Rolling with it – Tiffany & Steve's Blog

August 26, 2018

Wedding with Texas flair in Big D

One of the things we say on our web site is we’re available for wedding photography around Central Illinois as well as Chicago, St. Louis and beyond. That “beyond” this year includes north Dallas, Texas for Emily & David Clatterbuck’s wedding.

Tiffany went to MacMurray College in Jacksonville (she has a degree in Deaf Education, but that’s a topic for another blog post). Her mentor was David’s mother Claire. When asked if we would be interested in going to Texas for a wedding, the obvious response was “yes ma’am!”

The ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco was gorgeous. The Piazza on the Green in McKinney is an incredibly beautiful reception hall.

Emily & David had a Rolls Royce to take them for the nearly hour drive “just down the road” between the two spots. We had to plan for extra driving time between locations. It was six-lane (three each way), 60mph road with new construction everywhere. A bad experiment with a toll road (stay off unless you have to – there’s no toll booths, no way to pay online.)

What they say about “dry heat” is pretty much true. It was only a degree or two difference in weather back home in Central Illinois – but it was way more comfortable down in Texas. By “comfortable” I mean if you stay in the shade. We had to plan outdoor portraits with the least amount of time in direct sunlight.

The bride and groom met in college while competing against each other’s schools (David went to University of Wisconsin-Madison, Emily to Notre Dame). Their first dance was breathless to behold, so elegant.

So great to be able to do a destination wedding down in Texas!

Made in the shade – we scouted out a space protected from the sun at Frisco Commons. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Rolls Royce get-away vehicle. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Beautiful portrait in the wedding chapel at Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Emily & David met in competitive ballroom dance at college. Their first dance was a sight to see! Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Emily dances with her father in the reception hall, Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

Sunset portrait taking advantage of the beautiful grounds around Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve of Warmowski Photography.

A final, private dance to end the night – in an empty reception hall at Piazza on the Green in McKinney. Photo by Tiffany & Steve 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.

February 8, 2013February 9, 2013

Buena Vista Farms planning for great wedding season, rebuilding and expanding despite fire

Teri & Nestor Gutierrez, owners of Buena Vista Farms – Buena Vista Resort in rural Jacksonville (Chapin) Illinois, have been growing their business for years. On Wednesday night they had a fire in the banquet hall (their secondary wedding venue). They are working with their insurance company to rebuild, and have been making contingency plans for events that were booked for the barn.

In a letter to brides-to-be, Teri said “Buena Vista Farms is the brainchild of creative thinkers and hard workers. I am full of hope, faith, perseverance and determination to provide for each of you just like I would for my own children. There is great joy in accomplishment and I believe that we can accomplish together, with prayer, a day that is even better than you have imagined.” See full letter.

Their tent wedding venue was not effected by the fire, and weddings and receptions may be relocated there. They are also working on other plans. Follow Buena Vista Farms on their Facebook Page for updates. See story on WLDS radio (fire) (rebuilding) and the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. We have provided wedding photography for Beuna Vista couples and for the Gutierrez family, and here are some of our favorite photos which also tell the story of Buena Vista . . .

Kassie & Matt with an iconic folk ark flag at Buena Vista Farms.

Stephanie & James were married in the banquet hall at Buena Vista. She saw flames while driving past on US 67, and reported the fire.

Kassie & Matt had their wedding ceremony inside the banquet hall at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt flipped the room, and also inside the banquet hall at Buena Vista Farms.

Matt with his groomsmen at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt surrounded by family for the last dance of the night at Buena Vista Farms.

Kassie & Matt: Absolutely loved all the pictures from our wedding. We have gotten so many compliments on our wedding books and photos. You captured our wedding so well that I can look back at the pictures and remember everything SO very well. Thank you so much for your amazing work!!

Ashlee & Justin's wedding at Buena Vista Farms. The outdoor wedding venue is unaffected by the fire. — Ashlee & Justin’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms. The outdoor wedding venue is unaffected by the fire. The building gives a place for the wedding party to get ready before the ceremony.

Ashlee & Justin's wedding at Buena Vista Farms. — Ashlee & Justin’s wedding at Buena Vista Farms.

The large tent is a great place for weddings, and attracts couples from throughout the region to Buena Vista Farms.

A small hall besides the wedding tent gives a place for folks to come inside and use the restroom during receptions (no porta potties needed!)

Wedding tent lit up at dusk for Ashlee & Justin's wedding. — Wedding tent lit up at dusk for Ashlee & Justin’s wedding.

Exterior of wedding tent venue, Ashlee & Justin's wedding 2012. — Exterior of wedding tent venue, Ashlee & Justin’s wedding 2012.

One of the ponds at Buena Vista Farms at sunset.

Buena Vista Resort, part of Buena Vista Farms, offers full-service cabins on site.

With the cabins, brides and grooms can even stay at the resort on their wedding night, or hold bachelor/bachelorette parties, or rehearsal parties. — With the cabins, brides and grooms can even stay at the resort on their wedding night, or hold bachelor/bachelorette parties, or rehearsal parties, or get ready in spa facilities.

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. Be sure to check out our neighbors Girls in White Satin for formal wear for the occasion.

January 29, 2013

Springfield Illinois wedding photos by Warmowski Photography

One of our highlights from last year was when Amanda, whose wedding we photographed in the summer, took the microphone at the Springfield Local Favorites Bridal Bash at Northfield Inn and Suites and told all the brides what great photos and service she received from us. She said she didn’t have to worry about photos at all, and had a great time with us on her wedding day. Thanks Amanda!

Amanda and Luke had their ceremony at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, IL 62704. Reception at Firefighters Postal Lake Club on Lake Springfield with catering by Hamilton’s Catering.

Part of the plans for our Springfield professional wedding photography was to photograph the couple on the running trail in Centennial Park where they met. With temperatures over 100° – we took a quick photo then jumped in the air-conditioned limo and headed to their health club for fun photos with the wedding party.

Other vendor note — flowers, centerpieces and decorating by Tom Anderson of An Event Design florists and event planning.

Amanda & Luke on the running path where they met in Springfield's Centennial Park. — Amanda & Luke on the running path where they met in Springfield’s Centennial Park.

Amanda & Luke with their wedding party stop at their health club.

Amanda organized a flash mob dance at their wedding reception.

Dancing at the Firefighters Postal Lake Club.

January 25, 2013

Cowboy boots and all Western popular in weddings

Katelin and her cowboy boots for a cold, cold January wedding at MacMurray College.

At the recent Jacksonville bridal show Laurie from Girls in White Satin Bridal and Formal Wear said that cowboy boots and Western touches are quite popular accents for weddings now (especially for this fall). Made us think of our professional wedding photography for Katelin & Brian’s wedding at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Katelin dances during her reception at the MacMurray College McClelland Dining Hall.

Katelin wore a dress from Girls in White Satin. She accented decorations with lace, loved the back of her dress, and hoped for snow so she could get photos outside. Ceremony at MacMurray College’s Annie Merner Chapel, with reception immediately following at McClelland Dining Hall next door. MacMurray is a great location for a wedding (that’s were Tiffany and I were married).

Bridesmaids had muff handwarmers, perfect for a cold January day.

Sparkly branches kept with an icy wedding theme. — Sparkly branches kept with an icy winter wedding theme.

We previously photographed the wedding of Brian’s brother Ben in White Hall, Illinois. Always a great compliment when family members come back to us for wedding photography! Here’s what Genny & Ben posted about us on our Facebook page:

Steve and Tiffany did a terrific job of capturing special moments during our ceremony and reception. They were available before and stayed after the time frame that they committed to. We will forever enjoy looking through the pictures and recalling the many people that made the day so special. Thank you for sharing your talent and your professionalism!

Katelin & Brian leave at the end of the night with sparklers all around.

Posted by Steve. 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. Be sure to check out our neighbors Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear for formal wear for the occasion.

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 18, 2011June 19, 2011

Flash flooding in Central Illinois

I woke up this morning after a night of rain and decided to check out what was going on with the Town Brook (I’m helping a group trying to create a linear park through Jacksonville, find out more at townbrook.com).

Turns out all the roads going east from Jacksonville are closed by flood waters! Old Jacksonville Road/Old State Road, I-72 eastbound and Morton Avenue are all blocked. Hopefully anyone with a wedding today that has to travel between Jacksonville and Springfield can schedule extra time to thread through any open country roads.

(Lori from Ashley’s Petals & Angels reported on her Facebook page that she had to thread her way through county roads to go to Springfield. A wedding that was planned for MacMurray College’s Annie Merner Chapel with reception at the Jacksonville Country Club had to be relocated to Springfield. Oh my! She says she had to travel through Arenzville to Virginia and then on to Springfield.)

This reminded me about a wedding we did in 2008 in Blandinsville, Illinois. Liz & Mike had their ceremony at the Blandinsville (Ill.) First Christian Church and then had to make it over the Mississippi Rover to Burlington, Iowa and their reception at the Catfish Bend Inn & Spa Event Center. The road headed towards Iowa was covered with floodwaters, and traffic was down to one lane and controlled by a traffic signal. They allowed extra time to get to their reception.

But the fun part (and a signature of our style) is while Tiffany & I were stuck in traffic behind them, we stopped and got our our camera and a light stand. We lifted the camera 13 feet up into the air to get an overall view, and tripped the shutter with a remote switch.

Bridal party behind limo on flooded road, www.warmowskiphoto.com — Stuck in traffic slowed by floodwaters, on the Illinois side across from Burlington, Iowa.

As we were making the photos, Liz, Mike and the whole wedding party got out of the limo to get in the photos.

wedding party behind limo on flooded road, www.warmowskiphoto.com — Tiffany's view from the ground.

Just an example of how we work to capture the story of every wedding, and help you remember your day.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife team of photojournalists focusing on wedding photography. Chicago natives, based in Springfield/Jacksonville, will travel anywhere to tell your wedding story. Find us on Facebook.

Portrait of Liz & Mike at the Blandinsville (Ill.) First Christian Church.

March 17, 2011March 17, 2011

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.

September 15, 2010September 16, 2010

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!

1668KristyTy — 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 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.

July 31, 2010August 1, 2010

Weathering the weather

Two weddings that we have photographed recently have had rain. The skies opened up on both Kelsey & Josh’s day (27 June 2010) as well as on Nicole & Chris (24 July 2010).

Although we had outdoor photos planned, the rain did not dampen the spirits of these newlyweds – or their bridal parties. And in both cases, the limo drivers provided exceptional service.

Kelsey & Josh’s wedding had rain following the ceremony, but were treated with a rainbow later in the day.

Executive Transportation's Jeff Hardwick is ready with multiple umbrellas to help the bride, groom and bridal party into and out of the vehicle. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Kelsey and Josh received help from Executive Transportation's Jeff Hardwick as well as Leevia Hamilton when they arrived to Hamilton's for their reception. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

We noticed at the beginning of the reception that there was a rainbow outside. So, during a lull in the action, we asked Kelsey & Josh to step outside for a photo under the rainbow. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

**Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

We got out of the vehicle in Nichols' Park in Jacksonville and got a few photos of Nicole and Chris before the rain started coming down. And, it REALLY came down. For about 45 minutes! **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Nicole heads to the pavilion porch, where the bride, groom and their bridal party (and photographers!) stayed for about 45 minutes while the storm rolled through. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Chris & Nicole wait under the pavilion porch while the rain pours down. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Limo driver Jason Malek of 1 Up'n Promotions, of Springfield, went well beyond his job description by making sure the bridal party did not go thirsty during their wait on the porch, even if it meant he got SOAKED. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

The sun came back out after the storm rolled through. Here the bridal party stops at the Hampton Inn before heading to the reception at Hamilton's 110 North East. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**

Blog post by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography

Tiffany & Steve Warmowski photograph weddings in Jacksonville, Springfield and elsewhere in Illinois, as well as throughout the world – in any weather.

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Hamilton’s 110 North East, Ashley’s Petals & Angels, Executive Transportation, Jacksonville, 1 UP’n Promotions, Springfield