weather – 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 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.

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.

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.

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

June 8, 2010July 6, 2011

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

fullchurch — 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

plasticcups — 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

May 10, 2009

Buffalo gnats attack!

Thank goodness Julie Surratt & Phil Wilkinson only were outside for a little bit yesterday, for the buffalo gnats were crazy!

What’s a buffalo gnat? They’re these little black flies with a surprisingly big bite. You end up with a welt, and if you’re allergic even worse. When we moved to Jacksonville about 12 years ago, the gnats were not much of a problem. Only in the past few years have the swarms been something to consider.

Julie, an Illinois College alumna, wanted to stop on campus after the wedding to get some photos. A couple steps from the parking lot, as the wedding party walked past Sturtevant Hall, they were swarmed by gnats. We took a couple of quick photos, but there was more evading than posing. (Even worse, poor IC had their commencement outside the next day.)

This morning I was chatting with Pat Ward, an avid birder from Murrayville, who said the larval stages of the gnats come from local waterways. In years past pollution and silt meant fewer of the larval gnats survived, but now that streams and rivers are cleaner the gnats are making a comeback. He said frontier Illinois pioneers told of clouds of buffalo gnats driving horses crazy, and chickens would get suffocated (that happened two years ago to area chicken breeder Phil Bartz).

The University of Illinois suggests using DEET, but what I’ve found to work is vanilla. A bit of vanilla-scented lotion, or spray, or even the extract keeps the little buggers away.

Last year Lisa & David Jamiolkowski had their wedding at the end of May at Pere Marquette Lodge near Grafton, Illinois. We visited the lodge a couple days before the wedding and the gnats were bad, and we suggested Lisa & David to be prepared. They had spray bottles of vanilla on hand just in case. But, thankfully, the swarms disappeared right before their wedding. (The bugs die off after the water gets up to a certain temperature.)

So if you’re planning a wedding in Central Illinois in May, and you’re planning to have events outside, make some contingency plans for those pesky gnats.

As soon as Julie and Phil’s wedding party got out of the limo to take photos at Illinois College, they were swarmed by buffalo gnats.

Last year at Pere Marquette State Park, Lisa and David had some of their friends spray vanilla to ward off gnats.

November 5, 2008

Favor ideas

Favors are a great way for couples to show some personality – and they can also be very useful for guests!

Fans on the seats at Jessica & Tim’s outdoor ceremony (21 June 2008) were particularly useful on their bright, sunny day. Those with less hair seemed to be especially thankful for the thoughtful favors.

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