First Look Testimonial ::: Casey

“When Molly proposed the idea of a “first look” to me, I was very skeptical. I had never heard of this being done at a wedding and I always thought it was tradition for the groom to first see his bride in all of her splendor as she walks down the aisle to him. For awhile, I was not very open to the idea and actually sort of opposed to it. Mainly, I ended up agreeing to it because Molly explained to me that it would allow for a lot of pictures to be taken before the wedding ceremony. More reluctantly than not, I agreed to do it.

Then came the wedding day.

From the minute I woke up, my chest began pounding. It takes a lot to unnerve me, but the feeling that I had when I woke up on my wedding day was that of pure nervousness and excitement. I already couldn’t wait to see Molly. As the day went on and preparations were taking place, I grew gradually more nervous by the hour. Getting ready with all my groomsmen, taking some pictures, and getting ready – it was all building up to being able to see my beautiful bride the first time2015-08-24_0001.jpg

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“It was time.”
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I was informed that it was time for the first look to take place.  My heart started pounding even harder, which at that point I didn’t even think was possible.  My brother, and best man, had to slip me some of his anti-nausea medication before I took the stroll outside to the spot where I would meet my bride.  I was put in position with my back facing the path that Molly would walk down to meet me.  My heart beating completely out of my chest at this point, I waited for what seemed like an eternity, anxiously wondering when I would hear her call for me.  

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“Then it happened.

All of a sudden, I heard the voice of the one I was to meet at the altar that day. “Hey Case…” Upon hearing her voice, tears immediately began rolling down my face. I slowly turned around to meet my bride face-to-face. I stood there, gawking at the woman who I was to marry that day. She was more radiant and beautiful than I could’ve ever imagined. We shared our first few moments as bride and groom, shedding tears together, embracing and reading our vows to one another, all within the comfort and intimacy of just each other. All of my nerves were swept away by the sight of her. It was one of the most intimate moments that we have ever shared, and one experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
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Tim & Andrea ::: Prairie Landing West Chicago Wedding

I know I say this all the time but I serioulsy have the best couples ever. I am blown away by the stories and the people I get to work with. Andrea & Tim are one of those couples. They had me laughing from our very first meeting and they are so in love with each other. They are best friends and completely adore each other and it totally shows! Andrea would always send me text messages out of the blue that were so sweet and encouraging and it meant so much! Their wedding day was beautiful, relaxed and was everything they ever envisioned!
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The lavender colors were gorgeous!2015-08-21_0003.jpg
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Letters to each other on the wedding day is always a sweet idea!2015-08-21_0011.jpg
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So much joy!!2015-08-21_0027.jpg
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If this was how the portraits started, I knew the rest of the day would be amazing!2015-08-21_0031.jpg
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Their ceremony was overlooking the golf course and even though the wind was pretty intense, it was still beautiful!2015-08-21_0050.jpg
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They danced down the aisle!2015-08-21_0061.jpg
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We took golf carts to the next portrait location and I wish you could have seen my face driving one. There were hills and my 2nd photographer, the amazing Danielle, and I had a good laugh!2015-08-21_0063.jpg
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During portraits, we thought we heard thunder but looked up and saw sunny skys. What we didn’t see on the other side of the trees was a giant storm rolling in. Thankfully we made it back just in time and we grabbed some shots on the hill! It was awesome with the lighting and crazy clouds in the background!
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I had to include this funny one:)It was a little windy!
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I spy a future bride and groom!!! These two contacted me right after the wedding and their wedding is in Feb!!2015-08-21_0087.jpg
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I loved watching them on the dance floor! They had so much fun together!2015-08-21_0094.jpg
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Steve & Cassie ::: Paramount Theatre Wedding

There are so many reasons I love today’s wedding! Steve and Cassie are such an awesome couple. They were some of the most laid back people that I have gotten to work with and that makes things so fun!! I love that I really got to see more of their hearts on their wedding day too. Cassie for starters took the time to go visit a dear friend who couldn’t attend the wedding due to an illness. It was a beautiful moment and there were tears all around. How many brides do you know that take the time to do that? Cassie just has that heart! And then Steve! I have never seen him smile so big as when he was around his bride and it was precious. They are both teachers and invited some of their students and track team to come. It was so sweet to see them around their students and it was clear how much everybody loved them!
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This dress! One of my favorites ever!!
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She was glowing!
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First look time!2015-08-18_0011.jpg
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We went to the spot that they got engaged! I love how it all comes full circle2015-08-18_0023.jpg
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We had to grab a fun shot of the students!
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This bridal party was so much fun! I really connected with them and the girls made me an honorary bridesmaid:)I accept!2015-08-18_0033.jpg
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They rented a schoolbus to drive the bridal party around!2015-08-18_0053.jpg
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These two are getting married next!! It was so fun to have them there!2015-08-18_0066.jpg
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August 18, 2015 - 5:44 pm

Chris Pritchett - Congrats you two! Your pictures are amazing!

Seth & Lauren ::: Kilbuck Creek Wedding

I am so excited to share this wedding with you! I just LOVE this couple! They are some of the sweetest, most genuine, encouraging people I have worked with. They are high school sweethearts and I love that they are just giddy to be around each other still. I have also learned a lot from them about how to have a Christ centered relationship and they are on fire for Jesus together! Here are some highlights from their day!

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The story of this lace is so special! Keep reading toward the bottom of the post to see why:)2015-08-05_0003.jpg
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One thing I loved was Lauren’s pure excitement to finally marry her man. Her face couldn’t hide it!2015-08-05_0006.jpg
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It’s happening!!!2015-08-05_0008.jpg
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This whole wedding was filled with so much of God and it was beautiful to see that. Such a special moment to have her girls pray over her.
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And it is go time!
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This brought me to tears! Sweet moments of worship!
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First moments as husband and wife:)2015-08-05_0025.jpg

Then we headed off to Kilbuck Creek. This is such a unique, rustic venue that I love photographing at.
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Fun veil shots!2015-08-05_0038.jpg
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Have I mentioned I was obsessed with that veil?
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I couldn’t help but smile editing these:)2015-08-05_0043.jpg
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Here is the story! Their grandma’s were close friends and were in each other’s weddings! How cool is that? And then to have their grandchildren marry each other? Such close family ties!2015-08-05_0051.jpg
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It may have been hot but we snuck away for some more portraits! I love these!2015-08-05_0070.jpg
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August 6, 2015 - 6:59 pm

Susan Stiker - Amazing pictures!!! God sure has a plan for them!!

August 8, 2015 - 7:52 pm

Michele Anderson - Thank you Sabrina! It was such a fun occasion and you captured some beautiful moments!

Steve & Shannon ::: Bartlett Backyard Summer Wedding

Steve and Shannon, you guys are just the coolest:)

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There were so many cool/different details of the day! One of them being Shannon’s shoes!2015-08-04_0002.jpg
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Steve made her this ring box <32015-08-04_0004.jpg
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She also had not one but two dresses! One for the reception! I love how fun they both are!

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Right before the first look, it started downpouring. So we got crafty and had their first look in the greenhouse. It was still so sweet!2015-08-04_0015.jpg
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Thankfully the rain cleared up for the ceremony.
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They are MARRIED! Look at the joy on their faces!
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It was a special wedding because our Thursday night bible study was all together. So I had to take some fun photos of them:)
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Another unique thing was the bouncy house! People had a blast in that!2015-08-04_0071.jpg
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Then some final portraits for the night with her outfit change:)2015-08-04_0075.jpg
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Thank you for letting me be apart of your day!!!

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September 6, 2015 - 5:48 am

Liv Escorza - Muchas felicidades! Las fotos muy bonitas!

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