Champaign, IL – November 4th, 2017

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I’m back! After last weekend’s destination wedding in Florida it was nice to be back home after taking six days off. But last week I was able to get back into a somewhat normal routine again and focus on preparations for Nick + Micaela’s big day!

The forecast for weeks leading up to the first weekend of November weren’t looking great. Why can’t mother nature behave when we need it to?! Anyways, it was looking like rain. Micaela + I came up with a plan B, while secretly hoping the weather gods would change their minds. And guess what?! They did! We had an extremely overcast day, but luckily, the rain held off until late in the evening! So when Sam and I arrived at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, we were able to jump right into detail shots and morning prep. I stayed with the girls while Sam ran to the guys for a few photos there, and when she arrived back at the hotel it was time for Micaela to get dressed! We tried holding everyone out of the room since Micaela wanted to do a first look with her girls, so it was a sweet moment between just her sister and her as she put on her full skirt gown with a beaded bodice and gorgeous removable straps. Her girls were all pleasantly surprised to see her, she was so pretty!

We then headed to the U of I Arboretum, which was busy with park goers but we managed to find some gorgeous spots for the bridal party and family portraits. We set aside a little time for some photos of just the bride and groom, but we had planned to wait until after the ceremony to do the bulk of their portraits together. And remember how I said the day was extremely overcast? Well, it also meant that when Micaela + Nick walked out of their ceremony space as husband and wife, it was dark! Sunset came early, so I had to think on my feet a bit and we took the lights outside and played a bit with them for portraits. I get that not every photographer works with advanced lighting techniques, but luckily for them, I do, and that meant that the photos didn’t have to stop just because the light is gone! We had fun overcoming the challenge together, and I love how they turned out!

The reception and ceremony were both at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign, in adjoining rooms, so the reception space was not that far! Once we finished with portraits, Nick and Micaela were announced in as Mr. + Mrs. Singer and the festivities began. Their cake was gorgeous, with a texture to it I’d never seen before, navy icing, and gold accents. The uplighting around the room really brought in a lot of color to their decor and set the mood. Once the dance floor opened, it was immediately full and I don’t think it ever changed.

Micaela + Nick, thank you so very much for allowing us to capture such special moments for you and for trusting me with my crazy ideas. I hope you have fun on your honeymoon! xoxo – Em

A big thank you to those involved:
Hilton Garden Inn :: Reception + Ceremony
Cake Artist Studio :: Cake
Shiela’s Sunny Bloomers :: Florals
DJ4U :: DJ
Michelle’s Bridal + Tuxedo :: Gown + Bridal Jewlrey
David’s Bridal :: Bridesmaid Dresses
Men’s Wearhouse :: Tuxes
Flora Gems :: Engagement Ring
Kay’s Jewlers :: Wedding Bands
Salon 105 :: Hair
Lauren Foran :: Makeup
Lottie Brogan :: Linens
Elite Entertainment :: Curtain Draping