I'm a coffee loving, travel-obsessed, thirty-something based out of Central Illinois. My best friend and I raise two kiddos on chaotic schedules in our vintage ranch and I couldn't love it more. I'm lucky enough to make a living doing what I love for the people I love! I specialize in weddings (destination + local) and boudoir. I hope we have the chance to meet!

I'm Emily!

wanna know more?

connect on social

wedding blogs

engagement blogs

senior blogs

personal blogs

click to sign up!

be the first to receive educational content, early access on special announcements and more straight to your inbox!

Erin + Matt | Married

Weddings

August 15, 2018

An Elegant and Relaxed Wedding at the iHotel
– J U L Y 7 T H , 2 0 1 8 –

When I first met Erin, she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I photographed way back when, but I still remembered her when she emailed to tell me she was finally planning her very own wedding to her dream guy! Meeting through mutual friends, they love to spend time hanging out, going to concerts, or just simply relaxing with their fur baby, Ronnie! Originally from the Central Illinois area, the two now live in Madison, Wisconsin but still wanted to tie the knot back home. It was an absolutely gorgeous day all around, and though I wasn’t around for the reception, my bet is these guys had a ton of fun! I loved the sleek and elegant look of the black and white, with accents of blush brought in by Erin’s dress, shoes, and flowers – I think it’s a new favorite combo! Just WAIT until you see the photos of Erin stepping into her gown at the iHotel, STUNNING! Well, I’ll let you see for yourself.

ihotel wedding center vendors black white blush wedding decor blush wedding shoes comfy champaign photographer central illinois modern wedding tog wedding details black white blush wedding ihotel wedding getting ready room

SEE, what’d I tell ya? Jaw dropping, am I right?! champaign hotel wedding block suite wedding ihotel cu stay at the i wedding moment mom daughter bridesmaids assistance ihotel cu

I just love all the natural light that the iHotel suites let in… bride erin shaw milwaukee bridal ihotel champaign place to stay bridal ring shot midwestern bride first look 1st christian urbana

Such a cute first look moment! first look christian church champaign champaign illinois wedding photographer

This was a first for me, doing the ceremony at the First Christian Church outside of Champaign. Though the large window was a bit of a photography challenge, I still loved it. first christian church champaign il first christian church wedding ceremony decor mingling wedding ceremony friends and fam 1st christian wedding ceremony champaign churches family friendly wedding church champaign area central illinois window ceremony backdrop

I love the silhouette with the big windows! Ah! big window ceremony space ceremony midwest bride photographer church first christian champaign

I may not have been around for the dancing part of the party, but I was able to witness a bit of dancing during a Friar Tuck run on the party bus! starr limo party bus dancing fun japan house grounds champaign wedding illinois garden wedding party black white something blue grandmother's ring wedding champaign u of i arboretum japan house japanese gardens champaign summer

Special thanks to Erin’s helper Rachel for being the true magician and holding the tree branch juuuuuuust right for me! wedding champaign arboretum u of i shaw hannan wedding champaign urbana oriental gardens japan house gardens champaign illinois

What a gorgeous cake! I loved the vintage stand!
ihotel cake pink blush

I loved seeing the iHotel’s newest feature, custom LED uplighting (is it still uplighting if it’s in the ceiling???) that allowed the reception space to transform into the perfect wedding colors! ihotel wedding reception champaign