I would say that Quentin & Jennifer’s wedding day couldn’t have gone better.. It was relaxed, had great weather (even w/ a brief storm coming in and quickly clearing), and everyone enjoying themselves.  They both have super sweet families, and friends that like to have fun.  Their ceremony took place at the Illinois Wesleyan Evelyn Chapel, in which they are alumni.  I’m so glad that we were able to utilize the campus as well, for portraits of the bride & groom, since it had been a significant location for their relationship.  We finished up just in time when the first rain drops came in.  They didn’t mind though, as it was time to head to their reception at the Double Tree by Hilton..  They were welcomed by the talented entertainment services by Premier Productions.  It’s always an honor to witness a marriage, and it’s completely evident how much love these two share, each time they look at one another.  Thank you for allowing me to capture such a special event in your life, Quentin & Jennifer!

Ceremony: Illinois Wesleyan Evelyn Chapel
Reception: Double Tree by Hilton
Master of Ceremony: Premier Productions
Flowers:  Casey’s Garden Shop
Cake: Sugar Art Cakes & Catering

(just click the arrow, and the slideshow will start & play on its own)

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After meeting w/ Becky & her sweet mother, I knew I would have fun w/ this family.. So welcoming & loving!  It could not have been a more gorgeous fall day for their wedding.. The leaves perfectly shaded in multitudes of color, pumpkins all around… Just lovely!  Thank you for sharing your wedding day w/ me!

*special thank you to Bill Davis for assisting me!

Seeing each other for their “first look”, I don’t think their reactions could have been any more perfect.. Most specifically, Chuck saying “WOW!” as he saw Becky…
The bridal party helped carve pumpkins the night before the wedding.. How fun is that?!?

I love the way that Becky is looking at her father just moments before walking down the aisle..

They do!
I loved this.. Becky had a special relative unable to be there the day of, so she wanted to capture a special image of her holding a memorable photo w/ that person..
Love her glasses!…
More fabulous fall details..

If you’re ever in need of an A-MAZE-ING sweet treat maker, “Cup Cakee’s“..  Words cannot describe the ridiculous flavor Stephanie creates!

No denying the sparks of love between these two… I love it!

I knew from the very first time that I met Chad & Katie that I would fall in love w/ them.. I wasn’t wrong  To say they are truly the sweetest, most loving couple is an understatement.. If I could describe them in two words, “love & laughter” would be more than fitting..  Chad & Katie, your smiles and laughter are infectious through & through.. What wonderful family & friends you have in your lives.. Many best wishes to years of continued love & laughter!  :)

*special thanks again to Britten Traughber for assisting me this wedding day

These two cutie pie cousins were having a blast together.. EVEN in dress clothes!

When I first saw the guys getting ready and saw got this shot of the bride’s brother & a groomsmen, I knew they were ready for a fun day…


Ceremony time… I love this special moment between father & daughter.. Katie teared up when she saw dad ready to walk her down the aisle..
I love this idea… As a guest sign in, they had them leave a fingerprint on their tree and sign their name.. Very neat!..

Bridal party, are you ready?!… This was an easy “YES!”  You guys rocked it!…

Then it was time for some quiet moments w/ the newly married lovebirds…

Katie’s bouquet was amazing w/ her dress…

Amazing light!…
Can’t you hear the laughter?… Love it!

I love the way they are looking at one another during their first dances… So happy & in love..

And another special father/daughter moment…

Thank you many times over, Chad & Katie, for allowing me to not only capture your amazing wedding day, but for welcoming me constantly w/ open arms!..

This couple had such a great wedding day!  They were wonderful to work w/, and are so sweet together.. They were married at the Grace Episcopal Church in Pontiac, IL w/ a reception following at the Elk’s Lodge..

A special thanks, also to Britten Traughber, for assisting me w/ this wedding

Ryan & Katie did a “first look”, and I LOVE that they wanted to share this special moment together by themselves… Their reactions to seeing one another for the first time were just priceless!

After their first look, it was time for the ceremony… There’s something so simply special about father(s) giving away their daughters..

I love the little looks that Ryan was giving Katie.. ?

See the groom’s son, Jack, peeking from the pew?  Too cute!

Beautiful first kiss as husband & wife moment…
Even though it was sprinkling and a bit chilly, that didn’t stop Ryan & Katie for being GREAT sports and giving us some time to get some fabulous shots of the two of them together… LOVE!

Surely church designers at some point were photographers who love red doors?… hehe  Thank you, church designers!
And Jack again.. He told me that he LOVES to be silly… Me too, Jack!!

And some oh so pretty detail shots.. All of the bright & fresh colors that Katie chose were amazing!

Thank you, Ryan & Katie, for letting me be a part of and capture your beautiful wedding day.. Many, many best wishes to you both (and Jack!) for a lifetime of love & happiness!

From the moment that I met Dave & Marissa, I could tell that they shared a very sweet love between the two of them.. When we did their engagement session, it was even that much more apparent.  They’re playful, fun, considerate of one another.. A truly magical relationship!

A special thanks goes out to my friend & colleague, Amanda Overmyer for graciously being my eyes on wedding day, due to my unexpected health restriction for bedrest.. THANK you, Amanda!!

There was no doubt that Marissa would be a beautiful bride…

Love this one…

Time for the ceremony!…

They do!

Aren’t they lovely??..

Onto the reception… Think this gang is ready?
These are hysterical… Love it!..

I love the way couples watch one another during their first dance.. You can just see their love shining..

I’m pretty sure this screams FUN!

Many, many congrats, Dave & Marissa!

This was such a fun, fun wedding day.. The entire day was filled w/ so much laughter & love.  I can only imagine how loved  John & Katie feel when surrounded by their family & friends.. Thank you so much, for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

After their beautiful ceremony, it was time for some shots of the newly married couple…

Then we were off for some fun bridal party images… It started out pretty “normal”…

Thennnnnnn this happened, and things started to get a bit crazy ….

Pretty stunning…

All in good fun, of course…

After my bridal consult w/ this excited bride, I knew that there would be lots of fun details for their wedding.  When I saw w/ my own eyes what she had been describing and working on, it was a joyful sight!  So many bright colors, whimsy all around, fun, and well, joyful.. lol   There wasn’t a single detail missed!  Thank you for having me photograph your special day, Matt & Megan!

Ceremony & Reception Location; The Country Mansion (Dwight, IL)
Decorating: Cheree Berry (she’s been featured in Martha Stewart’s Weddings!)
Bride’s Dress: Pnina Tornai
Cake: Janet’s

The bride & groom pre-ceremony..

This little guy was eager to watch them being photographed..

Did I mention fabulous details?… Oh yes, yes I did!
This candy bar was more than enough temptation for this pregnant girl.. OHhhhhh, sugar!
And on to the ceremony…

Then it was off capture the newly married couple…

And some of the beautiful bride… Isn’t her dress amazing?..

Back inside for the celebration…

And what better way to send the happy couple on their way, but w/ sparklers glowing in the night… Congrats, you two!

I was so excited when I was asked to photograph this wedding.  The bride is the sister of one of my closest, and longest time friends from around pre-school age.  Needless to say, I’ve known the bride & her family for almost my entire life!  I couldn’t be more happy that Jeri has found the love of her life in Rob, and wish them a lifetime full of love  laughter..  Thank you Rob & Jeri, for having me photograph your special day!

A side note… Jeri & I had talked about photography plans pre-wedding, and I completely respected her thoughts & feelings on capturing the moments, and promised not to be too paparazzi-ish..hehe..  Sooooo, thank YOU for taking a risk and cheesing it up for a few shots w/ your handsome groom..  You both were great! =)

I love their expressions here.. 

Brides, did you know that David’s Bridal has a monthly drawing in which you have a chance to score your wedding dress, or up to 5 bridesmaids’ dresses for FREE?   How awesome would that be for your wedding budget!?!   AND, if you’re the lucky winner, I will sweeten the pot and offer a $150 PRINT CREDIT if your wedding is booked w/ Imaginate Photography!  Check it out and apply now!

As mentioned before the blog challenge is underway!  Please cast your vote for your favorite child/baby image to be featured on the updated Imaginate Photography site for 2010.. All votes will generate a $1 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.. So come back often and vote as many times as you would like!  Send your family & friends to vote too!  See those little “Share” icons on the bottom of this post?  Just hover over to see which one you’d like to use!  (i.e. facebook, twitter, e-mail, etc)  This is round one of the voting.. more categories to come.. Now vote!

Oh and also…. Pssssst.. here’s a secret.. The most voted for image subjects may just be in for a little treat from me for letting me use their beautiful faces on my site!  Shh…..

Child/Baby Category

[polldaddy poll=2401525]

Family Category

[polldaddy poll=2409069]

Wedding Category

[polldaddy poll=2409106]

Everyone loves a challenge right?  This year as the holidays are upon us, I challenge you to make it a wonderful holiday for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The holidays not only remind me of family, love, and kindness, but it also reminds me how thankful I am for our health and well being.  There are so many children that spend their holidays confined to a hospital, battling life threatening illnesses, and they need the holidays to be special too.  Let’s do what we can together, to make that happen!

WHAT: Here is your challenge.. With the new year comes updating my website, blog, etc.  Is there a portrait image that you absolutely LOVE and would love others to see?  Please help in this by submitting a favorite photo from your portrait session during 2009 to be featured.  Just send me an e-mail (bridget@imaginatephotography.com) w/ the image # and/or description of your portrait choice from your session and it will be entered into the contest.  (please one entry per client)

WHEN: Between December 1st- December 10th:  submit your photo choices!
Between December 12th-December 31st:  those submitted entries will be featured on the blog for voting

DETAILS: All sessions are encouraged!  (baby, children, family, wedding, engagement, hs senior, maternity…There will be separate voting categories for each of the entry subjects)  Once the voting begins, you are welcome to submit as many votes as you would like, for a $1 donation each vote.  Send your family, friends, co-workers.. they can all vote for your image!…  All proceeds will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital So, the more votes, the larger the donation we can make to help bring some holiday cheer to these children!

Let’s do our best to show our support, everyone.. Now e-mail me your entry! =)

I was so excited when I was asked to photograph Tyler & Leeann’s wedding…  Leeann is the baby sister of a HS friend of mine.  It was a bit drizzly & rainy on their wedding day, but I’m pretty sure there were rainbows all around.. We even found a quaint little place tucked under an awning for some outdoor photos.  I would say the love in the air during their ceremony and vows, was everything but drizzly   Congrats to you both, Tyler & Leeann, and a life full of happiness & rainbows =)

This couple’s wedding took place in the groom’s parents’ backyard.. The beautiful landscaping, harp music being played, white fairy lights all around, and their great families made for a perfect and quaint evening wedding.  Stacy not only has a special man in her life that is now her husband, but also her son, Mr. J.  Jason & Stacy were sure to include Mr. J in their special day, and it was so, so very sweet to witness.  Thank you SO much to the families for making me feel at home and allowing me to capture Jason & Stacy’s wedding.. Enjoy your sneak peek!

Presenting Mr. J w/ a special dog tag necklace w/ three circles united together..  It was such a sweet moment & Mr. J LOVED it too!

One word could sum up Greg & Rachel’s wedding day… FUN!  Such a great couple, great bridal party, and pure craziness.. in a good way   When this couple mentioned going back to an old stomping ground w/ their bridal party for some pics, of course I was thrilled.  It’s great to incorporate a place, style, etc. that “fits” the couples’ personalities.  I think you will see for yourself that there was no lack of “letting loose” and have a wild time.  Thanks so much for allowing me to capture your fun and fabulous day, Greg & Rachel!  =)

Jamie & Lisa were married at the fabulous Jim Gould’s restaurant in Champaign, IL and then had a cocktail party w/ o’dourves following..  It was such a great atmosphere…  I loved the modern feel throughout their entire wedding day..  Also, I have a blast when my bridal parties want to step outside of the box from traditional images and “wing it” w/ me and it was super hot that day, so thanks gang!  Congrats, Jamie & Lisa.. Best wishes to a long & happy marriage =)

Lisa & her father;

I was lucky enough to spend not only the wedding day w/ Ryan & Linda, I got to meet up w/ them the next day to have a photo date w/ JUST them!  It was SO much fun, and I have to give them huge props for their choices of locations.  Thank you both so much, for dedicating time for just the two of you for a session.. I had a blast!!  Here is a picture overload to prove just that.. lol..  Isn’t this couple magazine cover fabulous?!? Congrats Ryan & Linda! =)