grab. OH! And don't forget the celebration dance! The Girls are up next and they are throwing down! Miss Alex was sad she wasn't able to catching it in all of the scratching and hair pulling so they share. That's good sportsman ship right there!I am glad you finally had everyone turn in their keys Doug, because she is one beautiful girl that is madly in love with you. Treat her right. I saw the inside of her uncle's house. Pretty sure He and Dad will be showing up if you don't. ;P 

Congratulations again, Ashlee and Doug!! Thanks for asking us to be a part of your day! 

Sometimes the greatest relationships are the ones you never expected to be in. The ones that sweep you off your feet and challenge every view you’ve ever had.

I am guessing when Greg took Ali out on their first date to McDonald's, (Hey don't judge, its a small town and it was our first McDonalds. That's kind of a big deal) they didn't expect to end up at this day overwhelmed with the love of so many family and friends. Greg and Ali, you two are truly beautiful people who are deeply loved by so many. The love you two share for each other comes right out of the depth of love all of the poeple who surrouned you that day comes from. You both work hard to be the best you can be for each other and everyone. My hope for the two of you is that you will always remember how today feels and when you need help through a rocky patch, the memory of this flood of love will lift you through it. Ali, remember the look in his eyes and the way hit bit his lip when you came down the asile. Greg remember the way her face lit up when she saw you, and how proudly she walked to you--vowing to be yours forever. I love you both and wish you all the best forever! 

Enjoy your sneak peek!