Jessica and Jeremy | Wedding @ The Carriage House, Altamont IL

I think in every venue possible in Effingham county this past weekend there was a wedding (no joke). It seemed like all my photographer friends were super busy and had full days. Thanks to Mother Nature that day was a wee bit more challenging due to heavy rains and soggy weather HOWEVER nothing could beat the infectious happiness created by our couple Jessica and Jeremy. Rain didn’t get us down as we started our morning at Stylez in Effingham where the newly remodeled salon hosts some of Effingham’s best hair and makeup talent. Brittany, the queen of curl gave Jess a beautiful half up/half down bridal do that fit her beautiful vintage dress and face and Kaci gave Jess a completely flawless makeup job. I’m always impressed with the beautiful jobs that Katie, Brittany, Kaci and the others can do because they literally can create pure bridal beauty that holds up the entire day! Jess had arranged for her bridal prep at the beautiful Austin Mansion in Effingham where there are literally endless opportunities for pictures and room after room is full of beautiful and historical detail. She had chosen an amazing lace dress that made her look like a princess Barbie doll. I loved her lace flats and the beautiful hair piece she had that tied it all in together. We were able to take some portraits at the mansion before heading to the church in Altamont where we had one of the most emotional dad and brother first looks I’ve witnessed in a long time, I was even over in the corner sniffling like a baby (I bawled an ugly cry editing these blog photos, no joke). It was a beautiful moment and we enjoyed spending the day with both very welcoming families. We thankfully had some dry moments before the ceremony to do some outdoor pictures. The ceremony was great and even had some Star Wars references (nerd for LIFE) that I found pretty awesome and we enjoyed all of the little details that Jess had included in the ceremony. One of the coolest things from the ceremony I can note were the programs that brought back a few grade school memories (take a look below!) It was clear by the number of people at the wedding ceremony that Jess and Jeremy were two VERY loved people! Despite the rain causing havoc on our outdoor photo plans we thankfully had the immaculate Austin Mansion as our photo spot which again, gave us shelter from the rain along with perfect spots for all things photography. We even were able to sneak out into the rain for a few shots too and even though it went by fast I feel that we were able to really maximize our time there. We headed to the Carriage House which was decked out with an AMAZING backdrop, photos EVERYWHERE of the couple so in love, and my all-time favorite, a huge room length table full of desserts (#weddingwin). Huge father of the bride props to Jess’s Dad who not only had the best reaction to his daughters bridal beauty (and had everyone in tears) but who also designed the couples favors by stamping OVER 300 (guesstimate) wood coasters that had been cut by Jeremy’s dad. SO much effort went into making these amazing details I feel like I’m leaving someone or something out but I hope the pictures can do this wedding justice because it really was an amazing day. Another highlight was working with the DJ talents of “A Touch of Class” out of Springfield area. We really appreciate when a DJ vendor can not only provide great ambiance and interaction but can also work directly with the photographers to make sure everyone is on the same page and ready for the action. These guys were just fantastic to work with and we really appreciate their efforts! Another hats off to Janet and her team at the Carriage House for pulling off another fabulous event. Jess and Jeremy were an absolute joy to work with and it is clear that their love and respect for one another will be a wonderful foundation for their marriage. We wish you both the very best!

-Kate and Doug

*I’m also going to shout out my husband who really is the unsung hero in some of these shots. Doug is the quiet observer and he can stand in the corner like a ninja and pull of some amazing shots (See below) while I’m doing the directing and he also is the ENTIRE reason that we can shoot the high volume of portraits that we can get in because he is so good at positioning the light while I’m positioning the couple, I very rarely have to tell Doug where to stand or move to adjust light, he has my methods down pat and his abilities to have all of that stuff prepared and ready REALLY helps us when we are crunched for time. Many time when couples get their images back they probably don’t realize the great shots that Doug has added to the group. Love you husband! You’re the best!*

(image above by Doug)

(image above by Doug)

(Image above by Doug)

(image above by Doug)

(image above by Doug)