It was such a joy watching George & Kindra throughout their wedding day.  Their love just shines, and there’s not a moment that passes that they aren’t smiling at one another.  I could tell what great families they come from, by the way I was welcomed w/ open arms.  What a wonderful wedding day full of love & memories.  Many congrats, Kindra & George!

<sigh>  Are these the great shoes, or what?

My absolute favorite of the day:
Kindra & her stepdad invited her mom to their father/daughter dance too.. It was THE sweetest thing ever..

Funny story about this beautiful candle display… I (ahem) had yet, to this date had any “Bridgetism” moments.. Well, I knew the time had to come.  While photographing dancing, I backed right into one of these, where it was sitting on the head table.  Yep, the entire thing went sailing, candles rolling everywhere.. <doh!>  Thank goodness, they were battery wick candles.. And thank you Kindra, for laughing through it!
Boy did this group love to dance… They all brought their dancing shoes, for sure!

Tyler & Megan’s wedding was an amazing wedding day to photograph.  The weather could not have been better, a stunning bride, handsome groom… Perfection!  I loved all of the glammed up fall details.  Sparkles, pearls, and glitter on pumpkins?  Yes, please!  Even w/ all of the beautiful details, I love how down to earth Tyler & Megan are.  I wish you many years of love & happiness, and thank you for trusting in me to photograph your special day.

church:  Second Presbyterian Church
dress: Bridal Elegance, Mikaella
rings: Jack Lewis, Roger & Hollands
shoes:  BCBG Max Azria
master of ceremonies: Premier Productions, Ben Miller
cake: Show Cake, Ashley Roop (bride’s sister)
catering:  LA Gourmet
flowers: Jeans Flower Basket
hair & make-up: Sally Curtis at Elle Studio, Jess Huskins

This couple was more than surrounded by love of family and friends.. As for Steve & Sarah, the two of them absolutely light up around one another, a sure sign of sweet love.  Pre-ceremony the bride even hosted a full on dance & keoekke party, just before walking down the aisle.  Love her energy!  Every wedding I photograph is unique in its own ways… I love that aspect!  What a kind group of people you have in your lives, Steve & Sarah.. I wish you both a lifetime of love & happiness!

Ceremony:  Clinton First Church of Nazarene
Reception: Crestwicke Country Club
DJ:  Absolute Light & Sound
Cake:  Janet’s Cakes
Flowers:  Forget Me Not Flowers

(these are just a few of my favorites… click the slideshow below to view more images…)

a_bridesmaids_getting_ready b_wedding_dress_flowers c_bride_shoes d_brides_boquet_flowers e_bride_on_wedding_day f_bride_bridesmaids g_groom_on_wedding_day h_father_of_the_bride i_father_of_the_bride2 j_father_of_the_bride3 k_wedding_ceremony l_wedding_day m_wedding_clinton_il n_wedding_march o_wedding p_bride_groom q_bride_groom2 r_just married s_bride_groom3 t_bride_on_wedding_day2 u_bride_shoes2 v_crestwicke_country_club w_crestwicke_country_club2 x_crestwicke_country_club3 y_wedding_bouquet z_bridal_party aa_wedding_cake_wedding_rings ab_father_daughter_dance ac_mother son dance ad_wedding_reception_crestwicke_country_club ae_wedding_reception_crestwicke_country_club2 af_crestwicke_country_club4

I’m so proud of this group that my husband leads.  To sum it up, CBO stands for Christian Business Owners.  The CBO12 is a group of Christian business owners in McLean County who came together to make a positive impact on those around them.  Their mission is to promote excellence in business leadership through services to their members, employees, families and communities.  Each member is committed to demonstrating the 4 core values of the CBO12: Lead by example, always do what is right, put others needs before their own, and be a person of their word.

With these values in mind, the CBO12 has organized its first golf outing charity event to benefit GOYA Ministries, a non profit organization based in Bloomington, IL. GOYA’s work aids the impoverished people of the Mitumba Slum in Nairobi, Kenya.  Money raised will be used to help build a high school in that community and provide medical care to its people.

For only $55.00, you can participate in this incredible golf outing fundraiser to be held Saturday, September 10 at the Pontiac Elks Golf Club in Pontiac, IL.

For more information, please review the attached information or contact me directly. You can read more about this event and register online by click on the link below.

http://cbo12golfouting.eventbrite.com/

We hope you can join us for our first annual golf outing! It will be a great event to benefit an amazing organization!

PS.  They will have LOTS of prizes and giveaways!!!

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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I recently enjoyed meeting the owner of Shoe Shoe Baby, Natalie Galligan.  I loved hearing about her new, local boutique and was excited to feature her as a vendor on the Imaginate blog.  I will be working w/ her soon to do some shots in her boutique, and stay tuned for an exciting womens’ event that we will be announcing & working on too!

Shoe Shoe Baby

909 S. Eldorado Rd., Suite B , Bloomington, IL 61704
Located on the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Veteran’s Parkway
309-663-6292

Tell us a little about yourself? I am married with two step children.  I play competitive volleyball, have three dogs and love love love going to the beach.  I really enjoy meeting and working with women in the community and helping them look and feel their best.  My goal with women is to help them “rediscover the fabulous woman within”.  Women have so many responsibilities and commitments that they often forget to take care of themselves.  My goal is to help them remember what is feels like to look good and feel good.

How did you decide to start Shoe Shoe Baby? I decided to start Shoe Shoe Baby after I was laid off of my job in pharmaceutical sales.  I knew pharmaceutical was not the place for me, but like so many people, I felt stuck.  God heard my prayer and decided to change my direction.  After a lot of soul searching I decided that my passion was to work with women, get to know them and do whatever I could to help them look great.  I have always enjoyed fashion and thus the idea for Shoe Shoe Baby began.  My husband came up with the name as a tribute to his father.  During WWII his father flew a B17 bomber named Shoo Shoo Baby.   We loved the meaning behind it.

What kind of items are carried?  Are there styles & sizes to meet everyone’s needs? I carry shoes, clothing, handbags, and jewelry.  The styles range from very casual to dressy “statement” pieces.  I have had women age 20 find things they love as well as women age 75.   I also have a wide range of prices. Denim, for example ranges from $79.00 up to $200.00 depending on the designer and style of the denim.

What are your favorite lines? My absolute favorites are Michael Stars, Joseph Ribkoff and Cartise.  The reasons that I love these lines is because they are proven.  The materials are top of the line and the fit and designs are incredible.  No one else carries these lines in Bloomington and they are very unique.

What inspires you most about your boutique? The women that come in inspire me the most.  I love helping a woman find the perfect outfit and then hearing her say how much she likes my boutique.  I am excited everyday to see who God will bring through my door.

And for the readers of the Imaginate blog, Natalie has kindly offered an additional 10% off to anyone who mentions the Imaginate Photography blog!  She is have a sale going on, and the 10% discount would be in addition to the sale prices!  Thanks, Natalie!

I’ve mentioned before on the blog that I was contacted to do some urban/contemporary portrait work for a local hair salon, and I was super excited for the opportunity.  Station 710 Salon has a fabulous, energetic, and caring staff.  They offer a great line of products and services to meet your needs.. Everything from hair care, skin care, natural nail care, etc.  I can personally say that you will feel completely relaxed and taken care of during your salon experience w/ Station 710 Salon.  If you haven’t already, given em’ a try and tell them that I sent you! =)

I’m gonna try and calm myself as I write this post.. lol..  A few weeks ago a client sent me a link that volunteers were needed for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition show that would be building for a family here in Central IL.  I submitted my info and today I received a phone call from the company, Cybernautic, that is coordinating all of the press & media side of this project.  I will be photographing all of the happenings during my shifts.  I couldn’t have been more thrilled to receive this phone call, offering the opportunity.  I did some shifting of schedules & sessions (THANK YOU to my great clients for understanding & being so flexible w/ me!)  and everything has worked out for me to be able to do this.

This show is very special to my family & I.  Often our Sunday nights are spent together in our living room to watch the show.  You will typically find both myself & my husband, Erik, w/ tears streaming down our cheeks as our hearts are heavy for the families that are featured.  It’s truly an honor and a blessing, that I can be a part of something so fantastic, and volunteering just my small part to help change a family’s life.

My scheduled times are Saturday, Aug 22nd from 6pm-10p; Sunday, Aug 23rd from 4pm-?; and Monday Aug. 24th from 6pm-?Preview

For full information, please visit: http://www.extremebradyhomes.com

I will report back to the blog w/ updates! =)

I was contacted recently to do some portrait work for Station 710 Salon.  I’m so excited to work w/ the staff there.. I welcome the challenge and look forward to the portrait shoot soon w/ their clients.  If you stop by there for a visit and some fun pampering, tell them Bridget w/ Imaginate sent you!  I know I have some portrait clients that are already clients of the Studio 710 Salon, and they LOVE it!

Bring on the glam, Station 710 Salon!  =)