Aaron Patton and Marie Zackschewski were married on October 10, 2009, at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville.  The reception was at Buena Vista Farms in Chapin.  During the planning stages, we became friends so by the time the wedding arrived we were comfortable together.  We just had a good time, got some great shots and celebrated the joining of two people that belonged together.  I wish all the best for them and I hope they never lose that fun I saw them share that day.

Michael Wenzel and Catherine Bliss got married on October 3, 2009, at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield with the reception held at Crown Plaza.  Catherine was beautiful and easy to work with.  Michael was a little camera shy, but went with the flow.  They made a wonderful couple.  Golf is a big part of Michael’s life so, we naturally went to Lincoln Greens for our outside pictures.  We got some great photos before the rain set in.  We had a great time at the Crown.  We were able to sneak away for some awesome pictures on the mezzanine.  I really enjoyed shoot their wedding day.

Robert Simmons and Tara Gorbett began their married life together on September 26, 2009.  The ceremony was held at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens in Springfield.  The reception was at the Route 66 Hotel.   Tara was beautiful and Rob was handsome.  The weather was not cooperating so we used the plant terrarium for our portraits.  The even light and controlled environment was a perfect “studio”.  We got some beautiful shots.  Then, right before the ceremony was to start, the rain quit and the ceremony went off without a hitch.  We got some more great pictures on the grounds there at the Park.  Then it was on to the reception.  Everyone had a good time there.  I appreciated being a part of their day.

Kris Pickford and Michelle Smith began their married life together on September 19, 2009.  The ceremony was held at Unitarian Universalist Church in Springfield.  The reception was at the Northfield Inn.  Michelle was beautiful and her dress was fabulous.  Kris was handsome and the brown tuxedos were very good looking.  We got some good shots at the reception hall and at UIS College.  Everyone had a good time at the reception.  I appreciated being a part of their day and felt honored to be asked to record their wedding day.

Pete Cadigan and Sara Manuele got married on September 12, 2009, at the Sherman Fire Department.  The reception was at the Sherman Athletic Club.  Sara and Pete were a blast to work with.  Their wedding was the most unique I got to shoot all year.  From the fire department setting, to the bag piper with the cannon shot to start the procession it was a literal blast to be their photographer.  One of the awesome pictures we got was when I was lifted up in the bucket truck and all the wedding guests gathered around the bride and groom for a huge group shot.  The reception started with a choreographed wedding party dance.  The reception hall was decorated in a gangster theme with an awesome framed picture given to the bride and groom.  I wish Pete and Sara all the best and Pete….. stay safe out there.   

Korey Powell and Olivia Edwards got married on September 5, 2009 at St. Anthony’s Church in Quincy.  The reception followed at the Knights of Columbus in Quincy.  Olivia was a beautiful bride with a graceful bearing about her.  Korey was the typical groom and he was fun to work with.  The weather was sunny and just perfect.  Everyone has a good time and we got some great photos. 

Greg Lucas and Gina Brown got married on August 29, 2009, at the Washington Park Gazebo.  The reception followed at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel.  Gina was simply gorgeous and her dress was stunning.  Greg was dashing and in control.  The weather was perfect. I couldn’t have ask for anything more.  I was on my game and the pictures came out awesome.  Greg and Gina had a surprise for the reception guests.  They had choreographed their first dance which ended with a standing ovation.  We had a great time together. 

Allen Orme and Nancy Adams got married at Washington Park Gazebo with a dinner at the Old Luxemburg after the ceremony. Family and friends arrived at the Gazebo to witness the exchange of vows.  The weather was a little warm but everyone had a great time.  We took pictures around the Botanical Gardens and the Bell Tower.  We got some good pictures.  After the ceremony everyone went to the Old Luxemburg for a good dinner and cake cutting.  I wanted to thank Allen and Nancy for allowing me to be a part of their day.

Brandon Jasper and Allison Bunte got married on August 1, 2009 at the St. Rose Catholic Church in Quincy, IL.  The reception was at the Oakley Lindsey Center in Quincy.  I was a bit apprehensive about this wedding because I did not get to meet them before the wedding.  I am a planner and this arrangement made me nervous.  Allison was fine with it and was not the least bit worried.  Well, I did all that worrying for nothing.  Everything went fine.  Allison was beautiful and Brandon was handsome.  Since I had shot in this same church in July, I already had some ideas for poses.  We got some wonderful pictures.  The reception hall was a bit of a challenge, however.  One side of the hall had huge windows from floor to ceiling which caused a complete silhouette on everyone standing along that wall.  I used a strong fill flash to combat the situation and hoped the sun set quickly.  I hope that Brandon and Allison have wonderful life together.  God Bless you.