Hannah & Jesse | Wedding Photography

This wedding is near and dear to my heart.

I began shooting weddings in Illinois.  Even with all it’s cornfields and unpredictability, I love it.  That’s why I was so excited when Hannah & her fiancé chose me to photograph their open air, farmhouse wedding in central Illinois.

It was stunning.

Their farm is out in the country.  Lots of gravel roads and wrong turns before I came across this beautiful acreage, but wow.

They made the preparations in the house.  Full of family frames, character and wood doorways.  Hannah grew up here and you could tell memories packed inside this homes walls.  It was a comforting feel.  They got married on the lawn and the reception was in the back.  It was simple. And beautiful.

Hannah & Jesse’s mothers made all the cake, Pam Dodd and Lynn Kruit.  Carrot and German Chocolate.  I don’t know how they pulled it off, but they were remarkable.

Hannah’s sister, Haley, got married the year before and I got the opportunity to photograph her as well!  You can view her gorgeous wedding here.  Same location.  But very different.  I loved how each sister made it their own.

Since there isn’t a ton of shade on the farm for portraits, we headed out to a neighboring home (about 15 minutes away) to get our pictures.  It was well worth the travel.  Despite the high sun, we had some gorgeous trees and lots of beauty for photos.

I had the privilege of having my friend Laura from Art Photographic along to second shoot.  WHOOO.  She is awesome.

And onto the ceremony!

Jesse is a photographer himself, so he shared my love for light and golden hour.  We snuck off for 15 minutes during the reception to get some of this beautiful golden deliciousness.

I have no doubts these two will have a marriage filled with fierce love, adventure and passion!  Congratulations Hannah & Jesse.  What an honor it was photographing you two!

And just in case you were wondering.  Here is the extraordinary help that made Hannah & Jesse’s day so wonderful!

Bridal Prep location:  Brides home/parents farm

Event coordinator- Pam Dodd/mom

Dress Designer & Store: Stella York dress from Elite Bridal in Champaign, Il

Shoe Designer: UGG (brides)

Hair Stylist: Rod Sickler Salon and Spa, Champaign IL

Florist: Pam Dodd/mom
Reception venue: Backyard of brides home
Catering: LA Gourmet Catering, Champaign, IL
Cake: Made by Bride and Grooms moms, Pam Dodd and Lynn Kruit
Dj: Band, The Midwesterners, Wisconsin
Videographer: Grooms sister, Vanessa Beenenga