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Murphy – more than just a dog

Anne and Loren were married at Prairie Productions in Chicago on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Murphy is Anne (and now Loren’s) dog. To say that he is an important part of their lives is probably an understatement. For him to be part of the wedding ceremony was a given.

Here is Murphy on his humans’ big day –

Murphy, waiting outside Anne’s bedroom door, wanted to be the first one to see her in her wedding dress.

Prairie Productions, the site of the wedding, is animal friendly and Murphy was welcomed with open arms.

The flower girl and ring bearer.

Murphy ready for his role as ring bearer – actually bearing the rings.


Murphy laid quietly during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Murphy hung out on the patio.

Posted by Tiffany Warmowski of Warmowski Photography, who photographs in Chicago and is sure to capture all of the things that make your wedding special.

 

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Anne & Loren – Wedding highlights

Anne & Loren were married Saturday 23 April 2011 at Prairie Productions in Chicago. It has been raining a lot here in the Midwest, so I was preparing myself all week for that possibility. No rain appeared! The day was absolutely beautiful in every way.

Here are some of our favorite details from their day.

Anne & Loren decided to see each other before the ceremony. They did so at a park right near their home.

Anne’s dog, Murphy was an important part of the day (click here for a post on Murphy)

Anne had help making all of the napkins (and decorating the favor boxes).

Loren’s mom, Sharon, and Anne take a peek at people arriving for the wedding.

Loren’s father, Rudy is an organist and musician. He brought a small pipe organ to Prairie Productions and played for the couple’s ceremony.

Anne didn’t choose dresses for her bridesmaids. She simply asked them to wear blue or green. They choose dresses that fit their styles and body types as well as budgets.

They had amazing desserts from Sweet Mandy B’s including macaroons and cupcakes.

The cake Anne & Loren cut was from a bakery & coffee shop they visited the morning of their wedding.

The couple decided on using iTunes for their music. They plugged into Prairie Production’s sound system and danced all night.

There is a great view of the skyline right outside Prairie Productions and we took advantage of it near the end of the night.

Congratulations to Anne & Loren and a beautiful wedding day! Wishing you a long and happy marriage!

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowskiphoto.com

Warmowski Photography photographes couples in Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, all over Illinois as well as destination weddings.

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Featuring: The Kids!

There were 3 little ones who participated in  Monica & Luther’s wedding in Lombard, Illinois. They were Luther’s nieces and nephew.

The nice thing about having kids participating in your wedding is that you never know what’s going to happen. And one of the downsides to having kids in your wedding is that you never know what’s going to happen. Choosing whether or not to have children participate is a decision the bride and groom should make – keeping in mind how easily they are able to roll with things. Because, very rarely do ring bearers and flower girls walk directly and quietly down the aisle. Which is fine! It wouldn’t be memorable if they did!

It look Bode a minute to follow his cousins down the aisle. But he did it!

Bode got going, but then Allison realized her big sister, Avery, had dropped some flower petals. Allison pointed to them and said, “uh oh.” And it took her a minute to decide whether or not she was going to pick them up or keep going. Eventually, she kept going.

Bode got caught up in the aisle runner, but Grandpa Dan was right there to help out.

Monica and Luther with their ring bearer and flower girls.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. We photograph weddings with kids and without kids in Jacksonville, Illinois, Chicago, St. Louis and all over.

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Monica, Luther & CrossFit

Between Monica & Luther’s wedding and reception, the limo took the entire bridal party to Monica and Luther’s CrossFit gym. They had a couple photos in mind. I already put one in the Monica & Luther’s Wedding Highlights blog post. But, I have included it in this entry, too. Monica and Luther began CrossFit the November before their February wedding. They plan to continue even though the big event is over.

Here it is – the Bridal Party Kettlebell Swing!

It took a couple to tries to get it right.

Monica’s awesome “something blue!”

My vantage point from up in the loft

The bridal party’s reaction to the weight being put on Monica’s bar

Steve’s vantage point from the ground

The whole group and Jason, the CrossFit owner and trainer

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography, photographing brides, grooms and their unique interests in Jacksonville, Illinois, Chicago, Springfield and worldwide.

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Monica & Luther’s wedding highlights

Fabulous wedding weekend for Monica Marchese and Luther Cunningham!
The wedding was at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lombard, the church Monica attended while growing up. The reception was at Dinolfo’s Banquets in Homer Glen.

The festivities started Friday night with a themed rehearsal dinner put on by Deb & Dan Cunningham. There will be an blog post dedicated to just the rehearsal and dinner – so keep a look out for that!

In the meantime, here are some of our favorite images of the day.

Monica and Luther decided to see each other and take all of the group and family portraits before the ceremony. But before we start the portraits, the couple gets a "first look." Usually this is done with the groom standing at the alter with this back to the aisle, and the bride walking down the aisle to meet him. He turns around and VIOLA! - he sees his bride. Kisses usually ensue and often parents and bridal party members are peeking though doors and windows to watch.

Monica and Luther decided to see each other and take all of the group and family portraits before the ceremony. About half of our couples go that route. Before we start the portraits, the couple gets a “first look.” Usually this is done with the groom standing at the altar with this back to the aisle, and the bride walking down the aisle to meet him. He turns around and VIOLA! – he sees his bride. Kisses usually ensue and often parents and bridal party members are peeking though doors and windows to watch.

Monica waits while Luther stands at the front of the church during the processional.

Monica waits while Luther stands at the front of the church during the processional.

The bride and groom sit at the alter while the bride's brother, Andrew, serves as cantor. There is a choir loft to the side of the alter which made for a unique perspective that we don't usually have. As with every wedding we photograph, we talked to the church coordinator or officiant before the ceremony and were invited to use the loft for photos.

The bride and groom sit at the altar while the bride’s brother, Andrew, serves as cantor. There is a choir loft to the side of the altar which made for a unique perspective that we don’t usually have. As with every wedding we photograph, we talked to the church coordinator or officiant before the ceremony and were invited to use the loft for photos.
Monica kneels before the Blessed Mother after presenting her flowers. Monica's brother and Man-of-Honor, Anthony, sang Ave Maria with his a capella group. Monica is holding a wedding rosary which has beads made of flowers from the recent funeral of her late grandmother.
Monica kneels before the Blessed Mother after presenting her flowers. Monica’s brother and Man-of-Honor, Anthony, sang Ave Maria with his a capella group. Monica is holding a wedding rosary which has beads made of flowers from the recent funeral of her late grandmother.

Between the wedding and reception, Monica and Luther wanted to stop by their CrossFit gym and have a photo taken of the bridal party doing a kettlebell swing. There was a quick lesson on form by the owner, Jason, before we started. Safety first!.

Between the wedding and reception, Monica and Luther wanted to stop by their CrossFit gym and have a photo taken of the bridal party doing a kettlebell swing. There was a quick lesson on form by the owner, Jason, before they started. Safety first!
I loved the murmurs of disbelief from the bridal party as Monica's bar had the weights put on it.
I loved the murmurs of disbelief from the bridal party as Monica’s bar was loaded with weights.

The processional song that Monica's bridesmaids walked in to was arranged by Monica's brother, Anthony. It's a combination of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and "Canon in D." The notes on the cake is the score of that song.

The processional song that Monica’s bridesmaids walked in to was arranged by Monica’s brother, Anthony. It’s a combination of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and “Canon in D.” The notes on the cake is the score of that song.

Monica & Luther decided on a traveling photo booth at the reception. It was busy all night! Here are a few shots of guests and family in the booth.

Monica & Luther decided on a photo booth at the reception. It was busy all night! Here are a few shots of guests and family in the booth.
The Traveling Photo Booth
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Heather & Doug’s wedding 9 October 2010

Heather Thomas and Doug Zulauf were married Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Rammelkamp Chapel on the Illinois College campus in Jacksonville. Both are alumni of IC. Professor Rev. Richard Maye officiated the ceremony.

Here are some of our favorite images from their day.

Heather & Doug say their vows during their wedding ceremony on a beautiful October day.
Heather & Doug had a perfect blue sky on their wedding day. Here the guest wait outside to blow bubbles.
After the ceremony, the couple walked on campus to a couple of their favorite spots.
Heather and Doug pose for a portrait in front of Sturtevant Hall on Illinois College's campus. The hall is the most well-known building on campus.
The tree swing in front of Sturtevant Hall is a favorite spot for photos.
Doug works in law enforcement. He and Heather took a group photo with his colleagues at the reception.
Doug's college literary society, Pi Pi Rho, performs their wedding reception ritual for Heather & Doug.
We also took a group photo of Doug's Pi Pi Rho friends and their significant others during the reception.
Heather wore her grandmother's pearls on her wedding day.
Heather sings to her new husband while they are both bathed in the warm lights of the DJ booth.
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Ceremony highlights – Erin & Greg Gutren

Erin (Marks) & Greg Guntren were married Saturday, October 2, 2010,  at the Prebyterian Church in White Hall, Illinois.

The church was probably one of the oldest in which we have photographed a wedding (in the U.S., anyway.)
There were many partitions and doors inside the church. I am assuming they were used to keep from heating areas of the church that were not being used - back when it was heated by fireplaces.
Erin chose brown and green as her colors. Erin's sister, Hannah, was her maid of honor and their cousin, Caylee was the flower girl.
The afternoon light came through the windows during the ceremony - shining perfectly on the happy couple.
The church had beautiful architecture and the organ pipes were the focal point of the alter.
Following the ceremony, best man Collin Foster ran up the stairs to ring the church bell.
When Caylee learned she was to be a flower girl in Erin & Greg's wedding, she asked if she could wear a pink dress. Pink didn't go with Erin's color scheme, but Erin's mom, Melissa, did line Caylee's dress with hot pink when she made it.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. We love to photograph weddings in old churches, new churches, or anywhere, really. Traditional or off-the-wall, we  capture real moments all day.

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Lindsey & Luke’s wedding – some highlights

Lindsey Smith and Luke Coultas were married Saturday, September 4, 2010, in Jacksonville. Here are a few highlights from their day:

I love the reflection of the chapel in the window of the limo!
The vinyl cling on the dance floor was an awesome touch!
Lindsey & Luke provided flip flops for their guests at the reception. What a great way to keep the dancing going all night!
To add a bit of fun to the bridal party introductions, Lindsey and her bridesmaids wore funky glasses into the reception.
Luke is a big fan of duck hunting. His wedding band was designed to look like a duck hunting band. Very unique and a great way to personalize wedding jewelry!

posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography – Tiffany & Steve love to photograph the details that go into making your wedding personal – in Jacksonville, Springfield, Chicago and beyond!

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Kristy Gebhardt says “the photography is the best choice we made”


wedding party dances, wedding photography in Virginia, Illinois by Warmowski Photography
The wedding party joins Kristy VanMeter and Ty Gebhardt during their first dance.

Soon after we photographed Kristy VanMeter & Ty Gebhardt’s wedding she sent us this note:

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate everything you did. From the pictures that I know will be amazing, the pinning of my dress and just being there for anything else I may have needed. The day and night seemed to go off without a hitch. I was absolutely amazed with how my day was the best day of my life and I married my best friend. That night will be one of the most memorable nights of our life forever. For someone to please Ty says a lot, and you guys absolutely did that. . .

I had more fun that night than I have my whole life. I fell in love with Ty all over again and I think he did the same. Our relationship has the strongest bond ever right now and we both realized with our special day that we had the best thing that has ever happened to us. Ty loved you guys as did I (but I think that was obvious). We love how helpful you are and you have a sense of humor that puts the two of you over the top!!! We can’t wait to start our family and you can bet we will be calling you. We hope that the two of you had a good time and we will recommend you to everyone we know. I hope you stay in touch, as we enjoy talking with the two of you.

Wow! Thanks Kristy! After a couple e-mails and her seeing her photos, she emphasized the point, writing “the photography is the best choice we made.”
Keeping champagne from spilling, nail salon, wedding photography in Jacksonville Illinois by Warmowski Photography
Kristy's bridesmaids try to keep the champagne from making a mess as they get their hair done.
Kristy & Ty’s wedding day was a long one for us — exactly the kind of coverage we like to offer to our brides. Kristy chose our Package A, which includes a full day of photography, high-resolution images and a wonderful 40-plus page coffee table book. The day started out with Tiffany covering the action at the On The Clip Side salon in Jacksonville. We followed them to First Christian Church in South Jacksonville for more getting ready images as well as portraits before the ceremony.
bride takes a deep breath before entering reception, wedding in Virginia Illinois by Warmowski Photography
Kristy takes a deep breath before walking in to the reception at Fairway Hills Golf Course in Virginia.
A lot of work went into decorating the reception. The centerpieces were great and the chair covers and different colored bows added so much to the room (rented from the Beardstown Class of 2011). And as the sun went down and the room got darker, the many votive candles made for a very romantic feel.
Bride gets nose full of frosting, cake cutting, wedding reception in Virginia Illinois by Warmowski Photography
Ty gets the better of Kristy as they have fun after sharing a piece of cake.
Despite a calf injury Kristy sustained earlier in the week, she was able to dance and enjoy the reception. One thing that helped was her choice of footwear. Even before her injury, Kristy had decided on gym shoes. Because of the fullness of her dress, nobody could even tell – and she was comfortable all day!
Kristy's Nike Shocks kept her comfortable all day.
Dancing at wedding reception, Virginia Illinois, by Warmowski Photography
Kristy & Ty don’t seem to notice anyone else as they dance on the crowded dance floor.
Dancers cast shadows from DJ lights, Virginia Illinois wedding by Warmowski Photography
Dancers cast shadows on the ceiling, with lighting effects by D.J. Joe Kindred.
We love to stay until the end of the night because we feel we are better able to tell the full story of the day. We have two super fast lenses (f1.4 & f1.2) and top-class cameras with high sensitivity (iso 6400 plus) so we can practically shoot in the dark! We followed Kristy & Ty out to their get-away vehicle to complete the story.
Night time view of passengers in truck, after wedding in Virginia Illinois by Warmowksi photography
Kristy jumps into her dad's truck at the end of the night while her groom rode in the back seat.
Kristy & Ty also had us do their engagement photos. During all our portrait sittings we start in the studio to get more traditional images. But we also like to create images that reflect the couple’s personality and their relationship – and that can’t always be done well in the studio. With Kristy & Ty we headed to Virginia High School to make photos at the ball diamond, where Ty is the head softball coach and Kristy is assistant coach. (Kristy also coaches volleyball). We also took some photos at Rexroat Prairie, a beautiful nature reserve on the south end of town.
Engagement photos in Virginia, Illinois by Warmowski Photography
Engagement photos: Kristy gets first choice on the softball diamond in Virginia.
Sitting in antique cabin porch, Rexroat Prairie in Virginia, Illinois, engagement image by Warmowski Photography
Kristy & Ty at Rexroat Prairie in Virginia, Illinois.

Wedding details: Ceremony at First Christian Church in South Jacksonville; hair and nails at On The Clip Side in Jacksonville; Brad Wessel caterer; Joe Kindred DJ; Ty’s ring from Infinity Tungsten; Kristy’s ring from Helzberg Diamonds, Springfield; wedding dress from David’s Bridal; reception at Fairway Hills Golf Course in Virginia; flowers from Nancy Bork, Jacksonville.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, wedding images in Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 and Virginia, Illinois 62691. Follow us on Facebook.
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The “out”

Dad and I wait upstairs at MacMurray's Annie Merner Chapel while guests are seated. 15 September 2001 Photo by Zuzana Killam
Dad and I wait while my sister Nicole (far left), and best friends Tracy Mazurkiewicz and Michelle (McIntyre) Davlantis chat. Not pictured is Steve's sister, Janet (Warmowski) Jackson, also a bridesmaid. She was the first one to walk down the aisle, which is probably why she isn't in this photo. 15 September 2001 Photo by Valérie Berta Torales

________________

I’ll never forget the option my dad gave me before walking me down the aisle on my wedding day 15 September 2001:

Dad (looking at the door to go outside): We can walk out the door if you want to, Tiffy.

Tif: What do you want to do, Daddy?

Dad: No, Tiffy. What do you want to do?

Tif: I think I’ll walk down the aisle.

It might seem weird to be given that option moments before walking down the aisle, but in honesty, I have always been grateful for that “out.”

When we were walking down the aisle, dad said to me, "Tiffy, I've been thinking about this day for a long time." Here we are just before that. My cousin, Amy Bennett, was our flower girl. I was the flower girl in her parents' wedding 18 years before. 15 September 2001 Photo by Valérie Berta Torales

________________

Before our good friend Esther married Steve’s mentor, Archie Lieberman, Esther’s aunt told her, “Five minutes before is better than five minutes after.” Esther didn’t take the “out.” But she never forgot about her aunt offering to her, either. Esther and Archie were married 60 years before his death in 2008.

We’ve had 3 couples cancel or indefinitely postpone their weddings this summer. But believe me, there are no hard feelings here! Making a lifetime commitment is not something that you should do just because you have been planning a wedding for months or because people will be disappointed if you decide not to go through with it.

I hope that all couples work as hard on preparing for their marriage as they do planning their wedding (if not harder!). And if they reach a point in that process where things don’t feel quite right, then taking a step back and taking a good hard look at things just might be the right thing to do, whether the wedding is months, weeks or days away.

**Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010** Blog post by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography Tiffany & Steve Warmowski were married in Jacksonville and photograph others’ weddings in Jacksonville and around the world. WarmowskiPhotography.com