Champaign-Urbana Wedding Photographer | Dan & Valerie tie the knot!

Do you ever pinch yourself to see if you are actually lucky enough to be doing the job you are doing…you know, just to make sure it’s not actually a dream? I think I’m about covered in bruises from pinching myself! I am seriously one lucky, lucky girl! I had the best day at Valerie & Dan’s wedding on July 14th in Springfield, Illinois. We had the HOTTEST July on record, but the temps were very bearable that day. It truly was a perfect, perfect day. I told Valerie that I was struggling when trying to choose which photos to put on the blog because there were so many incredible ones from the day. They are such a sweet, genuine couple that is crazy head over heels in love with each other. They made my job easy! I adored them, their families and their friends. They are truly surrounded by such a wonderful group of loved ones that care an awful lot about them. I laughed & I cried with them that day. I’m so grateful I was a part of it. I am so grateful that this gets to be the job that I do week after week. My cup runneth over.

Wedding Day Vendors:

Wedding Planner – Me, myself, and I 🙂 And my mom helped!

Hair – Katie at BJ’s Grand Salon Springfield, IL

Makeup – BJ’s Grand Salon Springfield, IL

Florist – Botanica Mt Pulaski, IL

Venue- The Rail Golf Course Springfield, IL & was officiated by Rev Bob Taylor from Carlinville, IL

Cake – Donna Vaughn Mt Pulaski, IL

Dress–David’s Bridal in Springfield, IL Designer Galina

Tuxes – Men’s Warehouse

Musicians – Guitarist Tim Gleason (Dan’s dad) Vocalists Nancy and Mallory Davis

Band-Brushfire from Bloomington, IL
Limousine – Party Pros from Carlinville, IL

First dance song— Love Your Love the Most by Eric Church

How did the two of you meet?

We met our freshman year of college at Illinois State University in August 2005. We met at the AGR frat house through mutual friends. We remained acquaintances throughout school (basically just saying hi at parties or on the quad at ISU), and even lived on the same dorm room floor sophomore year! One night senior year, we bumped into each other at our favorite downtown spot Six Strings and danced the night away and FINALLY exchanged phone numbers. He then texted me, and the next night he came over to watch a movie with me and my roommates Amanda and Ali. Little did he know, it was High School Musical…Something must have felt right, though, because he came back over the next night to watch High School Musical 2, and the rest has been history 🙂

How did he propose…and what made you say yes?

We have always said our favorite and most memorable date was at The Melting Pot in Scottsdale, AZ when Dan was living there for an internship. So, on our 3 year anniversary, Dan wanted to treat me to The Melting Pot in Chesterfield, MO. Well, I ended up getting called into work and had to cancel our date. So we rescheduled for later that week. After an amazing and very filling dinner, we walked out to a beautiful fountain near the restaurant because Dan told me he wanted a photo of us since we were “dressed up and looking fancy.” As I was looking into the fountain, Dan had gotten down on one knee. When I turned around, he said “I know I am not good at words, but I know I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” And how could I not say YES! The ring was gorgeous, and Dan was so nervous that it made me fall in love with him even more!! And if you know Dan, the way he asked, is so him!

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?

I’d have to say those last few moments when I was sitting in the locker room, all dressed and ready to go, surrounded by my best girl friends, knowing that in a few short minutes I would be walking down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams. There is absolutely no feeling better than it and no words to describe it! And, of course, seeing Dan for the first time as I walked down the aisle. I’m sure our faces were priceless.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?

I’d have to say all of the decor…I planned an entire wedding by myself (with the help of Pinterest, of course), and every little detail meant so much to me! I spent so much time and effort on the wedding, and it was so great to see the finished product looking so perfect and all coming together 🙂

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?

Something old- A piece of Dan’s favorite baby blanket was sewn into my hand made garter (Dan’s mom hand made my garter, purse, jewelry, my bridesmaids’ jewelry, my mom’s jewelry, and even her own jewelry! Am I lucky or what?!)

Something new- My dress and shoes

Something borrowed- My mama’s broach was pinned to my bouquet so that a piece of her could be with me all day long

Something blue- The date of our wedding (July 14, 2012) was embroidered on the inside of my dress in blue. Also, a small blue bead was sewn into my garter by my mother-in-law (representing Dan’s birthstone).

Any advice you would give to future brides and grooms?

Don’t sweat the small stuff! I promised myself the entire planning process I would never get overwhelmed or upset by anything, and it sure worked! I was relaxed the entire time and thoroughly enjoyed every single second of my wedding day. Also, you should marry a man with a mother as talented as my mother-in-law so she can hand make your jewelry and accessories 😉

Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day!

Kellie was the icing on the cake to making my special day even more perfect! She made everyone feel so comfortable while getting photographed all day long and even dealt with our crazy and fun wedding party! She fit in with everyone, and made the day go so smoothly. Even when my maid of honor had a dress mishap at the last minute and had to literally be sewn into her dress, Kellie was still smiling and making everyone feel okay about having plenty of time to get pictures in! I couldn’t have imagined trusting anyone else to photograph our big day!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. HIGHLY recommend it to anyone!