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.

Wine bottles as guest book idea, wedding photography at suburban Chicago wedding

Working on wedding photos from Kimberly & Stephen’s wedding at Cog Hill Country Club in Lemont (suburban Chicago). One of the neat personal touches is guests were able to sign a pair of wine bottles – to act as a guest registry. Kim says they plan to open the bottles to celebrate their first anniversary.

Wedding was held at St. Patrick’s Church in Lemont. The bride and groom hail from Jacksonville, and had Warmowski Photography come up to capture their day. We travel all over the region for wedding photography — Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, Metro East St. Louis, Chicago. We’ve even gone international to Canada (Victoria, British Columbia) and overseas (Buxton, England).

Blue wine bottles, signed

Guests at Kim & Steve’s wedding signed bottles of wine for guest book.

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 FacebookStudio located at 301 E Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650, open by appointment only.

Fun event photography at Hamilton’s 110 North East at Masquerade Ball

Tiffany and I had a great time last night at Jacksonville Main Street’s Diamonds & Ice Masquerade Ball last night at Hamilton’s 110 North East with the party and with event photography. Here’s some notes that might be of help with your wedding planning.

Dancing by Springfield Ballet Company.
Dancing by Springfield Ballet Company.
  • Steve Tankersley of Springfield-area Rage Revolta Stage Lighting 217.883.2634 did a fantastic job setting the scene with white LED uplighting around the ballroom. The lighting really fit in with the diamonds and ice theme of the night. When you’re planning a wedding, at Hamilton’s Catering or any other wedding venue, look into upgrading the lighting. We always love the opportunity event lighting gives for beautiful, different photos for Central Illinois wedding photography.
  • Troy Armstrong was the DJ for the night. He’s recently relocated to Springfield from Metro East St. Louis and is working at 104.5 WFMB radio. He also provides DJ service for weddings.
  • Precious Jewelers donated a beautiful necklace.
Tiffany & Steve in costume.
Tiffany & Steve in costume.
Whitewashed branches around the room.
Whitewashed branches around the room.
Kate Roth and Allison Pratt organized the event.
Kate Roth and Allison Pratt organized the event.
Tiffany and her award-winning mask.
Tiffany and her award-winning mask.

Thanks to Duncan & Hoots Jewelers for donating a $100 gift card which Tiffany won for “Most Elaborate Mask.” I think it was mostly for matching the great dress she picked up from Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear.

Another company we’ve seen do a great job with event lighting and up-lighting when we are out doing Springfield Illinois wedding photography is Premiere Audio-Visual.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want to tell the story of your wedding day in pictures. Follow us on FacebookStudio located at 301 E Court St. Suite B, Jacksonville, IL 62650, open by appointment only. Be sure to check out our neighbors Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear for formal wear for the occasion.

Detail photos of downtown Chicago wedding at Ritz-Carlton

Our bride and groom Margie & Ken are getting their photos today of our downtown Chicago wedding photography at the Ritz-Carlton (Four Seasons) last weekend. We wanted to share some detail shots and links to some of the great wedding vendors who helped make the evening so wonderful . . .

Margie wore a gold sequin dress.
Margie wore a gold sequin dress.

A string quartet from Rendezvous Music played contemporary music through the night, such as Viva La Vida by Cold Play and All You Need is Love by the Beatles. At one point I went over to Tiffany and joked it was like watching one of our favorite movies, Love Actually. Rendezvous Music provides live music for Chicago special events. Ken passed along the contact info for one of the performers, Katherine Hughes.

String quartet from Renzedvous Music.
String quartet from Renzedvous Music.

Margie wanted a white rose wedding bouquet, and the best she found was from Scot Steuber Florist & Greenhouses ezblooms.com in Chicago (773) 238-2013. They also decorated the event room at the Ritz-Carlton.

EZBLOOMS.COM white rose bouquet
EZBLOOMS.COM white rose bouquet

Also had fun photographing details of the intricate decorations around the hotel. The hotel also catered hors d’oeuvres and a wonderful dinner.

Chandelier detail Ritz-Carlton.
Chandelier detail Ritz-Carlton.

When we photograph weddings we pay special attention to the details of the day. You put so much effort into the extras that make the day, and we want to help you remember how great everything looked.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want to tell the story of your wedding day. Follow us on Facebook. Offering wedding photography in the Chicago area, downstate Illinois (Springfield, Quincy, Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, Jacksonville), as well as St. Louis and beyond.

Including their furry friend in the wedding day

I already did a post on Meghan & Ryan and their dog, Bailey, in regard to their wedding stationary. I wanted to show you another way they included Bailey in their wedding day.

They used photos of Bailey as table numbers.

And, Rob, the matron-of-honor’s husband, took the same photo of them that we did (with Bailey outside of their home) but he took the digital file immediately to a nearby drugstore and had copies printed for their parents, which were put in frames on the head table – where the bride and groom and their parents sat. It was a fun surprise for their parents when they sat down to eat!

Bailey is four years old and she became a member of Meghan & Ryan’s family when they got her from another family that could no longer keep her. She is a sweet, well-mannered pup with obviously adoring ‘parents.’

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want 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).
St. Ita Catholic Church, Chicago/The Park Grill, Millennium Park, Chicago, were Meghan & Ryan’s wedding venues.

Mandy’s gift from her ladies

Mandy walked around (and danced) all night holding her beautiful “Bride” wine glass given to her by her bridesmaids. The goblet’s color matched the wedding color perfectly and it brought am air of “PARTY!” everywhere she went.

Mandy & Billy celebrated their marriage with their family and friends at a beautiful reception at Mandy’s mom’s home in Jacksonville. The huge white tent and turquoise accents and yellow flowers everywhere were an exciting vision as guests arrived.

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography notices the fun details and work you put into your wedding. We also get to know you before your wedding so we know what’s important to you on your big day! 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.

Jenna & Craig’s wedding decor at Hamilton’s

Jenna & Craig were married Friday, May 11, 2012, in the South Ballroom at Hamilon’s 110 North East in Jacksonville. The chair covers and bows transformed the room!

The room was first set up for the ceremony. Covered chairs with bows in the wedding colors surrounded the dance floor where the couple exchanged vows & rings.
The chairs were in rows for the ceremony.
The white table cloths made the napkins and centerpieces really pop.
The chairs at the head table alternated in color.
The gift table continued the purple & green theme.

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography is sure to photograph all of the details you’ve worked so hard on! We travel to Chicago, Kansas, England and beyond! Whether your wedding is in your backyard or at a destination, we will photograph every aspect of your day. 

Miranda & Larry – Irish wedding traditions

Miranda & Larry were married April 22, 2012, at Central Baptist Church in Springfield. The sanctuary was flooded with light from huge windows and the decor was simple and elegant.

The men in the bridal party and fathers wore kilts in the bride's family's tartan. The blue carpet in the sanctuary was a perfect match.
Clovers were grown especially for the wedding from seeds from Ireland.
Miranda's shoes were special order from Europe with her family's tartan.
The guys all looked so ... Irish!

Miranda & Larry included descriptions of some traditions in their wedding program, including this one: Irish tradition holds that bridesmaids wear white to confuse any fairs that want to cause mischief during the ceremony. Also, during Midieval times, it helped confuse anyone who wished to break up the ceremony and kidnap the bride for her dowry or ransom.

The bridesmaids wore sashes of the family tartan.

 

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography, 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.

Michelle & Jordan wedding highlights

Michelle & Jordan’s New Year’s Eve wedding was awesome! Here are some of our favorite images.

The sanctuary at Laurel United Methodist Church in Springfield was still beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Guests with sparklers aways make for a fun exit from the church!
They met on a golf course, so the favors at the reception were a given!
The midnight festivities were celebrated with noise makers, tiaras and glow bracelets.
The couple presented a toast to their family and friends right before midnight.
Happy new year!!!
Here's to a great 2012!

Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife photojournalist team want 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’s wedding was catered by Hamilton’s and Brad Schroeder was the DJ.  

Katie & Jack’s caterers – 5 Flavors

5 Flavors did a great job catering Katie & Jack’s July 2 wedding at Erin’s Pavilion at Springfield’s Southwind Park. Not only was the food good, the service was great and the decor from 5 Flavors’ partner Signature Event Rental, was beautiful.

Katie talks to a 5 Flavors associate about how happy she is with the room.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. Tiffany & Steve love to photograph details and enjoy working with quality vendors in Springfield, Illinois.