BEFORE THE CEREMONY:
We started Melissa and Brian's beautiful wedding day at West Side Christian Church located in Springfield, Illinois. Both the bride and groom were getting ready at their ceremony location. I started with the ladies getting flat lays and documenting the bride getting in her dress. She looked absolutely STUNNING princess material! I then moved over to the guys to get some photos with the groom before starting wedding party photos.
Once I finished up with details and getting ready it was time to start wedding party photos. It was so nice getting to work with the girls and guys before the ceremony because it allowed more time for Brian and Melissa following the ceremony. I started with the men. They all decided to keep their sunglasses on which was a very Top Gun moment! This group of guys was such a fun crew to work with for the day.
Melissa and Brian decided that they did not want to see each other before the aisle, which in my opinion is the most romantic way to do it! Despite not wanting to see each other before they meet at the alter Melissa still wanted to do a group prayer with the whole bridal party before the ceremony. I have been waiting for the day a bride and groom request this because I think it is so special! A wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and it can be nerve wracking. Blessing not only the day, but the marriage with the people closest to you is so special.
Once the men went inside we finished up bridal party with the girls and the beautiful bride!
Once I finished up with the bridal party it was time for me to head inside and get ready for the ceremony! The ceremony took place at West Side Christian Church and was truly beautiful. It was a ceremony filled with so much worship for the Lord and so much love for the bride and groom. I loved the special touches that Melissa and Brian added to their ceremony to make it more personal to them and their family.
After the ceremony and family pictures it was time for bride and groom portraits! This is seriously my favorite part of any wedding day. The couple has that post ceremony glow and there is so much excitement in the air! The stress of the ceremony is also long in the past and it's time for the party to start. This time is also perfect for the bride and groom to take a breather and just spend some fun time together. Melissa, Brian, and I stayed on Westside Christian Church grounds for their portraits. There was some really pretty tree coverage right across the parking lot that we took advantage of. They are one good looking couple!
After their portraits it was time to party it up and celebrate these two! Melissa and Brian held their reception the Lake Springfield Christian assembly. It was so beautiful. The venue had a cozy, cabin feel and they had it decorated with so much whimsy! They offered delicious dinner to their guests and included a popcorn bar and other fun things for their guests. The night ended with a confetti send off! It was the perfect end to a magical day. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Robison!
