* Stephanie + Dan * Firefighters Postal Lake Club * Springfield Illinois * Summer Wedding *
Going into Stephanie and Dan’s wedding day I knew two things. One…It was going to be a blast! Full of laughter and high energy. And Two…There would be so much natural beauty mixed with easy style! Just like the couple! Let’s admit it, Stephanie and Dan simply look incredible together yet, once you spend time with them it’s their laid back silly personalities that draw you in, which I learned about quickly at their engagement session this past spring! This pair loves to be goofy with each other just about as much as they adore snuggling in close and sharing kisses! Which they did a lot of on their wedding day! Stephanie & Dan’s wedding was at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church followed by their reception at The Firefighters Lake Club both in Springfield, Illinois. The lovely summer day not only brought the sunshine, but it brought some toasty temperatures as well! However, I don’t think anything could ruin the light-hearted and delightful atmosphere the couple created for their loved ones to help them celebrate.
Stephanie and her ladies were cracking jokes and reminiscing about the past when I arrived at the Crown Plaza, where they were getting hair and makeup done the morning of the big day. These girls have a special bond with Stephanie, which was apparent right away! Whether it was her blood relationships like her mom and sister or the sisterhood built over the years with grade school or college friends they all love and support one another. It was a joy to witness. When it came time to get Stephanie dressed she was absolutely stunning in her off the shoulder lace gown! She is the type who laughs at people who compliment her beauty, but everyone knows how gorgeous she is inside and out! I think once the dress was on, the magnitude of the day hit Stephanie as she realized today was the day she got to marry the love of her life! She fought back tears on a few occasions throughout the day, but seeing herself on her wedding day as a true bride hit her with all the feels! Before the ceremony, I was able to catch up with Dan as well with his groomsmen at the church, who were in good spirits as they anticipated the events of the day. Dan and the guys were also looking very stylish with their gray suits and soft purple ties to perfectly compliment the ladies standing next to Stephanie. The ladies were in mismatched dresses that consisted of different styles and colors incorporating muted purples, pinks, and grays plus some sparkle for fun! Mother Nature wasn’t the only one to bring the heat on Stephanie and Dan’s wedding day! The bridal party along with their bride and groom were all looking HOT! However, since the couple chose not to see one another before Stephanie’s walk down the aisle we made sure to keep everyone separate for that special moment.
When the time came for the ceremony at the beautiful Blessed Sacrament Church the moment did not disappoint! With the organs playing and the guests all in their places the doors at the back of the church opened for Stephanie and her mom, Sue to make their way down the aisle. Stephanie had told me earlier in the day she may lose her composure when the music began to play for her entrance. I think she held it together pretty well as did Dan, who definitely took in every step that his bride-to-be took on her way to meet him at the altar! After a couple of readings and songs, Stephanie and Dan pledged their love to one another before exchanging rings and making it official with a kiss! I think both Stephanie and Dan were thrilled to have the hard part of the day over and finally being able to walk hand in hand. I witnessed several times during their day a few quiet moments where the newlyweds would stop and look deep into each other’s eyes so they could breathe in the idea they were man and wife! These were wonderful moments for these two as it didn’t seem to matter who or what was going on around them. What mattered is they were in the other’s arms! So sweet!
Although it was hot and humid outside, the new Mr. & Mrs. Hohl along with their incredible bridal party were all game for a few photos at Washington Park before heading to the reception to get the party started! Everyone really embraced the fact they were all together and made the most of our hot and sticky time together! Especially Stephanie and Dan, who were open to all the crazy ideas I had for them to be able to fully capture their love even on a 90-degree day! I simply couldn’t help taking as many photos as possible with these two! Stephanie in her dress was an absolute dream and with Dan by her side, they looked phenomenal together!
Following portraits, it was the time I think most everyone was looking forward too…Reception Time! Stephanie and Dan had said they were keeping things simple and easy at their reception to give them plenty of time to party it up with their family and friends! After a couple of wonderful toasts, cutting the cake (which got a little messy), and sharing their first dance as husband and wife, Stephanie and Dan opened up the dance floor to their guests! That didn’t mean they were leaving the dance floor though! They both spent a considerable amount of time shaking it and taking turns cutting a rug with their guests and bridal party! So much so that I basically had to pull them both away from dancing it up to catch the sunset for a few more photos. Yet, I think it was SO worth it! The glowy light through the trees and bouncing off the lake with Stephanie and Dan snuggled up down on a boat dock was nothing short of magical! These two were awesome to work with and I loved being a part of their wonderful summer wedding!
Warm Regards,
Lauren
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Steph & Dan’s amazing vendors!
Ceremony Venue: Blessed Sacrament
Reception Venue: Firefighters Lake Club
Florals: True Colors
Cake Artist: Incredibly Delicious
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Stylist: Erica Coleman
If you are looking for your own wedding photographer, I would LOVE to hear from you! Visit my website at http://www.laurenwestrichphotography.com! Let me capture YOUR memories!