Joliet Union Station + Grand Ballroom, Joliet, IL
August 5th, 2016

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Last August, I had the opportunity to work alongside Karen with Karen Shoufler Photography. I have known Karen for a couple years now and have always admired her work, so having the ability to second shoot for her was so exciting! We met up before the festivities began outside the Joliet Union Station + Grand Ballroom to catch up and do a bit of location scouting. I had never been there before, so it was nice getting a feel for the layout. Soon after, we met up with the bride Liz, and from the first moments I could tell she was a fun, easy-going lady with style! The dress she wore was a fitted, lace, long sleeved gown that (despite the warm weather) was absolutely perfect. Meanwhile, her groom, Patrick, was getting ready just a floor below and anxiously awaiting the rest of the day. The ceremony space was very simple and intimate, and the more I got to know Liz and Pat, I knew that it was just what they wanted. The grand entrance Liz walked down the ballroom steps to her groom gave me chills!

After the ceremony, we proceeded outside on the courtyard for family formals and a few bridals, and the union station wouldn’t be complete without a few trains in the background! The reception space is just how the name describes it, GRAND. With high ceilings, decadent chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows, and marble pillars all around the room, the first look into the space takes your breath away. Add in the simple touches of purple centerpieces and a gorgeous cake, and you’ve got one happy photographer! I loved their bride and groom candy boxes for their guests to take home as well. Shortly after toasts, we stepped outside closer to sunset for bridal portraits of the happy couple and I loved every one of them! Karen even let me play around with my flash set up a bit on the staircase! Congratulations to Liz and Pat and thank you to Karen for allowing me the opportunity! I have to apologize for the amount of photos, I just couldn’t resist leaving any behind!

Second shooting can be the best learning experience any photographer, new or seasoned, can get. If you’re a photographer looking for second shooting opportunities, email me. I’m always looking for a fresh perspective for my own weddings!