Both the ceremony and the reception were held at Indian Trails in Colona, Illinois. Picnic themed with vibrant Spring colors, barbecue, board games, and lots of attention to details by the bride’s mom made it fun!

You would have snapped it too!  It was just so begging to put all the pieces together and “snap”!  There is a story behind the floor squeegee and grandparents have a photo with one on their wedding day also!    I never got to hear the whole story.

David and Kelsey were married this past Saturday at Indian Trails in Colona, Illinois.  Kelsey’s mom swung into action last Winter with an idea of how to decorate for her daughter’s wedding. Thousand Origami Cranes (千羽鶴, Senbazuru^?) is a group of one thousand origami paper cranes held together by strings. She changed the traditional strands to differing lengths, but all else was  followed.

At the reception were attractive bags for each guest.  Inside the bag was a note:

“These cranes were strung with you n mind and with prayers in our hearts. Thanks for being a part of our special day! Kelsey and Dave”

white = purity
red = love
blue = loyalty
green = health
yellow = creativity
orange = enthusiasm
purple = spirituality

Many hours of cutting, folding, stringing, and of course counting plus storing went into the project.  All the time spent was also time in prayer.

The table centerpieces were origami lilies, flowers, reeds, butterflies, and small cranes.

These 3 flowers were very tiny and adorned a letter holder out to hold envelopes from guests.  Totally adorable idea and in perfect agreement with the theme of the day.

There are lots of wishes by couples getting married. One is for nice weather.  We all know sooner or later we get some rainy days.  If it happens to you don’t be bummed.   Golf umbrellas are wonderful.  Cheap painter’s plastic drop cloths are a wonderful thing if you want to keep shoes and the bottom of the gown clean.  Go for it!  The dress is going to have to go to the cleaners no matter how careful you are!

Clouds, wind, rain…… with a little imagination can provide some really stunning images.  Like this one of Stacy and John.

Left Left Left Right Left

Here we were in the moment of the ring exchange with the priest conducting a very solemn set of vows between bride and groom.  Her ring safely in place, she places his ring on his finger.  The priest goes through the whole thing then steps down and whispers in her ear.   You got it!  Ring on the wrong hand!  I’m just sayin’……. couldn’t you whisper in her ear a little sooner?  

Stacy laughed after-wards saying she was sure it would become a funny story over time.

Sometimes the no flash misfire can be fun.  Lights from the DJ

Stacy and John you are indeed blessed with family and friends.  All day you were hugged and loved on by all of them!  What a great way to start your marriage.

Just uploading ONE tonight!  They are downloading!  Aren’t they cute?

Wow! Internet! I am so behind on blog posting.  One of my unique weddings this year was Marvin and Kara.  They planned, shopped, and worked hard to bring about Kara’s vision of their wedding.

They booked Community Christian Fellowship for the ceremony.  They blocked out the light on the windows and doors with brown paper.  The black and hot pink drapes were made and hung by them.  The aisle was created from 108″ muslin.  There was no detail left unturned.  All the florals were done by Clazzy Designs.

Lights out!  Candles, candles, candles…..it took a team to light them all.  This is the view to the rear door.

Rock Island Arsenal and Heritage Hall for the reception

This is only the tip of the iceberg.  There were tons of details and decorations plus lots of personal touches.

Every couple stands before me waiting, expecting, a little feeling of awkward.  It’s up to me to navigate passed the outer court where all acquaintances visit into that inner place.  That place of vulnerability each of us guards until we trust the visitor.  Some open the gates freely and widely. Others slowly and a little at a time.  Still others padlock the gates and defy you to gain entrance.

This image was toward the end of our shoot.  The shot mechanics were set.  I asked for an almost kiss.  Suddenly they left me behind and only had eyes for each other.  Softly they touched each other and I got to see the couple I will be photographing September 18, 2010.

Oh my goodness! That crooked little boy smile…..no wonder Erin gave her heart to him.

We are going to rock out September 18th.  I don’t know how I got so blessed with incredible gowns this year, but I am freakin’ lovin’ it!   Can’t wait, Erin!