Illinois Wedding Photography, Villa Marie Winery Wedding and Reception: Lindsay + Justin

Lindsay + Justin were married at the lovely Villa Marie Winery in Maryville, IL.

Leading off this post with some of my favorite images of the day....

This shot was taken during my favorite part of the day.

During that golden 1/2 hour before sunset. L O V E !!!!

The advantage of having your wedding and reception at a winery is these kind of pictures....





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So let's go back to earlier in the day. I met up with Lindsay at her getting ready location and we were able to get these images.

Sooooooo pretty!!!!!


Lindsay is very close to her grandma. Here she is pinning on a sweet little handmade heart cushion on Lindsay's dress.

We took this time before the ceremony to also get in many of the intimate family portraits.

Grandma's neighbors didn't mind one bit that we walked all over everyone's backyards to take pictures. Every one of them had these amazing manicured gardens. Amazing!











The venue.

LOVE these programs that doubled as fans that Lindsay made.

Considering that it was a H.O.T. summer day. These were perfect to keep the guests cool.

To add to the unique factor .... each fan had a puzzle on the backside. To solve the crossword puzzle you had to know Lindsay and Justin...if you didn't, it was a great ice breaker for you to ask your fellow guest if they knew the answer. HOW INGENIOUS!!!!!



Pencils were attached to the handle of the fan....so that you know...you could do the puzzle.

Thanks to my second shooter, Trisha, for capturing this shot.








Justin and his boys. They are ALL...each and every one of them...such characters. No. Really. I mean it. They each have a unique nickname...Sarge, Hurricane, Punisher, Hollywood. I can't remember all the nicknames.











Instead of the traditional wedding cake, they served cupcakes. Oh, yeah....and they "N" is because Justin is a Nebraska fan.








And yeah....they knew how to party down!!!!!

I was seriously partied out by they time this was all over.

Thank you Lindsay and Justin for a fabulous wedding day!

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St. Louis Hilton Ballpark Wedding and Reception: Lanita + Ian

Lanita + Ian will stun you with thier lovely wedding.
Seriously.

Check it out.

I LOVE the way he looks at her! Like she's the most precious thing in his world.


Who can resist a carriage ride?


The LOVELY ladies. I especially LOVE how each bridesmaid has a different dress and the unity is achieved by having one color. How perfect! This way, they can truly wear it again.


The handsome fellas!





Lanita had 2 gorgeous dresses. One for the wedding and then a sexy little shorter number for the reception. Here it is below waiting for it's turn to shine.


Getting all prettied up for the big moment. I love how beautiful she looks....truly glows.


It was an especially emotional moment when Lanita was able to see herself in all her wedding finery for the first time.Lanita had this seriously AWESOME sheer bolero jacket made to go over her dress. I love how it buttons in the back. Soooo cute!!!! This dress was absolutely PERFECT for her.

G O R G E O U S ! ! ! ! !



The guys are soooo easy when it comes to getting ready. It's just not fair.


Dad. Daughter. New Man in her life. L O V E




I LOVE Lanita's reaction. This was totally spontaneous. They were pronounced husband and wife and she says, "YEEEESSSSS" with a fist pump.HOW CUTE IS THAT!?!?!?!


Here's another unique thing about their wedding.They incorporated the tradition of "Jumping the Broom".




The florals were created by the awesome Lisa of Belli Fiori.



Stationery provided by Beth Barr of Two Blue Doors. They always do such an amazing job!





Someone is a big chess fan.


All of this loveliness was designed and coordinated bythe ever amazing Lacy of Lacy Branch Events.





The team of Lacy Branch Events. I truly enjoy working with planners and coordinators....my job as the photographer is exponentially easier.


Isn't this just the most amazing view from the ballroom?!?!?!


This reception knew how to party down!!!! They were sooooo fun!!!!!










Thanks to Lanita and Ian for inviting to document your so amazing day. I had a blast!