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

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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

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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

Daddies giving away their daughters

There were some really nice moments between Kelsey and her dad, Andy, during Kelsey & Josh’s wedding day.  I love that Andy wasn’t afraid or ashamed to show his emotions.

Kelsey came into the sanctuary prior to the ceremony for some portraits. That is where her father saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. ** Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
*Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Kelsey & her dad, Andy, in the basement of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church before walking down the aisle. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Andy gives his daughter a hug before giving her hand to Josh at the beginning of the ceremony uniting Kelsey & Josh. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
At the end of the father/daughter dance, Andy swept his daughter off her feet. Andy gives his daughter a hug before giving her hand to Josh at the beginning of the ceremony uniting Kelsey & Josh. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Blog post by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography

Congrats to Kelsey & Josh!

Kelsey Mason & Josh Hoyt tied the knot June 27, 2010, in a beautiful ceremony at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. The reception was at Hamilton’s 110 North East in Jacksonville.

Here’s a couple of the many notable things from their fantastic day:

Kelsey was in comfort her whole day with sparkly ballet-like slippers. Her Man-of-Honor, Ben, wore shoes to match his suit, her ladies wore silver and her personal assistant, Casey, wore black. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Kelsey & Josh greeted their parents during their ceremony. Here, Josh and Kelsey's mom, Delores, share a special moment. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Kelsey's parents, Andy & Delores, kept a bottle of sparkling wine from their wedding in 1985. They opened it and shared it with the newlyweds. Now THAT'S thinking ahead! **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Kelsey & Josh raise their glasses, filled with Kelsey's parents' sparkling wine, after Kelsey's dad's toast. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Kelsey's Man of Honor, Ben Hale, loves taking photographs. Here's a photo of Ben taking a photo of Steve! **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Posted by Tiffany

A theme throughout

The constant theme that ran through Audra & Francis’ June 12, 2010, wedding was zebra stripes. During our meeting months ago, to talk about the wedding, I asked Audra what her colors were. Her answer, “Zebra stripes and lime green.” Now there’s a color scheme. Not black & white and lime green, but zebra stripes and lime green. As the day approached and we met again to go over final details, I wondered how this color scheme would work – would it be zebra stripes over the top?

I’d have to say, it was done very tastefully. There is a fine, fine line between just enough zebra stripes and too many zebra stripes. Audra toed the line perfectly.

Here are a couple of examples of stripes done well. Way to go, Audra!

Aurda & Francis' invitations hinted at the zebra-stripe theme that ran through the day. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
The week of the wedding, Audra found these kissing zebra salt-and-pepper shakers at Kirlin's Hallmark in Jacksonville.. There's a magnet on the girl zebra's cheek and one on the boy zebra's snout. They spent all night kissing in front of the cake. Copyright 2010 WarmowskiPhotography
The week of the wedding, Audra found these kissing zebra salt-and-pepper shakers at Kirlin's Hallmark in Jacksonville. There's a magnet on the girl zebra's cheek and one on the boy zebra's snout. They spent all night kissing in front of the cake. Copyright 2010 WarmowskiPhotography
Only one tier of the cake had zebra-striped ribbon on it. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
Only one tier of the cake had zebra-striped ribbon on it. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
Only one tier of the cake had zebra-striped ribbon on it. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
One of the bridesmaids gifts was a tote bag in which the ladies could carry their wedding weekend necessities. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
One of the bridesmaids gifts was a tote bag in which the ladies could carry their wedding weekend necessities. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
Audra's bridesmaids wore black dresses and zebra-striped heels. Even the box they came in had zebra stripes on them! Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
The one place I expected to see zebra stripes, I didn't! Because Francis graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Illinois, that was the theme she used for her garter and the groom's cake. Her purse, however, kept with the zebra-striped theme. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
The one place I expected to see zebra stripes, I didn't! Because Francis graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Illinois, that was the theme she used for her garter and the groom's cake. Her purse, however, kept with the zebra-striped theme. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
Instead of flowers, the pew decorations were lime green Chinese lanterns with zebra-striped ribbon hanging from them. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography
Instead of flowers, the pew decorations were lime green Chinese lanterns with zebra-striped ribbon hanging from them. Copyright 2010 Warmowski Photography

The wedding of Audra (Fanning) and Francis Nelson – June 12, 2010, Annie Merner Chapel on the campus of MacMurray College, Jacksonville, Illinois; Jacksonville Country Club; Heinl Florist, Jacksonville, Illinois

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography, photojournalists based in Illinois; photographing around the world.

Great wedding in Carrollton

Saturday, June 5 was the wedding of Hannah (Cunningham) and Joe Reed. Congrats on a fantastic day! Here are a FEW of the highlights (and there were MANY!)

I had to take a double-take when I waled by the gift table at Hannah & Joe's wedding. There were a dozen white roses WITH THEIR NAMES AND WEDDING DATE ON THEM!! I had never seen anything like this before. Apparently they know someone in Nebraska and used the Omaha location of Speaking Roses to get these roses. The Omaha location's web address is www.speakingrosesomaha.com. Speaking Roses' web address is www.speakingroses.com. Photo copyright Warmowski Photography 2010
Although severe weather was predicted for the area Saturday night, luckily it never materialized, outside of a bit of lightning late in the evening. Photo copyright Warmowski Photography 2010
The First Baptist Church in Carrollton was barely big enough to hold all of Hannah & Joe's guests! There are some seats in the front empty, of course, because those coming in later don't want to go up to the front. It was a cozy, but celebratory crowd. Steve took this photo from the elevated baptismal tub. Photo copyright Warmowski Photography 2010
Because their wedding reception was in a tent outside, they decided to use plastic cups for beverages. But instead of using an endless supply of disposable cups, there was a personalized plastic cup at each place setting. The couple put a note on each table encouraging people to use these cups during the evening so there would be less trash at the end of the night. Photo copyright Warmowski Photography 2010

Decor like never before

Emily Scobbie & Cliff Bumgarner, of Jacksonville, Illinois, were one of the first couples to use the MacMurray College dining hall for their reception. I, personally, spent 4 years eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in this dining hall. I walked into this building the day of Emily & Cliff’s wedding and I didn’t recognize the place. It looked AMAZING. The florist had draped fabric between the chandlers, the chairs were covered, the water glasses had hot pink napkins in them! The place had been transformed into an elegant, beautiful hall worthy of a wedding reception.

I know a LOT of work went into the decorating. And Emily’s mom, Joni, was the orchestrator of it all. The place was transformed and Joni, with help from family & friends, gave her daughter a wonderful wedding gift.

Emily & Cliff's reception decorations were amazing - and the result of a lot of work by Emily, her mom, Joni, and many others. Here is a view of McClelland Dining Hall all decked out for the party.
Emily & Cliff's reception decorations were amazing - and the result of a lot of work by Emily, her mom, Joni, and many others. Here is a view of McClelland Dining Hall all decked out for the party.
Emily & Cliff chose hot pink and yellow for their colors. Here you can see the menu cards and napkins set on the table ready for guest at McClelland Dining Hall, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL.
Emily & Cliff chose hot pink and yellow for their colors. Here you can see the menu cards and napkins set on the table ready for guests at McClelland Dining Hall, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL.

Who's in charge?

Christy & Craig, of New Orleans, had 2 of their closest friends, Tim (Christy’s friend from high school) & Kevin (Craig’s college friend and roommate), officiate their outdoor ceremony in rural Jacksonville, IL. Neither Tim nor Kevin were ordained when they were asked by their friends to officiate the wedding, but by the day of the wedding, both had gone through on-line courses and were licensed to perform marriages in Illinois.

They were given no specific instructions by the couple as to what they should talk about – and each told personal and humorous (though not embarrassing) stories about their friend. The first-time officiants elicited both laughs and tears from the couple and those in attendance.

Tim (left) and Kevin were both first-time officiants and their friends' wedding in rural Jacksonville, IL. 17 July 2009.
Tim (left) and Kevin were both first-time officiants at their friends' wedding in rural Jacksonville, IL. 17 July 2009.

Vow variation

Allison and Eric wrote and spoke their own vows which included addressing the other one’s parents. During the vows part of the ceremony, Allison spoke her vows to Eric, then they both turned and Allison thanked Eric’s parents for welcoming her into their family and for raising such a good son. Eric spoke his vows to Allison and then turned and addressed Allison’s parents as well.

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Allison addresses Eric's parents during their wedding ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2009, in the garden of Allison's family home in Jacksonville, Illinois. WarmowskiPhotography.com

I know the parents were surprised and honored at being acknowledged by their children’s new spouse and I don’t think there was a dry parental eye in the garden.

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The mother of the groom wipes away a tear as Allison addresses Eric's parents during their wedding ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2009, in the garden of Allison's family home in Jacksonville, Illinois. WarmowskiPhotography.com

Sound

At Jackie and James’ ceremony on Sunday, June 7 at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois, the sounds of the ceremony were just as moving and present as any other part of the well-thought-out day.

Music is always a consideration when planning your ceremony. Because Jackie and James’ location was not a church, a little bit more thought had to be put into the source of the music, since there was no piano or organ available.

They chose The Naperville Brass, which consisted of 2 trumpets,  a horn, a euphonium and a tuba. The sound was rich and unique and reverberated beautifully off of the wooden ceiling beams and the wooden floors of the 70+ year-old lodge.

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The Naperville Brass play at Jackie & James' wedding Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. WarmowskiPhotography.com

An unplanned source of unique sound was the items used in their unity ceremony. Instead of a unity candle or sand or salt, the couple had small, smooth stones distributed to each person in the congregation.

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Maid of Honor Amanda collects stones from the other bridesmaids during Jackie & James' wedding Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. WarmowskiPhotography.com

When each person had a stone, they were instructed to hold it and think positive thoughts/pray for the new couple. The stones were then collected. Jackie held a jar of the stones collected from her side and James from his. They then poured the contents of their jars into a common vessel held by the pastor.

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Family members hold pebbles during Jackie & James' wedding Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. WarmowskiPhotography.com

The sounds made by the stones during this ceremony were fantastic! First, each person taking the stones from the jar, some people accidently dropping them on the wooden floor; each person returning their stone to the glass jar; combining each rows’ jars of stones into 2 jars, two jars being poured into one. I hope every time Jackie and James hear stone against glass, they will think of their wedding day and all of the good wishes and love those “tinks” represent.

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Jackie & James hold a vase of pebbles during their wedding ceremony Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. WarmowskiPhotography.com

Busy mother of the bride

Chinese lanterns added a personal touch to the banquet hall at Kristen & James Buchanan's wedding.
Chinese lanterns added a personal touch to the banquet hall at Kristen & James Buchanan's wedding.

Pam Gaines not only helped her daughter, Kristen, plan for her wedding — she also made the decorations for Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and Gee Whillikers Banquet Hall. Pam also made necklaces for the bridesmaids, sashes for the dresses, decorated the wedding cake, and the list goes on.

The bride's mom made the cake.
The bride's grandmother made the cake. The bride's mom decorated it.
Flowers added a splash of color at the church.
Flowers added a splash of color at the church.
Italian lights carry the wedding colors over to the reception hall.
Italian lights carry the wedding colors over to the reception hall.
Hand-made paper candy boxes at each place setting.
Hand-made paper candy boxes at each place setting.

Event details: Family friends Jim & Linda Jones (Soundsations DJ Service 217.243.2928), wedding dress from State Street Bridal.