Kayla & Austin | Abraham Lincoln Hotel Springfield, IL Glamorous Fall Wedding Photographer

Kayla and Austin are just one of those couples who you just can’t help but love to pieces. Kayla is such a swee, bubbly and compassionate person and Austin is her fun, goofy and charming half. These high school sweethearts are so perfect for each other and I just loved being apart of their big day!

Their wedding was such a memorable one for me. Two days before I slipped a disc in my back and my wonderful sister Lauren (who is also an amazing photographer), my second shooter Jordan and my sweet momma stepped in to help me tackle the day! I loved spending the day with my family helping Kayla and Austin’s families celebrate their marriage!

Kayla and Austin me in high school and started dating shortly after attending their first homecoming together. Their families live practically in each other’s backyards in a small town. They quickly became best friends in high school and have dated for over 10 years. I first met Austin and Kayla when I was asked to photograph Austin’s senior photos years ago and I instantly became friends with them. I was ecstatic when they asked me to photograph their wedding, I just knew I had to be there to celebrate them.

It was a gorgeous early Fall Saturday. The sun was shining and the temps were perfect. I loved spending the morning hanging out with Kayla and Austin’s families. Lauren took on the bulk of the work shooting all of Kayla’s gorgeous details, just wait until you see her one-of-a-kind two piece dress! Her mom and bridesmaids helped her into it while she applied the final touches, she was such a calm and collected bride, just anticipating seeing her groom waiting for her down the aisle. We took photos in her parent’s backyard separately with both the guys and the girls before heading on to the church to make it official!

The small, hometown church was perfect for Kayla and Austin’s ceremony. Kayla’s parents got married in the same exact church which made it very special to her and even though their guest list was quite extensive, every piled in to watch them say their vows. After a sealed first kiss, Kayla and Austin swept down the aisle with biggest smiles on their faces–finally husband and wife!

Afterwards we photographed the newlyweds outside of their church with Kayla’s uncle’s vintage car, before she quick changed her dress to surprise Austin. Then we brought back the infamous green couch from their amazing engagement session (click here to see more!) for some fun photos before heading downtown with their bridal party to finish up photos. Finally we headed to the Abraham Lincoln Hotel to begin their reception!

Now, I was unable to attend their reception because my back had had all it could take by then, but I snuck a peak at the room before I left and it was gooooor-geous!! I loved Kayla and Austin’s black and white style with beautiful touches of gold. Based on all of the fun images Lauren and Jordan took, I just know the reception was an absolute blast and the dancefloor looked packed! I am so incredibly thankful for Kayla and Austin for their understanding and grace with my injury and allowing a few extra people to come along and help capture their big day! This was certainly a day I will never forget and I just cannot wait any longer to share the images! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Muench!!