Friday, June 20, 2014

Elegant Effingham, IL Wedding: Matt + Jaclyn

We live in a world where our attention is being grasped at constantly. Where we're encouraged to always out-do the one who went before us. And where we plan surprises and events just to make people gasp with surprise.

But as a wedding photographer, sometimes there comes a couple that ignores those that have walked down the aisle before them. Sometimes there is a bride and groom who are relaxed and nonchalant about their wedding day. Who are excited about the wedding itself and about their friends and families being there with them.

Such is Matt and Jaclyn.

As the week before their wedding came upon us, and Jaclyn and I chatted about the wedding day schedule, she was calm, quiet, and not worried one bit. She knew none of the hype and the buzz that usually surrounds your wedding week doesn't really matter. She told me at the end of our conversation when I asked her what part of the wedding was she most excited about, "Just being married to Matt...."

None of the rest mattered one bit.

Matt and Jaclyn, thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an elegant wedding...for you guys...an elegant couple.

Blessings to you both!!

Kelly

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Everyone knows at this point that the ring shot is one of my favorite shots of the day. It's the very first thing I do when I arrive at the church or wherever the bride is getting ready. I recently heard a sermon at a wedding where the priest talked about how marriage was made in the likeness of God...just as there are three entities in the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), yet one God...there are two people in a marriage, yet one flesh...."and the two shall become one." This image, taken inside St. Anthony's sanctuary, took on a whole new meaning for me after hearing that sermon.

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I adore this wedding dress image with the old doors and stained glass lights.

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The beautiful Jaclyn getting ready to put on her wedding dress.

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One of my all-time favorite images of a bride and her mother....they are both stunning.

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The beautiful Jaclyn.

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The handsome Matt.

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While waiting for the wedding to begin, the ring bearer got his gift of a bat.

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Those eyes!!

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But, of all of my images of the ring bearer, this series is my absolute favorite! There's nothing like getting to witness one generation pass on lessons to the next generation.

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Matt and Jaclyn chose to have a First Look, but before they turned and saw each other for the first time, they wrote each other letters to read.

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Being a wedding photographer has it's perks! Like getting to be nearby and witness some pretty tender moments....

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...but sometimes I'm not quite near enough! Man! I really would like to know what Jaclyn is telling (and showing!) Matt in this series of images!!

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Matt waiting for his bride.

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You may now kiss your bride. :)

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Matt mush have enjoyed the first kiss so much, that he did it twice. This is the second time!

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After the wedding, we headed out for wedding party pictures....

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...fist time I've had a groom's party request this pose, I have to say. :)

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Smoldering...

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We then headed over to the Thelma Keller Convention Center for the Wedding Reception.

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Matt gave the blessing.

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And then we enjoyed the toasts...including an actual rap by a very talented bridesmaid!

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There were a sentimental words as well..including those by Matt's best man, who talked about how when Matt chooses a teammate, in sports as well as in life, he chooses wisely and will be forever faithful.

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Jaclyn and Matt....contgratulations...on your wedding, your marriage, and your life together. Blessings to you both! Kelly

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