Brianna and Nick | Wedding @ Teutopolis, IL

Out with a bang! I’m not even sure where to begin with Brianna and Nick.. what a journey we have had together. 

Years ago, we did photos for Nick and Brianna as just a couple with their adorable dog. We would run into them on the wedding circuit and through mutual friends and we always thought they were a stellar couple. Fast forward a few years later and they were engaged and we were out shooting engagement photos with their pups. We ventured through the wedding journey together, exchanging funny stories and advice but little did we know that our OFFICIAL last wedding of our photography career in IL would take a huge shift. In September 2019, we closed out one of our last weddings feeling like it was the official end because we were getting to pack up and move to Virginia. The plan was always to come back and shoot Brianna and Nick’s wedding in 2020 as kind of our “bonus last wedding.” Covid, however had other plans. I remember talking to Brianna about the virus spread and how it would impact their big day in May 2020. She was always upbeat and pure class with handling of the situation. This is why we just love her (and probably why Nick does as well). Long story short, the wedding was moved to 2021 and we dusted off our photography gear and headed back to IL for one epic bash. 

As luck would have it, they had the perfect day. Not only did they have perfect weather, literally everything went off without a hitch. We started with hair and makeup in the AM with some of my favorite artists and hair people. Everyone was happy and relaxed knowing this day was a long time coming. Hell, even the dog was festively dressed. I squealed with actual joy when I saw Brianna’s dress- a style with pockets and glitter (which we gladly are still cleaning out of our truck) that made her look like a wedding Barbie doll. She’s always been stunning but as a bride she just looked incredible. I’m pretty sure she chose that cathedral veil just for me because it created some amazing photos. Nick is one of my favorite people because he just kind of sits back and enjoys the day to the fullest and he LOVES Brianna – you can see it when he looks at her. They were married in the beautiful T-Town Church with a glorious day for photos at the mini park and local area. The reception was held at the Effingham Event Center with wonderful Martins Catering (MAC AND CHEESE!!!) and a wonderful dessert and snack bar that the couple had planned for their guests. The energy was in the room and was evident through the speeches that people had waited a long time for this day and were so happy it was finally here. Brianna and Nick should have been celebrating their 1 year wedding anniversary this May but instead were finally getting ready to become Mr. And Mrs. I’m absolutely over the moon for them that they finally got to have this amazing day. Congrats Brianna and Nick – it was a pure honor to be a part of your day and to have been on you with this journey. 

What an incredible way to end our IL Wedding Photography careers. This is the Keys saying over and out – we’ll be seeing you! 

-Kate and Doug