Need great attendant gifts?

Many couples get stuck when trying to think of great gifts for their attendants and family members. You want them to be creative and meaningful, but not cheesy. And let’s face it, everyone has a budget they need to stick to.

I recently partnered with two awesome websites – groovygroomsmengifts.com and bridesmaidgiftsboutique.com. Each site sent me samples of meaningful items that would make perfect gifts for your attendants.

After the decision was made to gift these items to one of our couples, I chose a roll-up bag for toiletries with the bride’s initial – perfect for getting ready on the wedding day as well the honeymoon. This high-quality bag is big enough to hold everything you need. You can find the direct link here.

For the groom, I chose an engraved bat with his name and wedding date in red, the color of the couple’s favorite baseball team – the St. Louis Cardinals. Check out the photos for a close-up of the quality engraving. You can shop for and customize the bat here.

Thanks to both of these sites for letting me showcase their gifts! They were easy to choose and customize. I will be ordering from them again!

Announcing the 2019 Morgan County Fair Queen, Junior Miss & Princess Jacksonville, Illinois

Congratulations to the 2019 Morgan County Fair Royalty! Lori Jackson was named Queen, Kayla Brackett was named Junior Miss, and Aleah Walls was named Princess Tuesday night at the Morgan County Fair Pageant.

Lori Jackson was named Queen, Kayla Carolyn Brackett was named Junior Miss, and Aleah Walls was named Princess – 2019 Morgan County Fair Pageant.

2019 Queen Lori Annette Jackson is the daughter of Mark and Donna Jackson of Jacksonville; 2019 Junior Miss Kayla Carolyn Brackett is the daughter of Brandon and Elizabeth Brackett of Jacksonville; and 2019 Princess Aleah May Walls is the daughter of Hillary Stice and Mick Walls of Jacksonville. The 2019 pageant was held July 9 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Morgan County Fair 2019 Pageant winners, Queen contest

  • Lori Annette Jackson won Queen and the vote for People’s Choice
  • Sydney Elizabeth Hembrough won 1st runner-up, Miss Congeniality and Best Speech
  • Courtney June Privia won 2nd runner-up
Lori Jackson reacts to being named 2019 Morgan County Fair Queen.
Lori Jackson crowned 2019 Morgan County Fair Queen.
2019 Morgan County Fair Queen Contest featured (clockwise from left) Sydney Hembrough, Kayla Brackett, Lori Jackson, 2018 Queen Savanna Long, Courtney Privia, 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans, Aleah Walls, and 2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig.
2019 Queen Lori Jackson in evening gown.
2019 Queen Lori Jackson in evening gown.
2019 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in evening gowns. (From left) Courtney Privia, Lori Jackson, Madeline Fellhauer, Allyson Clay, Chloe Burrus, and Sydney Hembrough (with 2018 Queen Savanna Long).
2019 Queen Lori Jackson in bathing suit.
2019 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in bathing suits. (From left) Courtney Privia, Lori Jackson, Madeline Fellhauer, Allyson Clay, Chloe Burrus, and Sydney Hembrough.
2019 Queen Lori Jackson gives speech.
2019 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in business attire. (From left) Courtney Privia, Lori Jackson, Madeline Fellhauer, Allyson Clay, Chloe Burrus, and Sydney Hembrough (with 2018 Queen Savanna Long).

Morgan County Fair 2019 Pageant winners, Junior Miss contest

  • Kayla Carolyn Brackett won Junior Miss
  • Macey Isabella Long won 1st Runner-up
  • Adisyn Grace Tapscott won 2nd Runner-up
  • Bentley Rose Clayton won Best Communication
  • Katelyn Mae Adams won Best Interview
  • Elle Noel Van Noy won the vote for People’s Choice
2019 Morgan County Fair Junior Miss Contest royalty (clockwise from left) Macey Long, Kayla Brackett, 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans, 2018 Queen Savanna Long, Adisyn Tapscott, and 2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig.
2019 Junior Miss Kayla Brackett gets crowned.
Kayla Brackett reacts to being named 2019 Junior Miss.
Kayla Brackett reacts to being named 2019 Junior Miss.
Kayla Brackett reacts to being named 2019 Junior Miss.
2019 Junior Miss contestants in evening gowns (from left) Adisyn Tapscott, Kennadi Johnson, Bentley Clayton, Elle Van Noy, Kayla Brackett, Katelyn Mae Adams, Maekinzy Folker, Macey Long, Olivia Cook with 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans.
2019 Junior Miss Kayla Brackett in dress.
2019 Junior Miss Kayla Brackett in dress.
2019 Junior Miss contestants in dresses (from left) Adisyn Tapscott, Kennadi Johnson, Bentley Clayton, Elle Van Noy, Kayla Brackett, Katelyn Mae Adams, Maekinsy Folker, Macey Long, Olivia Cook with 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans.

Morgan County Fair 2019 Pageant winners, Princess (Little Miss) contest

  • Aleah May Walls won Princess
  • Rylinn Nicole Bland won 1st Runner-up
  • Adalyn Kate Hudson won 2nd Runner-up
  • Grace Elizabeth Crews won 3rd Runner-up
  • Halle Mae Armstrong won the vote for People’s Choice
Morgan County Fair 2019 Little Miss winners (counter-clockwise from left) Grace Crews, Adalyn Hudson, 2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig, Aleah Walls, Rylinn Bland, 2018 Queen Savanna Long, and 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans.
Aleah Walls crowned 2019 Princess.
2019 Princess Aleah Walls looks at crowd.
2019 Princess Aleah Walls congratulated by father Mick Walls.
2019 Princess Aleah Walls in bathing suit.
2019 Morgan County Little Miss contestants in bathing suits (from left) Halle Armstrong, Parker Geer, Grace Crews, Rylan Blakeman, Miley Jo Klendworth, Adalyn Hudson, Gabriella Thomas, Aleah Walls, Rylinn Bland, Brylee Lowe, Jaylyn Filio-Woods, Makenna Hill, Cora Keefe, Avery Dyson, and Kaylyn Stevens with 2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig.
2019 Princess Aleah Walls interviewed by emcee Joe Crain.
Kisses for the crowd from 2019 Princess Aleah Walls.
2019 Morgan County Little Miss contestants in dresses (from left) Halle Armstrong, Parker Geer, Grace Crews, Rylan Blakeman, Miley Jo Klendworth, Adalyn Hudson, Gabriella Thomas, Aleah Walls, Rylinn Bland, Brylee Lowe, Jaylyn Filio-Woods, Makenna Hill, Cora Keefe, Avery Dyson, and Kaylyn Stevens with 2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig.

Information & links

Other photos.

Great to see 2007 Queen Ashley (Suttles) Wall as one of the judges. One of our former brides!

See Ashley’s wedding photos on Facebook.

2007 Queen Ashley (Suttles) Wall was one of the judges.
2019 Morgan County Junior Miss Kayla Brackett was the flower girl in the wedding of her parents, Brandon & Elizabeth Brackett of Jacksonville.
2018 royalty Bella Evans, Savanna Long and Chloe Buhlig in the opening act.
2019 Pageant crowd shot.

Fun moments

Jaylyn Filio-Woods consoles fellow Princess contestant Makenna Hill after being in front of the crowd was too much for her to handle. Great moment of empathy!
Later in a touching moment emcee joe Crain also consoled Makenna.
The goal for the Little Miss contest is to have fun, right? And Kaylyn Stevens shows she’s having fun as she can’t help but skip to her spot.
2019 Princess Aleah Walls reacts to being tickled by flowers.

Check back at coverage 201020112012201320142015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 contests.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photographyon Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, top wedding and event photographers in Morgan County. Also offering senior portraits, family portraits & more. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East

And a special thanks to Rotary International Exchange Student Tudor Balint (from Romania) for taking photos with us at the pageant!

Wedding with Texas flair in Big D

One of the things we say on our web site is we’re available for wedding photography around Central Illinois as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. That “beyond” this year includes north Dallas, Texas for Emily & David Clatterbuck’s wedding.

Tiffany went to MacMurray College in Jacksonville (she has a degree in Deaf Education, but that’s a topic for another blog post). Her mentor was David’s mother Claire. When asked if we would be interested in going to Texas for a wedding, the obvious response was “yes ma’am!”

The ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco was gorgeous. The Piazza on the Green in McKinney is an incredibly beautiful reception hall.

Emily & David had a Rolls Royce to take them for the nearly hour drive “just down the road” between the two spots. We had to plan for extra driving time between locations. It was six-lane (three each way), 60mph road with new construction everywhere. A bad experiment with a toll road (stay off unless you have to – there’s no toll booths, no way to pay online.)

What they say about “dry heat” is pretty much true. It was only a degree or two difference in weather back home in Central Illinois – but it was way more comfortable down in Texas. By “comfortable” I mean if you stay in the shade. We had to plan outdoor portraits with the least amount of time in direct sunlight.

The bride and groom met in college while competing against each other’s schools (David went to University of Wisconsin-Madison, Emily to Notre Dame). Their first dance was breathless to behold, so elegant.

So great to be able to do a destination wedding down in Texas!

Made in the shade – we scouted out a space protected from the sun at Frisco Commons. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Rolls Royce get-away vehicle. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Beautiful portrait in the wedding chapel at Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Emily & David met in competitive ballroom dance at college. Their first dance was a sight to see! Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Emily dances with her father in the reception hall, Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Sunset portrait taking advantage of the beautiful grounds around Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

A final, private dance to end the night – in an empty reception hall at Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, Springfield Illinois area wedding photographers.  Available for events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Peoria and other Central Illinois communities, as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Third time’s a charm with the Street Family

The biggest compliment we can get as wedding photographers is when family members love our pictures and service so much that siblings ask us to photograph their wedding.

Such is the case with this summer’s wedding of Megan & Cole Street. We photographed Cole’s brother Cory’s wedding to Mariah last year. And we photographer their sister Michayla’s wedding to Harry in 2011.

Megan & Cole July 2018 in Jacksonville. Ceremony at Faith Lutheran Church; reception at Hamilton’s 110 North East. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Mariah & Cory September 2017 at The Homestead in Tallula/Petersburg. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Michayla & Harry April 2011. Ceremony at Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville; reception at Northfield Inn & Suites in Springfield. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, Springfield Illinois area wedding photographers.  Available for events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Peoria and other Central Illinois communities, as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Great groom reaction to seeing bride for first time

Tiffany has a series of question she asks couples when meeting to help plan their wedding day (and wedding day photography). One is “what part of the day are you most looking forward to.” For the groom, it’s usually the reception. But for Jacob, he said it was the ceremony. And because Sarah and Jacob chose not to see each other before the ceremony, Tiffany joked that when he saw Sarah for the first time, hopefully there would be a good reaction.

Well, come the wedding day at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, there was quite the reaction! Jacob was pretty nervous before the ceremony. When he made it to the altar, he said he was trying to look down, to not look to the back of the church. But when he did, this was his reaction . . .

Jacob looks to back of church and sees Sarah, with her dad, preparing to walk down the aisle.

Jacob reacts . . .

Jacob goes to floor to compose himself . .

Sarah and her father come down the aisle.

Reception was at Hamilton’s 110 North East. Flowers by An Event Design. See a “sneak peek” of their wedding photos on Facebook. Wedding photos will be on their gallery (password will be off after bride & groom get a first look).

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, Springfield Illinois area wedding photographers.  Available for events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Peoria and other Central Illinois communities, as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Announcing the 2018 Morgan County Fair Queen, Junior Miss & Princess Jacksonville, Illinois

Congratulations to the 2018 Morgan County Fair Royalty! Savanna Long was named Queen, Bella Evans was named Junior Miss, and Chloe Buhlig was named Princess Tuesday night at the Morgan County Fair Pageant.

Savanna Long was named Queen, Bella Evans was named Junior Miss, and Chloe Buhlig was named Princess – 2018 Morgan County Fair Pageant.

2018 Queen Savanna Nicole Long is the daughter of Wesley & Sally Long of Jacksonville; 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans is the daughter of Sean & Amy Evans of Jacksonville; and 2018 Princess Chloe Nicole Buhlig is the daughter of Joe & Christy Buhlig of Jacksonville. The 2018 pageant was held July 10 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Morgan County Fair 2018 Pageant winners, Queen contest

  • Savanna Nicole Long won Queen, Best Interview & People’s Choice
  • Paige Nicole Hamilton won 1st runner-up
  • Lilly Hoskins Schwiderski won 2nd runner-up 
  • Maggie Raelou Kaylor won Miss congeniality
  • Delani Diane Dillard won Best speech

Savanna Long reacts to being named 2018 Morgan County Fair Queen.

Savanna Long crowned 2018 Morgan County Fair Queen.

2018 Morgan County Fair Queen Contest featured (from left) Delani Dillard, Maggie Kaylor, 2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown, 2018 Queen Savanna Long, 2017 Queen Gracie Richardson, 2017 Princess Amelia Pennell, Lilly Schwiderski and Paige Hamilton.

2018 Queen Savanna Long in evening gown.

2018 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in evening gowns. (From left) Delani Dillard, Maggie Kaylor, 2017 Queen Gracie Richardson, Savanna Long, Lilly Schwiderski and Paige Hamilton.

2018 Queen Savanna Long in bathing suit.

2018 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in bathing suits. (From left) Delani Dillard, Maggie Kaylor, Savanna Long, Lilly Schwiderski and Paige Hamilton.

2018 Queen Savanna Long after speech.

2018 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in business attire. (From left) Delani Dillard, Maggie Kaylor, 2017 Queen Gracie Richardson, Savanna Long, Lilly Schwiderski and Paige Hamilton.

Morgan County Fair 2018 Pageant winners, Junior Miss contest

  • Bella Evans won Junior Miss & Best Communication
  • Madison Ann Davis won 1st Runner-up & Best Interview
  • Isabella Lauren Woods won 2nd Runner-up & Best Stage Presence
  • Kendall Paige Jumper won the vote for People’s Choice

Morgan County Fair 2018 Junior Miss Pageant winners (from left) Madison Davis, 2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown, 2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans, 2017 Queen Gracie Richardson, 2017 Princess Amelia Pennell, Isabella Woods.

2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans gets crowned by 2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown and 2017 Queen Gracie Richardson.

2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans hugs 2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown after winning the crown.

Bella Evans reacts as she’s named 2018 Junior Miss.

2018 Junior Miss contestants in dresses (from left) Bella Evans, Grace Newman, Meredith Gallo, Gwendalynn Poole, Kendall Jumper, 2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown, Isabella Woods, Madison Davis, Kayleigh Sullivan, Kayla Brackett, and Bentley Clayton.

2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans in dress.

2018 Junior Miss Bella Evans in evening gown.

2018 Junior Miss contestants in evening gowns (from left) Bella Evans, Grace Newman, Meredith Gallo, Gwendalynn Poole, Kendall Jumper, 2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown, Isabella Woods, Madison Davis, Kayleigh Sullivan, Kayla Brackett, and Bentley Clayton.

Morgan County Fair 2018 Pageant winners, Princess (Little Miss) contest

  • Chloe Nicole Buhlig won Princess, Best Stage Presence & Best Interview
  • Olivia Nicole Weinant won 1st Runner-up & People’s Choice
  • Maci Alaina McGee won 2nd Runner-up

2017 Royalty Junior Miss Bella Evans, Queen Gracie Richardson and Princess Amelia Pennell with 2018 winners Chloe Buhlig, Maci McGee, and Olivia Weinant.

Chloe Buhlig crowned 2018 Princess.

2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig in dress.

Princess contestants in dresses (from left) Macee James, Olivia Weinant, Maci McGee, Kendyl Mudd, Gwendalyn Payne, Josie Cole, 2017 Princess Amelia Pennell, Ellie Scott, Juliet Jamison, Kyle Price, Chloe Buhlig, and Briella Sorrell.

2018 Princess Chloe Buhlig welcomes the crowd during bathing suit segment.

Princess contestants in bathing suits (from left) Macee James, Olivia Weinant, Maci McGee, Kendyl Mudd, Gwendalyn Payne, Josie Cole, 2017 Princess Amelia Pennell, Ellie Scott, Juliet Jamison, Kyle Price, Chloe Buhlig, and Briella Sorrell.

Information & links

Other Photos

Photo to celebrate 60 years!

Former royalty included 2007 Queen Ashley (Suttles) Wall – one of our former brides!

See Ashley’s wedding photos on Facebook.

Former royalty included 2001 Princess Bree Turner- one of our future brides!

See a post with Bree’s engagement photos on Facebook.

Former royalty included (left) 2006 Queen Sherie (Kording) Trace – one of our brides!

See a couple images from Sherie’s wedding on Facebook.

Check back at coverage 201020112012201320142015, 2016 and 2017 contests.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, top wedding and event photographers in Morgan County. Also offering senior portraits, family portraits & more. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East

Wan-Yuan & Josh wedding in Champaign, Taiwanese touches at University of Illinois – Urbana’s Illini Union

We were able to provide wedding photography for Wan-Yuan & Josh 23 June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana.

Wan-Yuan was a graduate student at the University of Illinois – Urbana, when she met Josh. Their first date ended up at the Illini Union, and that was where they had their ceremony and reception.

We took the bride and groom to Wan-Yuan’s graduate housing in Urbana, and their favorite restaurant in Champaign for portraits.

The ceremony started with a traditional Taiwanese Tea Ceremony. A traditional Western ceremony followed in the South Lounge of the Illini Union. Half-way through the reception, the bride changed into a traditional red wedding dress.

Congratulations to the bride and groom!

Checking out the traditional menu at their favorite Chinese restaurant in Champaign – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

End of the night in front of the Illini Union, University of Illinois – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

The groom and his role-playing friends – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

The bride was in a belly dancing club, and her friends performed at the reception – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

The bride was in a belly dancing club, and her friends performed at the reception – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

A slide show of photos is tradition for weddings in Taiwan (the bride and groom share a moment during the show) – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Entering the reception – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Wedding cake came from a family bakery in Chicago – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Combining a pair of Transformers (in lieu of a unity candle) – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Josh surprised Wan-Yuan by saying his vows in Mandarin – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Entering the traditional Western wedding ceremony – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

The couples’ first date ended at the Illini Union, including a chat on this couch – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

Josh is a Transformer fan (not the movies), and one served as the pillow for the rings – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography

The groom’s mom made Wan-Yuan’s wedding dresses – wedding of Wan-Yuan and Josh June 2018 in Champaign-Urbana. Photos by Tiffany & Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, Springfield Illinois area wedding photographers.  Available for events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Peoria and other Central Illinois communities, as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Engagement session for Meghan & Aaron in Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago

We tell people we travel to “Chicago, St. Louis and beyond” for weddings. This time we traveled to Chicago to photograph Meghan & Aaron in their Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.

It’s so great to be able to photograph our couples in locations that are special for them. Meghan & Aaron live on the Lake Michigan lakefront, and we took them around Loyola Park and Loyola Beach, looking for great photo spots. Aaron takes the Red Line all the time, and knew where all the good murals were located.

A fun evening that produced images that reflect where they love to go on dates! See a full gallery of images at warmowskiphoto.instaproofs.com.

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Engagement session for Meghan and Aaron in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, July 2018. Photo by Tiffany & Steve Warmowski

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, Springfield Illinois area wedding photographers.  Available for events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Peoria and other Central Illinois communities, as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East.

New images for bridal shows

We would like to give a little information about the images in our new bridal show flyer. If you saw us at the Elegant Bridal Expo be sure to contact Tiffany 217.473.5581 to schedule a consultation.

Megan & Cody October 2016 – ceremony at First Baptist Church in Winchester, and reception at American Legion in Jacksonville.

Wedding of Brittany & Thomas June 2017 in Charleston, South Carolina – wedding ceremony & reception at The Cedar Room.

Wedding of Ashley & Rob October 2016 in Jacksonville – ceremony at Annie Merner Chapel, MacMuarry College, outdoor portraits at Illinois College, and reception at Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Alissa & Ben’s wedding in Jacksonville April 2016 – ceremony at MacMurray College’s Annie Merner Chapel, and reception at Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Wedding of Rebecca & Adam July 2017 – ceremony at St. Hubert Catholic Church, Hoffman Estates, and reception at Medinah Country Club, Medinah.

Wedding of Mariah & Cory September 2017 – ceremony and reception at The Homestead in Tallula/Petersburg.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, Springfield Illinois area wedding photographers.  Available for events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy, Peoria and other Central Illinois communities, as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Announcing the 2017 Morgan County Fair Queen, Junior Miss & Princess Jacksonville, Illinois

Congratulations to the 2017 Morgan County Fair Royalty! Gracie Richardson was named Queen, Camille Brown was named Junior Miss, and Amelia Pennell was named Princess Tuesday night at the Morgan County Fair Pageant.

Gracie Richardson was named Queen, Camille Brown was named Junior Miss, and Amelia Pennell was named Princess – 2017 Morgan County Fair Pageant.

2017 Queen Gracie Blu Richardson is the daughter of Dean and Taunia Richardson of Jacksonville; 2017 Junior Miss Camille Lauren Brown is the daughter of Dennis and Crista Brown of Jacksonville; and 2017 Princess Amelia Renee Pennell is the daughter of Holly Pennell of Jacksonville. The 2017 pageant was held July 11 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Catherine Rose Ott placed as Top 50/50 Sales Winner. Thanks to all who bought tickets, for the funds go to the pageant winners to defer costs of state competition and other instances where they represent the fair.

Morgan County Fair 2017 Pageant winners, Queen contest

  • Gracie Blu Richardson won Queen & Best interview
  • Alison Marie Coats won 1st runner-up
  • Cydney Elise Musch won 2nd runner-up & Miss congeniality
  • Cassie Davida Huey won Best speech
  • Hannah Ruth Jackson won People’s Choice

Gracie Richardson reacts after she’s crowned as 2017 Morgan County Fair Queen.

Gracie Richardson reacts as she’s named 2017 Morgan County Fair Queen.

Top winners (from left) 1st Runner-up Alison Marie Coats, 2016 Junior Miss Kaylee Ford, 2017 Queen Gracie Blu Richardson, 2016 Queen Taylor Zoerner, 2nd Runner-up Cydney Elise Musch, and 2016 Princess Olivia Haverfield.

2017 Queen Gracie Richardson gives speech.

2017 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in business attire. (From left) Cady Moore, Tobi Brackett, Hannah Jackson, Cydney Musch, Cassie Huey, Gracie Richardson, and Alison Coats.

2017 Queen Gracie Richardson in bathing suit.

2017 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in bathing suits. (From left) Cady Moore, Tobi Brackett, Hannah Jackson, Cydney Musch, Cassie Huey, Gracie Richardson, and Alison Coats.

2017 Queen Gracie Richardson in evening gown.

2017 Morgan County Fair Queen contestants in evening gowns. (From left) Cady Moore, Tobi Brackett, Hannah Jackson, Cydney Musch, Cassie Huey, Gracie Richardson, and Alison Coats.

Morgan County Fair 2017 Pageant winners, Junior Miss contest

  • Camille Lauren Brown won Junior Miss & Best Stage Presence
  • Leah Joy Hoffman won 1st Runner-up & Best Interview
  • Grace Elizabeth Newman won 2nd Runner-up
  • Meredith Grace Gallo won Communication Skills
  • Kendall Paige Jumper won the vote for People’s Choice

Camille Lauren Brown gets crowned 2017 Morgan County Fair Junior Miss by 2016 royalty (from left) Queen Taylor Zoerner, Junior Miss Kaylee Ford, Princess Olivia Haverfield.

Junior Miss results (from left) 1st Runner-up Leah Hoffman, 2016 Queen Taylor Zoerner, Junior Miss Camille Brown, 2016 Junior Miss Kaylee Ford, 2016 Princess Olivia Haverfield, 2nd Runner-up Grace Newman.

2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown in speech attire.

2017 Junior Miss contestants in speech attire (from left) Meredith Gallo, Leah Hoffman, Camille Brown, Kendall Jumper, Catherine Ott, and Grace Newman.

2017 Junior Miss Camille Brown in evening gown.

2017 Junior Miss contestants in evening gowns (from left) Meredith Gallo, Leah Hoffman, Camille Brown, Kendall Jumper, Catherine Ott, and Grace Newman.

Morgan County Fair 2017 Pageant winners, Princess (Little Miss) contest

  • Amelia Renee Pennell won Princess & the vote for People’s Choice
  • Carley Mae Peterson won 1st Runner-up
  • Gracee Mae Geer won 2nd Runner-up & Best Stage Presence
  • Macyn Elizabeth Morrow won Best Interview

Amelia Renee Pennell reacts as she’s named 2017 Morgan County Fair Princess.

1st Runner-up Carley Mae Peterson, Princess Amelia Renee Pennell, 2016 Junior Miss Kaylee Ford, 2016 Princess Olivia Haverfield, 2016 Queen Taylor Zoerner, and 2nd Runner-up Gracee Mae Geer.

2017 Princess Amelia Renee Pennell answers a question for Emcee Troy Armstrong.

Princess contestants in bathing suits (from left) Kenzie Hembrough, Lila Armstrong, Taylor Miller, Raelyn Ruyle, Jayde Scoggins, Gracee Geer, Sophia Tobin, Alexandria Cole, Josalyn Sturgeon, Amelia Pennell, Macyn Morrow, and Carley Peterson.

2017 Princess Amelia Renee Pennell in dress.

Princess contestants in dresses (from left) Kenzie Hembrough, Lila Armstrong, Taylor Miller, Raelyn Ruyle, Jayde Scoggins, Gracee Geer, Sophia Tobin, Alexandria Cole, Josalyn Sturgeon, Amelia Pennell, Macyn Morrow, and Carley Peterson.

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Crowd Reactions

We loved seeing Junior Miss contestant Catherine Rose Ott on stage. We photographed her parents Rich & Anita’s wedding before we went full-time in our wedding photography business 10 years ago.

2016 royalty Junior Miss Kaylee Ford, Princess Olivia Haverfield, and Queen Taylor Zoerner lead the contestants in signing the Star Spangled Banner to start the pageant.

2016 winners say good-bye – Queen Taylor Zoerner and Junior Miss Kaylee Ford help Princess Olivia Haverfield with her speech.

Visiting royalty, as well as past Morgan County winners, also graced the stage.

One of the final group photos from the evening.

Check back at coverage 201020112012201320142015 and 2016 contests.

Warmowski Photography is happy to also be a sponsor of the contest, and first place winners will get special photo cards.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, top wedding and event photographers in Morgan County. Also offering senior portraits, family portraits & more. Studio (hours by appointment) at 301 E. Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 – next door to Girls in White Satin, first floor of Hamilton’s 110 North East