Chas + Jenny

 Jenny and Chas, a fun and sophisticated couple, who married a few weeks ago in Effingham, IL. Read below to learn more about how this couple met, fell in love, and their traditional and elegant wedding.

Their Story

They met through friends.  One of Jenny's friends had wanted to introduce them, just knowing that they were perfect for each other, and finally the opportunity came one night when they were all out.  A guy entered the bar, and Jenny's friend told her, "That's him."  Jenny turned and cringed, as walking in the door was a guy with quite a stride, leather jacket, and sunglasses...doing his best "Top Gun" impersonation.  "Ohhhh, no..." thought Jenny.  And then her friend let her know, "Just kidding.  Here comes Chas now."  When Jenny turned again, a handsome, distinguished gentleman in a plaid shirt walked through the door.  Jenny bought herself a drink and went over to introduce herself, and Chas, in his gentleman's way told her, "I would have bought you that drink."  And Chas has taken care of Jenny ever since.Three years later, on a snowy day, Chas woke Jenny up late in the evening to join him for a glass of wine  While discussing their day, Chas got down on one knee and proposed, vowing to take care of her for life.Jenny and Chas, you two are beautiful...inside and out.  I smiled throughout your wedding day...your friends and family who both love you so much, the way Chas is constantly watching out for Jenny and attending to her, and the way Jenny smiles wholeheartedly up at Chas in return.Blessings to you both!Kelly 

Their Wedding Day

We started the day with Jenny, her wedding party, friends, and family in Effingham for hair styling.  Not only is Jenny stunningly beautiful, but she has a great sense of humor.  And among her friends, it was easy to take fun, lighthearted pictures like the below ALL. DAY. LONG!!  :)

After hair and make-up was done, we headed over to the First Baptist Church of Effingham to start the pictures of the wedding day details...the dress, shoes, and Jenny's beautiful wedding ring.

One of my all-time favorite parts of the wedding day is when the bride gets dressed...especially when mothers and friends are there helping.  I always say that on a wedding day you see every single emotion that exists, and some of the most raw, genuine, and tender happen during this time.  It's such a rite of passage...the mother helping the daughter get ready for her wedding.  I just love it.

After Jenny was dressed, we did a few portraits of her alone around the church.

I cannot tell you how much I love, love, love this image.  Jenny is so elegant and sophisticated in it...a quiet moment before the First Look with Chas.

And...I couldn't pick a favorite.

And yet another!  So breathtaking!!

Jenny you are stunning.

After Jenny was ready, I and the videography crew, the EXTREMELY talented and wonderful to work with Ransom Wedding Films out of Mahomet, IL, headed over to the hotel where Chas was getting ready.

And then we all headed over to the church for one of the most beautiful first looks I have ever witnessed.

This image makes me tear up...I absolutely love it.

I can just hear Chas saying, "You ready for this, babe?" to Jenny.

Their first formal picture of their wedding day.

And then after a few family pictures, it was time for the wedding to begin!

Don't you just adore the look on Chas's face as he sees his bride walk down the aisle?

The pastor told Chas and Jenny to turn around and say a quick 'hi' to their guests at the beginning of the ceremony.

I now pronounce you man and wife...

After the wedding, the entire wedding party visited a beautiful country property outside of Altamont, IL, for portraits.

One of my absolute favorite bridal portraits of Jenny.

 

To me, this picture is Chas and Jenny...Chas kissing her hand, as he did throughout the entire day...and Jenny loving him back with her laughter and infectious smile!

A few of the very distinguished Chas.

It was sunset...there was a field across the road...and I had a couple willing to walk into the tall grass for a gorgeous sunset picture in the field.  Perfection in my opinion!

Chas and Jenny's reception was held at the fabulous Carriage House Event Center in Altamont, IL.  It is always a true pleasure working with Janet, the owner, and her team.

See!  I told Chas was a true gentleman!!

Prayers and a giving of thanks by Jenny's father.

Jenny and Chas performed the foxtrot for their first dance...it was fabulous!

And, since it's Mother's Day weekend, I'll end this post of a fabulously, beautiful wedding with Chas dancing with his mom.

Chas and Jenny, once again, thank you SO much for asking me to be with you on your wedding day....you guys are wonderful, and I wish you all the joy and blessings in the world.

Blessings to you,

Kelly