Burgundy Wedding with Sunflowers – Chester, Illinois

October is probably my favorite month of the year to photograph in. It’s just so beautiful. If you love this time of year as much as I do then you understand. Every year my calendar is booked up with weddings in October and 2020 was no different. I was a little nervous about how many weddings would get moved around with the pandemic, but all of the weddings stayed right on track.

Taylor and Devin had to make a few changes for their big day, but the day went off without a hitch! I think it was one of the BEST days that month. The weather was absolutely perfect and the trees… OMG they were stunning. We got color early in October, which was totally different than the 3 years before. I was so excited and I knew the locations that Taylor and I had talked about for portraits were going to be perfect. Fort Kaskaskia was the picture perfect location for their first look and bridal portraits. There was this one gorgeous golden yellow tree that we stayed by for most of the portraits. It was THAT good. Just wait till you scroll down and see. I could have taken pictures there all day but of course we had to head to their ceremony.

The ceremony took place at the St. Mary’s Church in Chester, IL. There’s just something about Catholic churches to where they’re always photogenic. They make the best black and white photographs!

After a few family formals, we made our way for more bridal party portraits and I had suggested using the Covered Bridge just outside of town. It’s a historic spot and it’s used quite often but there’s this amazing tree right by it that I love. In the fall, it turns this beautiful orangy-red color and it pops! That spot there was where I had my absolute favorite images of the whole day.

The evening celebrations were held at friend’s house (in his garage) and you can’t even tell it’s a garage people! Taylor and Devin and their friends and family did an amazing job making that space the best reception space. You see, they had to make different arrangements since they couldn’t hold the reception at the legion hall (pandemic). I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that wedding reception turned out exactly they way it was meant to. There was lots of dancing and everyone had a smile on their face. It was one heck of a celebration.

I’m so honored to have been a part of Taylor and Devin’s wedding day. I can’t wait for you to see all of my favorites. Have a wonderful week, everyone!