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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
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
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
Traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony – 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
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.

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Wedding Photography at the Elks Lodge in Jacksonville Features St. Louis Band

Lizzie & Brandon's first dance as the St. Louis Band the Well Hungarians play. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.
Lizzie & Brandon’s first dance as the St. Louis Band the Well Hungarians play. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Lizzie & Brandon chose to have their wedding in Las Vegas, but brought the party home to all their friends who couldn’t make the trip with a reception at The Elks Lodge in Jacksonville.

Focus of the night was a live performance by the St. Louis-area band the Well Hungarians (also on Facebook), with plenty of dancing. Their cake had a Las Vegas sign, to recognize their wedding ceremony earlier in the year. The night also featured speeches and toasts by family, best man and maid of honor.

Lizzie & Brandon's wedding reception at The Elks lodge in Jacksonville. Their cake had a Las Vegas sign, to recognize their wedding ceremony earlier in the year. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.
Lizzie & Brandon’s wedding reception at The Elks lodge in Jacksonville. Their cake had a Las Vegas sign, to recognize their wedding ceremony earlier in the year. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.
Lizzie & Brandon had family portraits at our studio before their wedding reception at The Elks. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.
Lizzie & Brandon had family portraits at our studio before their wedding reception at The Elks. Wedding photography by Steve of Warmowski Photography.

See more photos from the night on their Facebook “sneak peek” preview album post.

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. 

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Highlights from Jessica & Kenny’s wedding

May 14, 2011, was the wedding day of Jessica & Kenny. They were married at Chapin Christian Church. It’s a beautiful, old church, and is the church Kenny grew up in.

One of the favors the guests found when they entered the reception was a bottle of Jones Soda with Jessica & Kenny’s photo on it! What a great idea for a favor! Wedding reception at Hamilton’s 110 North East.

The head table was treated to beautiful raspberry champaign cocktails.

The cake was amazing. The red strawberries went with the color scheme and who doesn’t love chocolate-covered strawberries?!

Aside: Pastor Steve Peters was the officiant, but his “day job” is banquet and catering director at Kickapoo Creek Winery in Edwards. Be sure to check out his venue for wedding receptions for the Peoria area.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. We love to photograph weddings in meaningful spaces such as small country churches near where the bride or groom grew up.

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Nicole & Erik’s unique cake

Nicole & Erik were married Sunday, June 12, 2011, at Erin’s Pavilion at Springfield’s new Southwind Park. The cake design was something we had never seen before. Nicole said she saw the design in a book of ideas at Specialty Cakes and loved it. Here Tammy from Specialty Cakes decorates with flowers and greenery from An Event Design.


Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. We love to photography the details of a wedding, including unique cakes, flowers and decorations! Warmowski Photography and Specialty Cakes are both member of Springfield Local Favorites, a group of the top wedding vendors in Central Illinois (on Facebook).

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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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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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Reception & decoration highlights – Erin & Greg

Erin & Greg's head table was decorated with their monograms. The brown circle table cloths over the white led the guests eyes right to the happy couple.
Instead of a traditional guest book, guests wrote messages to the couple on small cards and tied them to the tree branch at the table outside the dining room.
Erin & Greg's cake had the wedding colors on alternating tiers and used flowers as the topper. It was also decorated with a monogram.
Place cards kept with the wedding colors. The cards were stuck in a patch of grass - which continued the "earthy" theme of the wedding.
Guests found favors at each setting - a potted succulent they were encouraged to take home.
The centerpieces were varied and included cake stands, coffee beans and candles. Instead of table numbers, each table was given the name of a type of tree.
Erin & Greg's wedding stationary was handmade by Erin & her mother, Melissa. The earth tones carried through from the invitation and wedding program to the centerpieces and other decorations.
Eucalyptus and fiddlehead were used in the bridal bouquet as well as reception decor.
Erin & her mom, Melissa, celebrate how well everything came together after the months of planning.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography who really enjoys photographing all of the details you worked so hard on – but might miss during the excitement of your wedding 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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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.