From the minute I walked into the log cabin where the girls were getting ready, I knew it was going to an amazing day. Staci was sitting by the fireplace all calm and smiling while her bridesmaids were finishing with hair and makeup. The room was filled with laughter and conversation. Staci is one organized bride! I loved that about her and she already had her bridal details all ready to go for me to start taking detail shots. After I took a few detail shots, it was time for Staci to get into her gown. All was going well till one of the tiny buttons came off the back. Before Staci had time to react or panic, I suggest someone call a family member for a sewing kit and that’d I’d have her button sewn back on in no time. It wasn’t the first time I had to use my homemaker skills on a wedding day LOL.

The tiny mishap of the button was fixed and it was time for Staci to meet Dustin out for their first look. On the property, there was a lake a little bridge that went across to a tiny island. It was the perfect spot for their first look but it had rained all week and it was slightly muddy getting out to the bridge. Dustin was waiting patiently while I put on my boots and helped Staci walk across the messy terrain. It was all worth it when Dustin turned around and saw his bride. He grinned from ear to ear and just hugged her and loved on her. This moment is one of my favorite moments of a whole wedding day. They had a few minutes of just themselves (with me spying on them with my zoom lens of course). If you think about it, a bride and groom don’t really get a chance to be alone on their wedding day. The day can get so busy and crazy at times with pictures and visiting with family, etc. So when a couple chooses to do a first look, I appreciate the fact that they want to be alone and enjoy the time together and share in some romantic photos.

After a beautiful ceremony at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, Illinois, the night ended with a reception at the KC Hall in Pinckneyville, Illinois. The hall was decorated by Kim Parsons with Garden Gate Florist & Gifts. There were light blue table runners with fake snow scattered down the middle with jars filled with baby’s breath. Now, I have to brag on Staci because her idea of a sweets bar was out of this world. The display was amazing. And don’t get me started on the s’more bar!!! OMG I hadn’t had a s’more in like 2 years so that was definitely something I enjoyed. The whole night was just so much fun and I had a wonderful time celebrating with Dustin and Staci and their families. Such a sweet couple and I’m extremely honored to have been a part of their special day.

Who would have thought it would be in the 70s in the middle of January in Southern Illinois!!! It was an absolutely beautiful day.

Love this!

Staci, you are timeless!!! Absolutely breathtaking.

Staci with her sisters, Carmen and Brittany.

Cutest little flower girl ever!

I loved this color combo so much!

The ring bearer giving “high fives” down the whole way! 🙂

Love!!!

Some reception details…

Dustin and Staci danced their first song played by a local band called Away From Reason. And the DJ they hired, Memory Productions DJ Service, played slideshows during al the dances as well.