August 9, 2022

Valerie & Jake | Springfield, IL Elegant Champagne & Greenery Summer Wedding Photographer

Valerie and Jake are such a sweet couple! I loved every minute I got to spend with them on their wedding day watching them say “I do” with their closest friends and family present. Valerie is extremely close with her sisters, so she spent the morning getting ready with them and the rest of her bridesmaids. Before she walked into the church, she shared a beautiful first look with her dad which almost even had me in tears! Her and Jake also wrote the cutest letters to each other to read before the ceremony and they both had a tough time getting through them without crying. It wasn’t a shock to me at all when they were both blubbery messes and Valerie’s dad walked her down the aisle to give her away to Jake. They had a gorgeous traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Al’s, the church Valerie has been attending since she was a little girl. They exchanged rings, said vows to each other and finally sealed it with their first kiss as husband and wife! Huge smiles beamed across their faces as they walked down the aisle together!

After the ceremony and a really fun bubble exit on the church steps, they loaded up the party bus and headed out to Jake’s hometown of Raymond, IL! We hit up the local golf course first for some portrait time with their bridal party. This part of the day was so much fun because Valerie and Jake got to spend time with their closest friends. The bridal party had Valerie and Jake laughing and having such a good time taking pictures. The weather was absolutely beautiful for July and we could not have asked for a better day! Once we were done with photos we stopped at the local bar for a drink before heading to Valerie and Jake’s reception.

The Knights of Columbus Hall in Raymond was transformed by Valerie and Jake into a gorgeous wedding reception. It was black and white, filled with candlelight and beaming with all of their friends and family. They shared beautiful dances with each other and their parents before we snuck them out for sunset photos. We found the cutest little spot near their reception to capture that last bit of golden hour light and Valerie and Jake got to enjoy a few quiet moments together on their wedding day. Finally, they headed back to their reception where I don’t think either of them ever left the dance floor the rest of the night. Their celebration was absolutely perfect and I am so happy for the new Mr. and Mrs. Kuchar!