June 23, 2022

Natalie & Zach | Illini Country Club Springfield, IL White & Gold Elegant Spring Wedding Photographer

Natalie and Zach have been anticipating their wedding day for awhile now. Zach proposed to Natalie back in 2020 when they took a quick trip to Arizona to go hiking, a nice little break from school and a pandemic-friendly adventure outdoors! Natalie said “of course!” on top of Devil’s Bridge as their friends captured it all on video. They both were working hard to complete their educations, Zach in law school and Natalie in medical school, so they knew their engagement would be longer, but it was so well worth the wait!

Natalie spent the morning getting ready with her girls at her parent’s house in Springfield. There were some really special moments to capture as Natalie’s mom helped her step into her dress and her dad saw his only daughter for the first time on her wedding day. Zach headed over after getting ready with his groomsmen, eager to see his bride for the first time. We got to spend some time taking photos in Natalie’s parent’s backyard which was the perfect setting for their pre-wedding portrait time. Then we headed to the beautiful Westminster Presbyterian Church to capture them outside. Natalie’s parent’s have been church members for years and her dad was involved with the recent renovations, so it was also special to capture Natalie and Zach there as well before finally getting them officially married!

Natalie and Zach are both deeply rooted in their faith, so the ceremony was very important to them. Natalie’s family loves music so her brother played the piano and his close friend accompanied him on the violin. The music during the ceremony was truly beautiful and added such a special touch. Natalie’s dad walked her down the aisle to Zach and two special pastors, one from their time at their alma mater, Duke University (where Natalie and Zach met) and the other, Westminster’s pastor, spoke a beautiful ceremony uniting Natalie and Zach in marriage. They walked down the aisle as husband and wife and greeted their guests on the terrace of the beautiful church before heading off in a horse and carriage! It was such a fairytale to watch them wave to everyone as they took off towards their reception!

Illini Country Club welcomed all of Natalie and Zach’s guests with a cocktail hour to begin the festivities. The ballroom was absolutely gorgeous, full of spring flowers and warm candle light. Zach and Natalie were announced for the second time as Mr. and Mrs. and then her dad and Zach’s dad both gave perfect welcome speeches. They had everyone laughing and crying as they talked about how proud they were of the newlyweds. After dinner, Natalie’s maid of honor and Zach’s best man (also his brother) gave two incredible speeches as well. Natalie and Zach surprised everyone with a beautiful first dance which I can tell they spent a long time practicing! After they shared dances with their parents and a few other special people, their dance floor opened up for an amazing celebration. These two did not leave the floor the rest of the night and truly enjoyed their first hours as husband and wife surrounded by all of their friends and family. I loved getting to capture Natalie and Zach’s wedding day and I am so excited to share more images now! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Heater, I could not be happier for you both!