Cory and Emily

I've known Emily since she was born....her extended family has been a part of my life from before I even have memories. Her aunts babysat me as a child...her father was a childhood playmate who liked to pop up at our back door window wearing scary masks...and her grandmother was the music director at our vacation bible school every summer. Their own stories weave in and out of my own childhood memories as if time has barely gone by, and when you have that kind of history with a family, it's beyond an honor to get to spend such a momentous day with them.And, now Emily and Cory have begun writing their own story...one that began as two strangers texting back and forth about their love of volleyball while Emily herself sat at a wedding reception...one that continues with a beautiful wedding in Springfield, IL.Emily and Cory! Thank you SO much...I'm not sure I smiled so much at a wedding. It was such a blessing to be there with you both, your families, and your friends on such a momentous day in your life.Blessings to you both!KellyHere are a few of my favorite images from their wedding day!

Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL Wedding

I always start out the wedding day with the ring shot. I know ring shots are a bit of a new thing in the wedding industry, but I love them. 

Emily getting ready to put her dress on.

 

Emily's little brother seeing her for the first time.  And he is a hoot!  I almost have an entire gallery of images of him...especially since he LOVES to dance and is known for his smooth moves on the dance floor in our hometown!

Emily's younger sister, helping her get dressed.

And her mother, one of my sister's best friends, looking on with pride and love.

You're stunning, Emily!

But, I adore your ornery look as well!

 

The man of the day, Cory, is just one of those great guys...one of those guys who is chivalrous and let's Emily know that she's going to be taken care of, but he still has this ornery sense of humor and is the life of the party.  They broke the mold with Cory...it's been such a pleasure getting to know him!

 

And, he's pretty easy on the eyes!  :)

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Cory Winters.

 

Washington Park, Springfield, IL Wedding Photos

 After the wedding, we headed to Springfield's Washington Park, one of my favorite places to shoot wedding images. There's 100's of crooks and crannies to use in this park, and I'm always excited to find new places!   

However, I'm not sure Ryan was exactly thrilled to be in a park for the sole purpose of more pictures.  He was a great sport though!  And when it was his turn with Emily, he ran as fast as his little tux would allow him!

 

A couple more of the handsome groom as well!

  

With these facial expressions, I always wish I knew what exactly was being said!

   

I love the look on Cory's face in this image.  Complete adoration!

   

Illinois State Capitol Wedding Pictures

 

After we were done at the park, we headed downtown near the Illinois state capitol to one of my favorite spots for one more wedding party picture!

  

Northfield Inn, Springfield, IL, Wedding Reception Photos

We then headed over to the Northfield Inn for the wedding reception and a night of family, friends, and fun!

 

 Oh Ryan!

Emily's younger sister stole the show with her witty, tongue-in-cheek speech.

 But, the speeches by the best man, Cory's brother, and the Maid of Honor, one of Emily's best friends, were touching and spoke of genuine, lovely people who they were so happy to be with that day.

          

These two CUT IT UP on the dance floor. Don't believe me? Check out the proof by clicking here!

   

And for the next three hours, the dance floor was busy!  It was so much fun!

 

 This is Emily's grandmother, who I mentioned was my childhood song director every summer at VBS.

 Please see her here in the center of this group dancing, and let me just say, she was NOT dancing to "I'm a Little Teapot"...or any other song as innocent as that one.  Just sayin'.

Cory's mom was on the dance floor all night too!

 

Tracy, THIS image is your Christmas card this year, don't you think?!!

 Ohhhh, Cory and Emily.  I'm so happy for you both, and I cannot wait to see you this Friday for your album design session so that we laugh, chuckle, and relive your wonderful wedding day!  I'm so happy for the both of you!  Kelly