getting ready – Tiffany & Steve's Blog

July 11, 2018August 26, 2018

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

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

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

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.

January 24, 2016

Happy Sushi in Springfield a must do for this groom on his wedding day

Ryan loves sushi, so the groom worked Happy Sushi in Springfield into his wedding day. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

For this wedding in Springfield, there was no way Ryan the groom was going to go through the most important day of his life without having his favorite food from his favorite restaurant — Happy Sushi in Springfield.

So while he and his groomswomen waited for Amy the bride to get ready, the crew made a stop at the restaurant, 846 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703.

We loved covering this real moment during the wedding day, something that showed true personality. The couple also were particular about their wedding venue and chose the Hoogland Center for the Arts (also Hoogland Center for the Arts on Facebook). They also wanted a band, and picked a great live wedding band (featuring mashups and lots of extras) Fun DMC (also Fun DMC on Facebook).

Ryan brings his groomswomen to Happy Sushi in Springfield as they wait for Amy to get ready with her bridesmaids. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Checking in with Hiro, Happy Sushi in Springfield. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Hiro working the counter, Happy Sushi in Springfield. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Ordering, Happy Sushi in Springfield. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Sushi arrives, Happy Sushi in Springfield. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Hiro with groomswomen, Happy Sushi in Springfield. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Ryan with Hiro, Happy Sushi in Springfield. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

January 5, 2016January 5, 2016

Amber has special first dance with her father during wedding at Hamilton’s 110 North East

Amber practices her hits with her father for first dance. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Best thing about this wedding — Amber had an amazing first dance with her father. They started out dancing, but then a volleyball was thrown in. Bill tossed the ball to Amber, and the bride bumped it back. Amber said sports was more their style than dancing. They did this “a million times” when she was growing up, so it was a great way to bring out their true personalities on her wedding day.

Amber starts her first dance with her father, Bill. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Amber and father practice volleyball hits, just like they did so many times when she was growing up. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Amber and Ryan were married July 4th, 2015 in Jacksonville. Ceremony at Annie Merner Chapel, MacMurray College; reception at Hamilton’s 110 North East. Wedding dress from Girls In White Satin Bridal and Formal Wear of Jacksonville, Illinois. (And GIWS had extra work, the bride did crossfit to look her best for the wedding, and they had to adjust the dress!) Music by TADJ – Troy Armstrong. Cake by Susan Park, flowers by Wendy Hillyer, both of Rushville.

Here’s some images from the day, and you can see more wedding photos on Facebook. The wedding was July 4th, and the night ended with sparklers!

Amber & Ryan end the 4th of July night with sparklers, outside of reception hall Hamilton's 110 North East. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski — Amber & Ryan end the 4th of July night with sparklers, outside of reception hall Hamilton’s 110 North East. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

DJ Troy Armstrong loves to work children into the events of the day, including encircling Amber & Ryan during their first dance. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Outdoor portrait at Annie Merner Chapel, MacMurray College. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Portraits upstairs at Annie Merner Chapel, MacMurray College. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Amber & Ryan have a first look, upstairs at Annie Merner Chapel before their portraits (and ceremony). Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Flowers by friend Wendy Hillyer from Rushville. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Ryan and his groomsmen are ready and waiting. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Get hair done at Amber's home. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski — Get hair done at Amber’s home. Wedding photography by Steve & Tiffany Warmowski

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, wedding and event photographers in Jacksonville, Illinois. Available for events in Springfield, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Quincy 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.

January 2, 2016January 3, 2016

Wedding photography for Amanda & Nick at the Jacksonville Country Club

Amanda & Nick, married August 2015 at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Amanda and Nick had an elegant, beautiful wedding at the Jacksonville Country Club, and they are one of our new sample weddings on our wedding photography website. The ceremony was under beautiful shade trees on the golf course and the reception was in the clubhouse.

The day featured amazing service and food (as always) from the Jacksonville, Illinois Country Club. Tom Anderson from An Event Design went above and beyond with incredible arrangements, bouquets and boutineers. Icing On the Cake made an incredibly delicious and beautiful wedding cake. A Hair Company provided hair and makeup services and made sure all the ladies felt beautiful in their comfortable and beautiful salon.

Guest book follows peacock theme. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Amanda’s mom walked her down the aisle and where she and Nick exchanged vows and rings while the guests enjoyed the shade, the beautiful weather and the touching ceremony. The guests signed a special guest book by putting their thumbprints on a drawing of a peacock. And the speeches by the maid and matron of honor and best man were touching and personal.

They danced the night away to great tunes, and Amanda & Nick even snuck away for a few minutes to have a few minutes alone under the full moon.

See more photos on Facebook. Thanks for the five-star review from the bride, and another from Godmother Sharon. The portrait at the top of this blog post was one of our most liked images on Facebook, 2015. As said on Facebook: “Other photographers take the kind of photos you see on Pinterest. You take the kind you see in magazines.”

Amanda's mom adjusts veil, at A Hair Company beauty salon in Jacksonville, Illinois. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography. — Amanda’s mom adjusts veil, at A Hair Company beauty salon in Jacksonville, Illinois. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Amanda getting ready to put on dress, Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Nick gets a group hug from groomsmen, wedding at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Reservoir Dog-esque entrance for the men, Amanda & Nick's wedding at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography. — Reservoir Dog-esque entrance for the men, Amanda & Nick’s wedding at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Best Man Clay gives Groom Nick a hug as they wait for the start of the outdoor wedding ceremony at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Amanda & Nick's wedding, exchanging rings, Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography. — Amanda & Nick’s wedding, exchanging rings, Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Amanda & Nick coming down the aisle, outdoor wedding ceremony at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Portraits for Amanda & Nick, outdoor wedding at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Best Man Clay uses "can on common sense" the groom gave to him while they were in high school, toast during wedding reception at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography. — Best Man Clay uses “can on common sense” the groom gave to him while they were in high school, toast during wedding reception at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

First dance, Amanda & Nick wedding at the Jacksonville Country Club. Photo by Steve & Tiffany of Warmowski Photography.

Their photos were delivered in about two weeks, and their coffee table book was completed for sharing over the holidays. Here is Tiffany’s design, book handmade in Italy.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography on Facebook. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, top wedding photographers in Jacksonville, Illinois. We photograph in Springfield – Champaign – Bloomington and all over Central Illinois region 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.

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 .

June 25, 2012

Jenna amid the chaos

The wedding day can, at times, be stressful. That is especially true before the ceremony when everyone is getting ready.

The VIP room at Hamilon’s 10 N. East in Jacksonville was a bit messy – and there was a wee flower girl running around somewhere – but Jenna was calm in her “Mrs. Grummel” sweatshirt with her veil in her hair.

1069jennacraig - Version 2 — One of my favorite moments from Jenna & Craig's wedding day.

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography captures the quieter moments of your day you might not even remember until you see the photo. Husband-wife photojournalist team available to tell the story of your wedding day. Follow us on Facebook. Wedding photography for Springfield, Quincy and all of Central Illinois. Member of Springfield Local Favorites, a group of the top wedding vendors in Central Illinois (on Facebook). Studio located at 301 E Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650 in the Hamilton’s 110 North East building.

June 16, 2012

Thoughtful gifts for the guys in your wedding

Ryan’s gifts to his groomsmen were cufflinks individualized to each guy’s personal interest. It was a very thoughtful gift that likely took time to shop for. Great job, Ryan!

1131MeghanRyan — Ryan & his groomsmen show off their cufflinks.

Meghan & Ryan were married at St. Ita Catholic Church, Chicago and had their reception at The Park Grill in Millennium Park.

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography shows the attention to detail you’ve put into the planning of your wedding. We photograph in Chicago, Kansas, England & beyond! Every part of your day will be captured.

March 14, 2012May 8, 2012

Girls in White Satin 2012 Model Search winners

Girls in White Satin Bridal and Formal Wear teen celebrity search winners, posed in studio, WarmowskiPhotography.com — Winners of the Girls in White Satin 2012 Teen Celebrity Search.

Thanks to Girls In White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear for having us photograph the winners of their Teen Celebrity Search again this year. Congratulations to the winners: Hope Wills from Waverly High School, Katie Devlin from A-C Central High School, Sydne Peck from Jacksonville High School, and Brittany Birdsell from Routt Catholic High School.

Girls in White Satin have prom dresses galore, and are still taking fittings for tuxedos. (You should check out the gorgeous hues of yellow dresses in their window right now!) And you’ll see our images of the winners used in newspaper advertisements and on the Girls in White Satin Facebook page during prom season 2012. Like and follow their postings for special offers.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team available to tell the story of your wedding day. Follow us on Facebook. Wedding photography for Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 and throughout Central Illinois. Member of Springfield Local Favorites, a group of the top wedding vendors in Central Illinois (on Facebook) along with Girls in White Satin and our fellow neighbors Hamilton’s Catering.

January 23, 2012January 23, 2012

Sisters – it’s all in the details

Here are a few fun details from Michelle & Jordan’s December 31, 2011 wedding in Springfield, Illinois!

1743michellejordan — The beautiful tiara Michelle decided on for her wedding day.

Michelle bought a headband with sparkles and white feathers. She decided to use another headband on her wedding day, but her sister Karen took the original one and replaced the white feathers with black ones – to make her bridesmaid dress. Good idea ladies! Looks fantastic!

2873michellejordan — Michelle's sister, Karen, gave a touching - and funny- toast to her sister and the couple.

1107michellejordan — Michelle & Karen's matching tattoos say "older sister" and "younger sister." And be sure to notice their matching pedicures!

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team available to tell the story of your wedding day. Follow us on Facebook. Member of Springfield Local Favorites, a group of the top wedding vendors in Central Illinois (on Facebook). Michelle & Jordan were married at Laurel United Methodist Church in Springfield with their reception at the Artisans building on the grounds of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

July 15, 2011July 16, 2011

Katie & Jack – Wedding highlights

Katie Duffin & Jack Contri were married July 2, 2011, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield and their reception was at Erin’s Pavilion at Springfield’s new Southwind Park.

Enjoy some of our favorite moments from their wedding day!

Katie was given a special hanger which she used to hang her wedding gown on the special day. The hanger was a gift from friends who found it on one of my favorite gift websites – Etsy!

Jack and his brother Val chill out at their parents’ house before getting ready.

Katie’s mom, sister and other bridesmaids help her get ready to go to the park to meet her groom.

Jack & Katie decided to see each other before the ceremony. There was a wedding later in the day at this gazebo in Springfield’s Washington Park, but a call to the park district before the big day ensured it would be available when we needed it.

After a few minutes seeing each other for the first time on their big day, they were ready to head to Katie’s parents’ house for family and bridal party portraits.

Katie’s parents’ backyard includes a bridge over a creek that runs behind their house. Katie’s sister, Shannon spent hours earlier that week power washing the bridge so it would be ready for photos.

Katie and her father Dennis wait for the ceremony to begin. Katie’s mom Theresa surprised Katie by having the florist incorporate Theresa’s own wedding veil into Katie’s bridal bouquet.

Katie & Jack, along with their bridal party, entertained the guests with their entertaining, dancing entrance.

Shannon’s maid-of-honor speech included a prop. The prop illustrated stories of Katie’s graduate school days.

Val’s best man toast was heartfelt and reflected the brothers’ close relationship.

The wagon came in handy when it came to the garter toss.

We always keep an eye on when the sun is setting. If it’s an appropriate time for the bride and groom to leave their party for a few minutes, we try to use the beautiful light to our advantage.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. We notice the things that make your wedding special whether the big day is in Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield and world wide.