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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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Breaking with tradition: Seeing each other before the ceremony

When I meet with couples before their wedding day to learn the details and hear about what is most important to them, one of the questions I ask is if they plan to see each other before the ceremony.

The answer is about 50/50. Fifty percent of our couples want to stick with tradition. The first time the groom sees his bride on the wedding day is when she is walks down the aisle.

The other 50 percent decide on a special moment before the ceremony where they see each other, ooohhh and aaahhh over each other, and then have their family and bridal party join them for portraits.

Either way works for us. The day, after all, is about the couple and their friends and family, and NOT about the photos OR the photographers.

But,  (you knew there would be a but, right!?) we honestly prefer when couples see each other and get the portraits done before the ceremony. The upsides are: fresh make up and clothing, less rushing, not keeping guests waiting, being able to get to the reception when you want to, not when photos are over, and you don’t have to worry about people who were supposed to be in portraits having left for the reception.

Monica and Luther decided to see each other before their ceremony. One reason was that they wanted to stop at their CrossFit gym with the bridal party for photos between the ceremony and reception.

Here are a few photos of their “first look.”

We typically do the “first look” at the alter where the portraits will be taken. There is good light there. The bride and groom usually opt for the groom to stand at the alter with his back turned and the bride walking up the aisle, and he turns around when she gets to him. Although, we have done it other places. Liz and Kris saw each other for the first time in a garden outside the church and Steve and I first saw each other on Rutledge Lawn at MacMurray College across from Annie Merner Chapel in Jacksonville. Rutledge Lawn was where we first met and where he gave me my engagement ring.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. She and her husband, Steve, photograph weddings, like Monica & Luther’s, in Lombard and Homer Glen, as well as in Chicago, St. Louis and all over. And, although Tiffany & Steve saw each other before their ceremony, they both still cried when Tiffany walked down the aisle with her daddy.

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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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Unique racetrack wedding – Olivia & Adam

Oliva & Adam were married at Shepp’s Racetrack, near Jacksonville, Illinois, on October 10, 2010. Shepp’s is a track were Adam races and he and Olivia thought it would be the perfect spot for their wedding.

A month before their wedding, we photographed Olivia & Adam with their race car at the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
Adam fires up the engine before driving around the trailer, where the guests await the start of the ceremony.
The ceremony took place on a stage set up in front of the trailer. The guests sat in the stands.

Posted by Tiffany/WarmowskiPhoto.com

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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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Liz & Kris – highlights

Liz Overstreet & Kris Montgomery were married 18 September 2010 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois. Their reception was at The Inn at 835, also in Springfield.

Here’s some favorite images and moments from their day!

Liz's "something blue" was her shoes. She wore her grandmother's pearls. And her garter was made of lace, just like her dress.
Liz & Kris opted to see each other and do portraits before the ceremony so that they had time to do outdoor portraits between the ceremony and reception. They first saw each other all dressed up in the garden of the church.
Liz & Kris enjoy a moment in the church's garden before going inside for portraits before the ceremony.
Liz chose an incredible cathedral-length veil.
Her veil was embroidered with her new monogram.
Westminster Presbyterian has more strict rules for photographers than most churches we work with. Because we can't be anywhere near the altar during the ceremony, we asked if we could set up a remote camera in the bell choir area to the side of the alter. Steve and I respect that the ceremony is a worship service. We always speak with the officiant prior to the ceremony to find out what their restrictions are - and we abide by them. The day is not about us or the photos!
The bridal party went downtown Springfield between the wedding and reception for outdoor shots. We couldn't resist this "Marilyn Monroe" moment. Thanks, Liz!
The groom works in engineering - and his grooms cake was an homage to that!
Half of the gift table at the reception was in honor of the couples' parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. There were some fantastic & moving photos.
The buffet table was decorated with different sized vases with floating candles. It gave the whole room a very romantic feeling.
As the night wound down, it seemed Liz and Kris were the only ones in the room. We took this photo with the help of lights from Matt Stevens' DJ booth.

The Inn at 835, Stevens DJ Service and Specialty Cakes are fellow members of Springfield Local Favorites, a group of the top wedding vendors in the Springfield region. Liz said this of Matt Stevens during the night: “He’s more than just a DJ — he made the night go so smoothly.”

posted by Tiffany – Warmowski Photography loves to photograph unique ideas in Jacksonville, Springfield and all over to share with brides planning their weddings!

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Savanna & Charlie – wedding highlights

Savanna & Charlie Cole were married 17 September 2010, in Jacksonville. The wedding ceremony was at First Christian Church and the reception was at Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Here are some of our favorite details and moments from their fantastic day!

The flowergirls' grandmother made their dresses. Trying to figure out how to hold the ring bearer's arm AND throw petals was a bit of a challenge for Elsa. And Sophie wasn't really sure what was going on!
Between the ceremony and reception, Savanna & Charlie wanted some photos outside. Steve took them to one of our favorite spots in Jacksonville for photos - a train overpass. The light was just perfect.
Savanna & Charlie walk back to the party bus from the train overpass.
The cake was make of squares and circles, black ribbon, which matched the head table, and whimsical decorations.
Nothing dresses up a room like chair covers and bows. The entire room had black chair covers and white bows. A very elegant touch.
A fun, end-of-night photo on Hamilton's new patio.

posted by Tiffany – Warmowski Photography – photographing in Jacksonville, Springfield, Chicago, St. Louis – and beyond!

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Tiffany & Steve celebrate 9 years!

Yesterday was our 9th wedding anniversary. Every year at 3pm, the time we were married, we go to the chapel, chat and take our photo.

posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. We love our yearly anniversary tradition, at the chapel at Tif’s alma mater, MacMurray College,  in Jacksonville.

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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.