Scott + Brandy

Brandy and Scott - a St. John's Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL, Wedding

One of my greatest joys is getting to be with a couple that I know personally on their wedding day. And this joy is doubled...or quadrupled!...when the family is so special to me.A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being with Scott and Brandy on their wedding day. Both from my home area, I knew of Scott's parents when I was younger, and I would see him from time to time when I was home at church. Brandy's family and mine has been intertwined to the point that I can't remember NOT knowing them. Her uncle is my uncle through marriage, and I grew up hanging out at my aunt's house while her dad was there as well. They're just good people who have loved on and been supportive of me and my sisters our entire lives. So, while I was shooting the wedding, it was at times almost a reunion for me as well. I came home both smiling and tired and excited to see the images of these great families who I adore so much!Scott and Brandy....thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of it all! It was a pleasure and honor...I appreciated every smile and tear that you and your family members had that day. I hope the joy and love that you felt that day from each other and your loved ones will be with you always.Blessings to you,Kelly  

Scott and Brandy were married at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL.  This church has a beautiful history.  It is where little Tad Lincoln was baptized (Abraham Lincoln's son), and the baptismal bowl that was used is there on display.

The first thing I do at every wedding is photograph the details...the dress, the rings...and the beautiful details, like the old oak doors and stained glass throughout the church provided a wonderful backdrop.

After the details, it was time for Brandy to get dressed.

The beautiful stained glass windows at the church provided such a beautiful background when Brandy's mother helped her with the back of her dress.

The bridal portraits is one of my favorite parts of the day.  I always have the goal of making a classically beautiful image that someday a bride's daughter will look at with amazement and see the beauty of her mom on her wedding day.

But, I have to admit, this is more Brandy's personality!  Fun-loving and enjoying life!!  Such an ornery look in those eyes!

Brandy has a close relationship with her MIL, Linda, and gave her a special handkerchief letting her know through embroidered words that she loves Scott and about being a part of the family.

I've heard Linda more than once call Scott and Brandy "her kids"...and there was little doubt on the wedding day that she truly believes that and loves her new daughter-in-law.

Scott bought Brandy a wedding day present....and, ummm, even wrapped it himself.  :)

He included a heart-felt letter for Brandy as well.

 

After Brandy got dressed, I headed over to spend a bit more time with Scott.  Even though it was raining outside, we managed to get a few images of the groom alone before the wedding ceremony!

Scott's boutonniere contained the infant ring he wore at his baptism.

Mom making sure everything is just so!

Prior to the wedding, the groomsmen had a prayer with the pastor.

This little man drove Scott's IH pedal tractor from his childhood down the aisle.

 Scott's tears as he watched his bride walk down the aisle.

Scott's mom as she watched her son's reaction to his bride.  She had a few tears herself.

So...when it's raining on your wedding day AND you have a farming background, where do you go for wedding party pictures?

To the livestock pavilions at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, of course!!  Scott shows livestock, and so there was nowhere else that he thought would be more perfect than to have their pictures where he's spent so much of his summers!  It ended up being FABULOUS!

We started in the show ring...with the wedding party!!

From there, Scott, Brandy, and I walked around the pavilion and took advantage of the great light, textures, and lines for their portraits!

Scott does the 'smoldering' thing quite well, doesn't he?!!

An Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building Reception

After we were done with Scott and Brandy's portraits, we headed over to the reception at the beautiful Exposition Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

A beautiful venue, the Exposition Building has brick walls and aged steel beams that reflected so well the warm, country feeling that Brandy and Scott wanted for their guests.  And Stephanie Irby at Events Plus in Decatur made sure that the venue was beautifully decorated!

Scott had brought in an antique hay wagon from his family's farm to hold the cakes and desserts.

Scott's Groom's cake reflected his farm heritage...and his personal preference for red horsepower!

Shortly after supper, the speeches began, and Scott and Brandy's friends spoke so highly of them as a couple and as individuals.  There were a few tears in the house.

And then the dances began.

I posted this image the day after the wedding on Facebook.  To me it summed up so much about the relationship between Scott and Brandy that we all were so privileged to witness on their wedding day.

Knowing Brandy's father, Mike, like my family does, this image made me tear up.  He loves her so dearly and would do anything for her.

And the same can be said of Scott and his mother, Linda.  Such a treat to witness the happiness they have of Brandy joining their family.

Scott and Brandy, words can hardly reflect what a privilege it has been to share these past months with the two of you.  I look forward so much to seeing you as a family grow in the coming years.  Blessings to you both, for now and always!  Kelly