swarmowski – Page 5 – Tiffany & Steve's Blog

January 17, 2014February 18, 2014

Illinois Times Capital City Wedding tab coming out next month

The Illinois Times contacted us recently for wedding photos for the Capital City Wedding Planner Magazine for 2014. The wedding tab will be published around Valentine’s Day, and the tab is available year round. Here’s some of the images we sent in . . .

Laura & Josh were married in May at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois. Theirs was the first wedding (at least in modern times) at the national park. The couple are history buffs, and wanted to do something special for their guests. There are some restrictions – like they could’t set up and have the ceremony until after the park closed – but Signature Event Rental took care of all that! Their reception was at Panther Creek Country Club; music by DJ Mike Testa; dress from Formals of Litchfield; cake by Specialty Cakes.

Heather & Brandt had a June wedding at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. Having us photograph this was a special treat, for Heather is a photographer and worked at a photo studio in Kansas. Their reception at Northfield Inn & Suites.

Rushita & Benjamin’s Indian wedding at the Springfield Hilton (with Sangeet, Mendi, Mandap Mahurat and other southern Indian traditions), two receptions, and ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Springfield in August.

Teresa & Mike’s wedding at Yatesville School near Prentice (Ashland) in October. The old one-room schoolhouse is used for family events, and is available for rentals. To find out more contact Scott Atwood at 217.886.2316.

Casey & Jeff’s May wedding in Virginia and Jacksonville. Getting ready in Beardstown, ceremony at Virginia United Methodist Church, reception at Jacksonville Country Club. We photographed the wedding of Jeff’s mother — great to be the family photographer, and have another family rely on us for their special events! Wedding dress from Eighth Avenue Villager in Quincy, flowers from 4 All Seasons Flowers & Gifts in Beardstown.

Allie & Todd’s November wedding at MacMurray College in Jacksonville. Ceremony at Annie Merner Chapel; reception at Hamilton’s 110 North East. They used Girls in White Satin Birdal & Formal Wear for everything; flowers by Ashley’s Petals & Angels in Jacksonville, DJ and entertainment by Joe Kindred (call/text 217-720-6835).

Jillian & Daniel’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms in rural Jacksonville in July. Ceremony outside under old oak tree on shores of pond, reception in air-conditioned tent.

Posted by Steve. Springfield Illinois area wedding photography by Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want to tell the story of your wedding day in pictures. Follow us on Facebook. Studio located at 301 E Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650, open by appointment only.

January 17, 2014January 17, 2014

Elegant Bridal Expo Springfield Illinois Bridal Show

As part of our efforts to reach out to brides to educate them about our wedding photography services, we took part in the Elegant Bridal Expo last weekend at the Hilton, downtown Springfield Illinois 62703.

One of the cool new people we met was Lisa from The Old Homestead, an old historic barn in Rushville that was turned into a wedding venue. Check out their website, and also photos we took at a barn wedding last fall (below).

Thanks to Hamilton’s Catering for the yummy sandwiches! They have been especially busy lately, helping some of the brides who lost their dates and deposits when the Camelot Banquet Center in Springfield closed. Hamilton’s not only has the 110 North East banquet facility in Jacksonville, but they also manage bookings for facilities in Springfield (in addition to catering events all over Central Illinois).
Thanks to Girls in White Satin Bridal and Formal Wear for helping us get our wall and other supplies over to Springfield.

You can also see vendors at this Sunday 19 January 2014 Jacksonville Main Street’s Bridal and Prom Expo at Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Now, here’s those photos from Katie & Zach’s wedding in Iowa City, Iowa. Zach’s family hails from Jacksonville, and wanted us to photograph their wedding – so we went out west to Iowa for the weekend. They had a Quaker wedding at the Friends Meeting House in town, then a reception at the family’s farm near the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort. The day featured craft beers, antiques from Zach’s mom, catering from New Pioneer Food Co-Op, dining in an outdoor tent, dancing in a historic barn, and capped off with a bonfire.

Fun portraits with Katie & Zach, outside historic family barn.

Dance floor inside barn. Katie's dad cleaned out the barn, put in hard gravel floor. — Dance floor inside barn. Katie’s dad cleaned out the barn, put in hard gravel floor.

Bride & groom look at baby — Katie & Zach check out new member of family.

Katie & Zach in front of strings of lights used to illuminate barn.

Bride & groom in front of bonfire — Katie & Zach capping off the night with a bonfire.

July 10, 2013July 11, 2018

Announcing the 2013 Morgan County Fair Queen & Princess Jacksonville, IL

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Morgan County Fair Pageant! Sydne Jane Peck was named Queen and Kenadi Nicole Ryan was named Princess. Sydne Jane Peck is the daughter of Kim Peck and Richard Peck of Jacksonville. Kenadi Nicole Ryan is the daughter of Steven and Courtney Ryan of Waverly.

2013 Morgan County Fair pageant winners Queen Sydne Jane Peck and Princess Kenadi Nicole Ryan. by Warmowski Photography

Morgan County Fair 2013 Pageant winners, Queen contest

Sydne Jane Peck was crowned Queen, and also won Best Interview
Brianna Elizabeth Klein named First Runner-up, won Best Speech
Maurissa Lane Moulton won Second Runner-up
Maranda Lynn Points won Miss Congeniality.
Ellen Marie Meystedt won the People’s Choice award

2013 Morgan County Fair royalty (from left) Brianna Klein, Lauren Martin, Sydne Peck, Kenadi Ryan, December Mitchell & Maurissa Moulton.

Little Miss contest

Kenadi Nicole Ryan was named Princess
Olivia Jean Stewart won First Runner-up
Emalee Ann Pool won Second Runner-up
Taylor Ann Deweese won Best Stage Presence
Natalee Elizabeth Barnhill won Best Interview
Savanna Marie Lancaster People’s Choice award

2013 Morgan County Little Miss winners (from left) Savanna Lancaster, Taylor Deweese, Olivia Stewart, Kenadi Ryan, Emalee Pool & Natalee Barnhill.

And a note of congratulations and thanks for a great job to 2012 Queen Lauren Ashleigh Martin & 2012 Princess December Ann Mitchell for a wonderful year!

2013 Morgan County Fair Queen Sydne Peck in evening gown and swimsuit.

2013 Morgan County Fair Princess Kenadi Ryan in evening gown.

Morgan County Fair princess contestants in swimwear.

Morgan County Fair queen contestants in swimwear.

Morgan County Fair princess contestants in dresses.

Morgan County Fair queen contestants in evening gowns.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography donated their services to the pageant committee, and awarded prizes to the winners, 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.

Information & links

Morgan County Fair, July 10-15, Morgan County Fair on the web and on Facebook
Follow Warmowski Photography on Facebook
Special photo gallery for contestants (password required, under construction)
Fair Queen story in Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Check back at coverage 2010, 2011, and 2012 contests. Warmowski Photography is happy to also be a sponsor of the contest, and first place winners will get special photo cards.

Full list of competitors in the 2013 pageant . . .

Princess

0457moco2013.CR2 — Morgan County Fair 2013 Princess contestants.

Olivia Jean Stewart, daughter of Joshua & Brooke Stwart of Jacksonville.
Emalee Ann Pool, daughter of Bill & Jennifer Pool of Jacksonville.
Bailey Elaine Morris, daughter of Michael & Jennifer Morris of Jacksonville.
Amelia Presephone Samuels, daughter of Tyler & Aunalicia Christison of Jacksonville.
Savanna Marie Lancaster, daughter of Denny Lancaster & Amanda Six of Franklin.
Avanel Jones, daughter of Jim & Tiffany Jones of Jacksonville.
Kenadi Nicole Ryan, daughter of Steven & Courtney Ryan of Waverly.
Regan Faye VanNoy, daughter of Tim & Carrie Burelson & Troy Thompson of Jacksonville.
Joi Peryl McQuay Flick, daughter of Frank & Caily Muellersman of Jacksonville.
Emma Rose Fairless, daughter of Gregg & Adrienne Fairless of Jacksonville.
Ella Sue Wainman, daughter of Cassie Wainman & Ryan Dokka of Jacksonville.
Lauryn Helene Maher, daughter of Justin & Robyn Maher of Jacksonville.
Taylor Ann Deweese, daughter of Ann Hungerford & Jeremy Deweese of Jacksonville.
Natalee Elizabeth Barnhill, daughter of Laura Donovan & Michael Barnhill of Jacksonville.

Queen

Aspen Marie Franklin, daughter of Dennis & Lisa Franklin of Jacksonville.
Brianna Elizabeth Klein, daughter of Kevin & Jaime Klein of Jacksonville.
Maurissa Lane Moulton, daughter of Steve & Tracy Moulton of Jacksonville.
Sydne Jane Peck, daughter of Kim Peck & Richard Peck of Jacksonville.
Maranda Lynn Points, daughter of William & Alison Points of Waverly.
Ellen Marie Meystedt, daughter of Michael Meystedt & Josephine Alsup of Jacksonville.

February 8, 2013February 8, 2013

Girls in White Satin 2013 Teen Celebrity Search winners

Congratulations to the winners on the Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear’s 2013 Teen Celebrity Search. The winners are (from left, photo below) Rachel Hall of Jacksonville High School, JoAnna Sanders of Westfair Christian Academy, Cassie Borcky of Greenfield High School, and Lindsey Hobson of Griggsville-Perry High School.

Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear's 2013 Teen Celebrity Search winners. — Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear’s 2013 Teen Celebrity Search winners.

GIWS is having a Catch the Red Carpet Craze sale on Monday, February 18, featuring 15-60% off prom dresses, newest designs featured on the red carpet runway style show at 2pm. Details on Facebook event page. Follow Girls in White Satin on their Facebook page. We are featured on their web site as recommended wedding photographers. See wedding dresses, bridal, mother of bride, flower girl, bridesmaid and other wedding fashions as well as prom dress featured in last month’s Jacksonville Wedding Expo style show.

Posted by Steve. Springfield Illinois area wedding photography by Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want to tell the story of your wedding day in pictures. Follow us on Facebook. Studio located at 301 E Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650, open by appointment only. On the main floor of Hamilton Catering’s 110 North East, around the corner from Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear .

February 8, 2013February 9, 2013

Buena Vista Farms planning for great wedding season, rebuilding and expanding despite fire

Teri & Nestor Gutierrez, owners of Buena Vista Farms – Buena Vista Resort in rural Jacksonville (Chapin) Illinois, have been growing their business for years. On Wednesday night they had a fire in the banquet hall (their secondary wedding venue). They are working with their insurance company to rebuild, and have been making contingency plans for events that were booked for the barn.

In a letter to brides-to-be, Teri said “Buena Vista Farms is the brainchild of creative thinkers and hard workers. I am full of hope, faith, perseverance and determination to provide for each of you just like I would for my own children. There is great joy in accomplishment and I believe that we can accomplish together, with prayer, a day that is even better than you have imagined.” See full letter.

Their tent wedding venue was not effected by the fire, and weddings and receptions may be relocated there. They are also working on other plans. Follow Buena Vista Farms on their Facebook Page for updates. See story on WLDS radio (fire) (rebuilding) and the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. We have provided wedding photography for Beuna Vista couples and for the Gutierrez family, and here are some of our favorite photos which also tell the story of Buena Vista . . .

Kassie & Matt with an iconic folk ark flag at Buena Vista Farms.

Stephanie & James were married in the banquet hall at Buena Vista. She saw flames while driving past on US 67, and reported the fire.

Kassie & Matt had their wedding ceremony inside the banquet hall at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt flipped the room, and also inside the banquet hall at Buena Vista Farms.

Matt with his groomsmen at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt surrounded by family for the last dance of the night at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt: Absolutely loved all the pictures from our wedding. We have gotten so many compliments on our wedding books and photos. You captured our wedding so well that I can look back at the pictures and remember everything SO very well. Thank you so much for your amazing work!!

Ashlee & Justin's wedding at Buena Vista Farms. The outdoor wedding venue is unaffected by the fire. — Ashlee & Justin’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms. The outdoor wedding venue is unaffected by the fire. The building gives a place for the wedding party to get ready before the ceremony.

Ashlee & Justin's wedding at Buena Vista Farms. — Ashlee & Justin’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms.

The large tent is a great place for weddings, and attracts couples from throughout the region to Buena Vista Farms.

A small hall besides the wedding tent gives a place for folks to come inside and use the restroom during receptions (no porta potties needed!)

Wedding tent lit up at dusk for Ashlee & Justin's wedding. — Wedding tent lit up at dusk for Ashlee & Justin’s wedding.

Exterior of wedding tent venue, Ashlee & Justin's wedding 2012. — Exterior of wedding tent venue, Ashlee & Justin’s wedding 2012.

One of the ponds at Buena Vista Farms at sunset.

Buena Vista Resort, part of Buena Vista Farms, offers full-service cabins on site.

With the cabins, brides and grooms can even stay at the resort on their wedding night, or hold bachelor/bachelorette parties, or rehearsal parties. — With the cabins, brides and grooms can even stay at the resort on their wedding night, or hold bachelor/bachelorette parties, or rehearsal parties, or get ready in spa facilities.

February 5, 2013

Japanese connections to Jacksonville, Japanese wedding traditions photography

This week and next Tiffany & I are hosting our sixth Japanese exchange student through the Illinois College program with Ritsumeikan University in Japan. It’s always great to learn a different culture and traditions, and to share the great life of Central Illinois with a foreign visitor.

Last year we got a glimpse of some Japanese wedding traditions when we provided professional wedding photography for Shiori & Brett at the Jacksonville Country Club. Shiori started the day with a traditional wedding kimono and then switched to a white Western wedding dress. Their rings were made of wood and were carved by Shiori. And, part of a traditional Japanese wedding the families provide entertainment for their guests — so Shiori’s family sang and danced and put on quite a show!

Shiori carved her and Brett's wedding rings on lucky crane origami. — Shiori carved her and Brett’s wedding rings on lucky crane origami.

Shiori's family provides entertainment for wedding reception guests. — Shiori’s family provides entertainment for wedding reception guests.

A western tradition with cake smashed into Brett's beard. — A western tradition with cake smashed into Brett’s beard.

Shiori & Brett on the golf course at Jacksonville Country Club.

February 5, 2013February 5, 2013

Bobby Hoffman Night at the JHS Bowl

Tiffany covered Bobby Hoffman Night at the JHS Bowl over the weekend, and also photographed some of the action on and off the court of the Jacksonville High School basketball game.

See photo galleries on our Facebook page – Bobby Hoffman Night, action on/off court.

Read more about the efforts to preserve the JHS Bowl, its history, and to put in a new floor. Also links to donate (make check payable and send to: Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation, 516 Jordan Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650) or to donate online. Story also in The Source this week. Or, to help, purchase Leah’s Lemonade and Kolby’s Cookies while at a basketball game this season.

January 30, 2013

Event photography at Doll-i-Day fundraiser

Warmowski Photography will be running a photo booth for all the little girls and their dolls at Doll-i-Day next month at Hamilton’s 110 North East in Jacksonville.

The event will be Sunday February 17th from 1-4pm. Tickets are $20 (advance tickets only, no tickets at door) at The Source, County Market or Midwest Youth Services. All proceeds benefit Midwest Youth Services — a non-profit, United Way agency dedicated to serving at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth.

Besides our photography, there will be . . .

bingo
doll medical center
hair & nail station
face painting
cookie decorating
coloring
variety show
princess walk
candy bar
cupcakes & drinks
and a chance to win an American Girl doll.

Thanks to all the volunteers who make this event such a great hit.

January 29, 2013

Springfield Illinois wedding photos by Warmowski Photography

One of our highlights from last year was when Amanda, whose wedding we photographed in the summer, took the microphone at the Springfield Local Favorites Bridal Bash at Northfield Inn and Suites and told all the brides what great photos and service she received from us. She said she didn’t have to worry about photos at all, and had a great time with us on her wedding day. Thanks Amanda!

Amanda and Luke had their ceremony at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, IL 62704. Reception at Firefighters Postal Lake Club on Lake Springfield with catering by Hamilton’s Catering.

Part of the plans for our Springfield professional wedding photography was to photograph the couple on the running trail in Centennial Park where they met. With temperatures over 100° – we took a quick photo then jumped in the air-conditioned limo and headed to their health club for fun photos with the wedding party.

Other vendor note — flowers, centerpieces and decorating by Tom Anderson of An Event Design florists and event planning.

Amanda & Luke on the running path where they met in Springfield's Centennial Park. — Amanda & Luke on the running path where they met in Springfield’s Centennial Park.

Amanda & Luke with their wedding party stop at their health club.

Amanda organized a flash mob dance at their wedding reception.

Dancing at the Firefighters Postal Lake Club.

January 29, 2013January 29, 2013

Jacksonville Kiwanis Pancake & Sausage Day

Steve is a Kiwanian, and invites everyone to buy tickets for the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville’s Pancake & Sausage Day fundraiser.

Pancake & Sausage Day will be 6am-8pm Monday March 11th at MacMurray College’s McClelland Dining Hall. All you can eat! Express Drive Thru Service 3:30-7pm at the west side of Routt gym. Carry-Out available all day. Tickets $6 in advance or $7 at the door (children 5 and under free with paying adult).

Tickets available at County Market, Farmers State Bank & Trust, Franklin Bank, Premier Bank, Jacksonville Savings Bank, Chamber of Commerce, The Source or from any Kiwanis Member.

Thanks for supporting Kiwanis as they raise more than $30,000 each year. All going to fund programs for children and the Jacksonville community.

Steve (with help from Tiffany) will once again be the “Loss Prevention, Recycling and Donation” chairman. A self-created position, towards the end of the day we collect all the left-over food and other supplies for pickup by the Salvation Army and the Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, and other organizations.

Thanks to Steven Varble for designing the promotional spot for the event. He’s always a great fella to work with, photography and design.