Kim and Adam | Wedding @ St. Anthony of Padua Church, Effingham IL

A monsoon, an evacuation, and an awesome laid back couple. That describes how we spent last Saturday at the EPIC wedding of Kim and Adam. Where do I even begin? Let me describe Kim. If you were to rate Kim’s kindness and grace on a scale of 1-10 you guys, she’d be a 25. For real, you won’t meet a more considerate, kind person than Kim. She was the definition of laid back and easy going and if all brides were like Kim, the wedding industry would float on cloud 9. You can’t get near Adam and not want to hang out with him all day, he’s just a really cool, genuine guy. These guys were so infectiously happy all day, shooting their photos wasn’t even work. We absolutely ADORE weddings where we know a good majority of the family and bridal party and such was the case with this hometown wedding. Kim and I went to the same school and although we weren’t in the same class, we still knew each other in passing and I knew several people in her bridal party which made for a really fun, relaxed day. We started the morning at the Hampton Inn in Effingham where Kim’s amazing hair and makeup staff from the Edwardsville area created some outstanding hair and makeup for the bridal party. Kim looked effortlessly beautiful with her bridal look, I knew without a doubt she’d make a stunning bride. Rain wasn’t getting this group down as they headed to the church in what promised to be an all-day downpour. We got ready at the church and started some family formals and low and behold the rain subsided and even though it was cloudy, the weather was warm and we were just grateful to be able to get outside pictures at all. Burklands provided some beautiful flowers, we can always trust them to do an amazing job. Kim and Adam had a PACKED house of loved ones gather to watch them exchange vows. I don’t remember this much laughter and sweet moments in a wedding ceremony in a long time and we loved capturing the many candids of the ceremony. There were so many smiles and tears as Kim walked down the aisle looking as amazing as ever. The couple had arranged for some really awesome motorhome transportation and it was a unique and awesome way to personalize the day for the couple. After stopping off at the Orchard for some drinks with their closest friends and family we headed to the Firefly grill for what would be one of the most eventful receptions of my entire career.

The Firefly is hands down one of my favorite venues of all time. They know how to do it right. The Firefly was decked to the 9’s for this private event and under one of the largest tents I have ever seen, Katie Koester the event manager at Firefly had taken this couple’s personality and turned it into this beautiful elegant vision of class and perfection. The centerpieces and place settings were immaculate and the overall feel and look of the reception was that of relaxation and enjoyment. The Firefly was primed to give their guests a good time. The guests mingled on the porch while we enjoyed rain free weather to complete the rest of the couple’s portraits. Kim and Adam had SO many guests to greet at the wedding they joined cocktail hour so that they could talk to all of their loved ones. After their entrances, the Firefly served an amazing assortment of delicious dishes following the circulation of some delicious looking appetizers. The guests wined and dined and about 3/4ths of the way through dinner, I managed to look outside and see a mighty storm brewing in the background. I grabbed Kim and Adam quickly to capture a quick shot and just as we made it back into the tent, the storm came up on the Firefly like rapid fire. The wind started to blow very hard and lighting started to threaten the event. In order to keep everyone safe, the Firefly professionally escorted the still very happy guests into the safety of the Firefly building while the storm blew through. Kim and Adam were still the coolest, most easy going couple I’ve ever met. They were having an absolute blast and none of the guests seemed to mind or care to let the weather stop their good time. The Firefly kept guests happy by passing out delicious dessert shooters and keeping guests well hydrated during the brief reception intermission. Have you ever seen 400 plus people in the Firefly? Well now you have 😉 Despite some of the destruction the wind caused, the Firefly staff had the tent cleaned up in no time and the guests were able to go back in and enjoy the speeches, first dances, and then a PACKED dance floor to the couple’s amazing band. I have to give a huge shout out to the best man and maid of honor for giving some incredible speeches and to the bride’s brothers for making us laugh and get a little teary all at the same time. The band was HOPPING and the guests were having an absolute blast. We felt bad for even pulling Kim and Adam out into the light rain to take a night shot but sometimes those few seconds and minutes are worth it because it can give you a beautiful moment together outside of the reception to just take it all in. The Firefly staff provided late night snacks (burgers and pizza) to the guests as the couple and their guests partied the night away. I can’t say enough about Katie and the staff and the way they handled the situation and also our bride, Kim, who could have gotten upset about the circumstances but chose to just enjoy her day, rain or shine. Thanks to everyone who made this day a truly epic event, this will be a wedding people talk about for a VERY long time to come. Kim and Adam we wish you many years of joy, we can’t wait for you to see all your final wedding images!

-Congrats,

The Keys