The wedding ceremony of Kelsea and Christian was nothing less than dreamy. It was personal and intimate and just as much about the people they were with as it was about them. When I first arrived, I was welcomed into the bridal suite by Kelsea, her girls, her momma, her sister, and her aunt. It was a calm start to the day and I truly believe it set the tone for the entire rest of the afternoon. Their wedding ceremony was my first at Pillar Events in Taylorville, IL and I look forward to shooting there again.
Before I got started, I took a walk around the venue to familiarize myself with everything it had to offer. It was originally a Baptist Church that has been converted into an event space. They kept the stained glass in the bigger of the two event spaces, while offering a stunning all white room with wood rafters for smaller occasions that has a pretty floor to ceiling fireplace facade. Oh, and there are beautiful chandeliers throughout the entire venue. Even the bathrooms were so pretty! The venue is for sure a favorite of mine now and if you ever have a chance to work with them, I highly recommend it. Their staff was so attentive and friendly!
Once I took a walk around, I started shooting her dress and then her details. Before I knew it, it was time to get Kelsea dressed! Her dress fit her perfectly and I loved the way the chiffon effortlessly flowed down to the lace detail work on the train, with matching detail on her veil. Her dad’s reaction to her in her dress was so sweet, as were his words about her letter to him that he read after their Father-Daughter first look. “I am going to read it again and again,” he said. Oh, my heart!
When Christian saw Kelsea, I could immediately see a wave of relaxation come over them both. This happens so often after first looks and it is one of the main reasons I recommend it! Once they had a chance to take it all in, they shared private vows that brought me to tears! I’ve never given much thought to saying them privately, but I loved it so much. They sat on the steps of the alter and spoke from the heart. Being that they neither one like to be the center of attention, it was so fitting.
Before the ceremony I took Kelsea, Christian, and their wedding party outside for bridal party portraits. To the person that painted all of the brick in the back alley white, I thank you! It tied into the rest of the day so well and I love the way it made the colors of the girls dresses pop! After portraits, it was go time for the ceremony, surrounded by only their parents, Kelsea’s sister and aunt, and their grandparents. The sentimental in me enjoyed how intimate it was and I think it made it really special. Once they were husband and wife, we went to the the front steps of the church for family portraits in front of the original stained glass doors, before taking Kelsea and Christian inside for portraits in front of the impressive, two story tall stained glass windows. It really means a lot when clients request pictures in front of something so pretty and trust me to be creative beyond that.
The rest of the evening was relaxed for them. They had the best supper I think I’ve ever had at a wedding. We started with a salad adorned with strawberries and poppyseed dressing, followed by prime rib with creamy horseradish sauce, green beans, cheesy potatoes, and rolls with this sweet, yummy butter. Following supper, they had an open house for anyone local that wanted to drop in and say hello.
Kelsea and Christian, I cannot wait until next year to capture your reception and to meet your little girl! Thank you so much for choosing me. I hope you enjoy the highlights from your wedding and I cannot wait to show them all to you in a few weeks at your viewing appointment.
Congrats you two! I love ya both!
Ceremony | The Pillars Event Center
Dress Store | The Ultimate Bride
Florist | Main Street Florist
Catering | Secret Recipes Catering
Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie
Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Warehouse