Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton + Hilton Garden Inn Stone Conference Center, Kankakee, IL

Meghan has always been one of the happiest people I know. When she called me to photograph her wedding, (and told me she HAD. TO. have me) I was really excited! She is a joy to be around, and her husband, Michael, is her perfect match. 

We started the day at the Paxton Covenant Church, where both the girls and the boys were getting ready in different parts of the basement. The girls were playing music, and welcomed my crew and me with open arms, and lots of laughter. We photographed Meghan & Michael getting ready, Meghan’s beautiful gown and accessories – including a handmade bag, made out of parts of her and her grandma’s dresses, and a watch that was her grandpa’s (it was stopped on Saturday the 13th – I’m getting chills!). 

The couple had a private first look, and then we went to Ten Mile Grove to take photographs of the wedding party, as well as family photos before the ceremony. The weather called for rain in the early afternoon, but the clouds and light breeze made for pleasant weather, and wonderful photographs! We were able to get back to the church before any rain started. 

The wedding was traditional and beautiful, making smart use of the non-traditional layout of the church sanctuary. You will see both laughter and (happy) tears in these photographs. Once the ceremony was over, we followed the wedding party and the guests outside for a Lottinville Seed Corn Sendoff! I was so excited to see how well the corn photographed, and all the guests had fun tossing it! We took some more photographs in the church, and headed to the reception.

We had plenty of time once we got to Kankakee to take some photographs at the Kankakee Community College. There, we shot some beautiful bridals, and some super cute group shots! We headed into the reception, and captured an amazing maid of honor speech (song!) and a hilarious best man speech. The couple cut the cake, danced their first time as husband and wife, and started the party. Right as the sun was setting, we quickly stepped outside for some of my favorite bridal photos of all time!

I loved being able to share this amazing day with these two incredible people. I wish them the best!

Leave your love for these two and after 50 comments they’ll receive $50 in print credit!

Thank you to the following vendors for making Meghan + Michael’s day so special:
Ceremony: Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church
Reception Venue: Hilton Garden Inn Stone Conference Center
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
DJ: Rob Dailey
Cake/Cupcakes: Stephanie Shively
Florist:  Ba Da Boom Flower Shoppe
Hair:  Torrie Jones
Transportation: Larry’s Limousine Service

Related Posts:

Kankakee County Fairgrounds Wedding | Cheyenne + Logan

Rilynn Kay | Birth Story

Paxton + Cissna Park Wedding | Kristin + Josh