Helping out local economic development with FutureGen 2.0

Celebration to host FutureGen 2.0, WarmowskiPhotography.com
Terry Denison, president of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, laughs after a conference call announcing Morgan County will host the FutureGen 2.0 project. Photo by Tiffany.

We have been helping out Marcy Patterson at The Source (the weekly newspaper for Jacksonville, Illinois 62650) in covering local efforts to land the FutureGen 2.0 project. The project will showcase the latest technology for coal power plants and efforts to stop climate change. We are concerned about the environment, and try to use the greenest practices with our wedding photography. We are glad to help out with this larger FutureGen Alliance project.

Magazines and publications seeking images can check out our work at The Image Works.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, experienced photojournalists focusing on weddings, but also using our skills to tell local stories.

Free wedding and engagement announcements in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Bev from the Jacksonville Journal-Courier was at last weekend’s Jacksonville Bridal Expo at Hamilton Catering’s 110 North East. She had a message for brides — a reminder that wedding notices and engagement announcements in the newspaper are free.

It’s a great way to connect with your community to share your wedding story. Our wedding packages and engagement sessions include a photo you can send to the newspaper. And while other papers charge for announcement, the Jacksonville paper still does them for free. Call Pam (217.245.6121 day) with questions.

A quick note, Steve & Tiffany both used to work for the Jacksonville paper. Over the years they’ve photographed in all sorts of situations, all sorts of light, all sorts of conditions — experience put to use on your wedding day. Steve also worked at Illinois newspapers in Decatur, Freeport and LaSalle-Peru (as well at the student paper at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign).

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, experienced photojournalists available to tell the story of your wedding day. Jacksonville, Springfield, Quincy and all over Central Illinois. Chicago, St. Louis and beyond as well! Follow us on Facebook.

The Classic Harpist comes back to Jacksonville

harpist plays as seen through strings, WarmowskiPhotography.com
Devon Haupt plays the harp during the Jacksonville Bridal Expo. (photo by WarmowskiPhotography.com)

After years of building her reputation as a harpist in Northern Indiana, Devon Carpenter Haupt is coming back to Jacksonville, Illinois, with her business The Classic Harpist.

Devon and her husband, Jeff, are moving back to her hometown in the next couple months. The Classic Harpist will be available for weddings throughout Central Illinois, St. Louis, Chicago and beyond.

They have performed mostly in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. They’ve been asked to play in Nashville, Tennessee and flown off to Florida and New York. They are available either individually or together.

“It doesn’t have to be formal,” Devon said. “I’ve played at a hog roast.” Events have ranged from 10 to 300 guests, and don’t have to be formal or fancy. Their presence helps create a unique experience for your guests.

They perform more than classics — jazz standards or contemporary music, whatever your unique tastes and vision are for your day. Also available for engagement party, shower, rehearsal dinner and wedding breakfast as well as other events.

See The Classic Harpist on Facebook or call 877.HARP-578 (877.427.7578).

Posted by Steve. New finds from the Jacksonville Bridal Show. Warmowski Photography, just like the Haupts a husband-and-wife team who give your wedding a special touch. Skilled and experienced photojournalists dedicated to telling the story of your wedding day.

Thanks to all who put on the Jacksonville Bridal Expo

Model with short wedding dress, style show at bridal expo, WarmowskiPhotography.com
"Short and sassy" during the bridal style show, dresses by Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear. Image by Warmowski Photography.

Thanks to Jacksonville Main Street and all the sponsors and volunteers who made this year’s Jacksonville Main Street Bridal & Prom Expo a great success.

Flower Bouqets at vendor booth, Ashley's Petals & Angels, wedding expo, WarmowskiPhotography.com
Bouqets by Ashley's Petals & Angels.
  • American Rental & Party Center for providing tuxedos
  • A Head of Times Grand Salon & Day Spa for doing hair
  • Hamilton’s for hosting the event and food samples
  • World Travel for providing the grand prize vacation drawing
  • Casey’s DJ Service and Artistic Portraits for providing music and sound (regrets to John Casey — he was sick and had to sit out the show! Dedication to still get everything up.)
Prom style show by Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear. WarmowskiPhotography.com
Prom style show by Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear.

Sorry if I missed anyone. I know many individuals came out to help Jacksonville Main Street to put on the show. The group, which promotes downtown Jacksonville, puts on the show to showcase all the wedding and event vendors located in downtown Jacksonville.

I was standing next to Becky from Girls in White Satin during the style show, and it was great to see the reaction the crowd had when some of the dresses were shown on stage. She was getting goose bumps! We’ve been working with Girls in White Satin on their updated web page and prom model search contest. Check out our section on the Girls in White Satin web page.

It was fun to run into Mary Kay consultant Kelly Jones. We photographed her wedding back in the old days of film, when Tiffany & I were still working at the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. The wedding was at the home of Janet Daniels, a fellow Mary Kay consultant. They remind brides to look their best to get quality make up. And, they show how to apply make up to make you look the best.

Also saw Hymes Videography for those wanting video of their day.

And, new to town (or back to town) are Devon and Jeff Haupt, harpists of The Classic Harpist who have performed around the country. 877.427.7578.

Brides-to-be talk to vendors at the 2011 Jacksonville Bridal Expo. warmowskiphotography.com
Brides-to-be talk to vendors at the 2011 Jacksonville Bridal Expo.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife team of experience photojournalists available to tell the story of your wedding day in Jacksonville and throughout Central Illinois. Studio located at 611 E. State Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650 (hours by appointment only). Best choice for wedding photography, featuring coffee table books featuring photos from your wedding, crafted in Italy.

Wedding photography favorite for Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear

Model in wedding dress, Warmowski Photography
Fashion shoot for Girls in White Satin. Image by WarmowskiPhotography.com.

We are excited that we got to do the photos for the updated web site for Girls in White Satin Bridal & Formal Wear.

Model with veil and wedding dress, Warmowski Photography
A veiled Ruthie in the "ta-da" room at Girls in White Satin.

We put our model and fashion experience (assisting our friend and Florence, Italy-based fashion photographer Jerry Lee Ingram) to good use showing off their dresses. And, we put our interior experience (assisting Björn Wallander and Euro Trash) to show off the shop’s spaces, including the “ta-da” room where brides see their dresses.

bride under stained glass light, Warmowski Photography
Elisha (Langley) Lonergan, Girls in White Satin's first bride, at her wedding at Our Saviour Catholic Church in Jacksonville.

We photographed the wedding of their first bride, Elisha (Langley) Lonergan – see their sample coffee table book in their shop any time.

Becky & Terryl were nice enough to include us on their new web site as the recommended wedding photographers.

Girls in White Satin owners Terryl Boulanger and Becky Baumgart, warmowskiphotography.com
Girls in White Satin's Terryl Boulanger and Becky Baumgart. Image by warmowskiphotography.com

While we’re at it, don’t forget to visit their booth (and ours) at the 2011 Jacksonville Main Street Bridal & Prom Expo Sunday January 30th at Hamilton’s 110 North East. Prom fashion show at 2 pm and bridal fashion show at 3 pm.

Check out Girls in White Satin at 300 East State Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650, 217.245.5400, right under Hamilton’s 110 North East.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife team of photojournalists offering wedding photography.

We are part of Jacksonville . . . Works: A New Musical

We didn’t realize it, but it turns out we’re exciting enough to be portrayed in a musical.
Writer and director Ken Bradbury (world famous all over Jacksonville) had his class at Lincoln Land Community College interview Jacksonville, Illinois-area business people for Jacksonville . . . Works: A New Musical.
“Sixty Jacksonville residents were interviewed over the course of three months,” said Ken. “Ninety hours of interview edited down to a two-act show with original music. Everyone from the mayor to some of Jacksonville’s homeless population…from pastors to poll dancers…from fast food employees to bank CEO’s….undertakers, nurses, editors, photographers, pet shop owners, teachers, sculptors, college presidents, congressmen and inmates in the state prison system.”
The students who interviewed us, Annie Schone and Wes Burton, said we were one of their most “vivid” interviews.
  • “This past week’s interview has definitely been the most effective for me. Wes and I “interviewed” Steve and Tiffany, a couple who owns their own photography business . . . but it really wasn’t like an interview at all. It just felt like we were all sitting down and talking rather than conducting a formal interview. They were so entertaining and easy to talk to. I found it really interesting to hear about their experiences in starting their own business and what it’s like to work as a husband and wife team.” — Annie
  • “Our interview with the Warmowskis was really fun. We had no trouble at all getting them to talk and I never thought being a wedding photographer would be so cool. Their pictures were awesome and so was their story.” — Wes
The play is presented by the Lincoln Land Theatre, and a good-will offering will benefit the Salvation Army and the Western Illinois Youth Camp. Performances are 7 pm Friday March 18 at Grace United Methodist Church; 7 pm Saturday March 19 at First Presbyterian Church; and 2 pm at Faith Lutheran Church.

Oh, and one more plug for Ken Ken Bradbury and his humble writing partner Roger Wainwright: A brand-new show heading your way, Springfield Theatre Centre presents the world premiere of a new musical, From Behind the Curtain February 11-13 & 18-20. Tickets 217.523.2787

Posted by Steve. Always willing to help out Ken Bradbury, especially because he’s such a fan of Warmowski Photography. Wedding photography offered everywhere Ken does plays, and beyond.

Showing off our wedding photography at Rushville’s bridal show

Close up of model during wedding dress style show, Rushville Illinois, Warmowski Photography
Style show by Bonnie's Bridal at the Rushville Bridal Expo. Photo by Steve/Warmowski Photography

Spent last Sunday at the beautiful Virginia Community Building in Rushville, Illinois for the Fourth Annual Rushville Bridal & Prom Expo. The event is put on by Teresa Haines and the Rushville Times.

Full house at the Virginia Community Building for the Rushville bridal expo.
Full house at the Virginia Community Building for the Rushville bridal expo.
Filling out cards, registering for give-aways at Rushville bridal expo. Warmowski Photography
Registering for give-aways at Rushville bridal expo.

It’s nice to be able to spend so much time one-on-one with brides at such a small show. And, practically everyone in attendance took home a gift bag, gift certificate or other prize. The style show was put on by Bonnie’s Bridal & Prom of Macomb.

During the show, we chatted with some of the other vendors including:

  • Always Something New Flowers & Gifts of Rushville, Marge is an interesting person with a great life story (a retired coal miner, among other pursuits) as well as pretty flowers.
  • Tama’s Treats of Virginia, 217.458.2244. Her cakes were absolutely wonderful. She specializes in butter cream icing, and had an album full of cakes showing she can do everything fondant can. She’s the daughter-in-law of the owner of Kathy’s Kitchen of Virginia, using some of their preserves in her cakes. Her cake was so good I had to make multiple trips for samples, as Tiffany kept eating my icing.
  • An option for transportation with a trolly from Havana and Scenic Havana, 309.338.0517. Transportation for up to 30.
  • Let guests have fun with a photo booth from Rushville Fun Booth.
Tiffany with our photos and sample books at the Rushville bridal show.
Tiffany with our photos and sample books at the Rushville bridal show.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, photojournalists offering wedding photography in Central Illinois. Based in Jacksonville, Morgan County; also available in Rushville, Schuyler County; Mount Sterling, Brown County; Macomb, McDonough County Illinois; and beyond. See us on Facebook.

Photographing for Illinois and MacMurray colleges

Besides working on pictures for last year’s couples and getting the word out about our wedding photography to find this year’s couples, we’ve been making pictures for colleges here in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Fuzzy hood helps keep Illinois College student warm, Warmowski Photography
Keeping warm during the recent snows at Illinois College.

Steve has been photographing campus life and sports for Illinois College. The college uses the images in brochures and on the web as they work to get the word out to prospective students and alumni.

Illinois College's Sturtevant Hall viewed from the south, Warmowski Photography.
A different view of Illinois College's iconic Sturtevant Hall.

For MacMuarry College, we both photographed basketball for prospective student brochures and Tiffany got a bird’s eye view of most of the student body for the latest alumni magazine.

MacMurray College students clap and cheer during a basketball game, Warmowski Photography.
MacMurray College students cheer on the basketball team.

(Note that Tiffany is a MacMurray College alumna who lived the dream – getting married at Annie Merner Chapel.)

MacMurray College class photo, 2010-11, Warmowski Photography.
MacMurray College class photo, 2010-11.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, great images from your alma mater as well as from your wedding day. Photojournalists telling brides’ and grooms’ wedding stories all over Central Illinois.

Steve finishes term as president of local Habitat for Humanity

At the monthly meeting of Jubilee Habitat for Humanity this week, Steve stepped down after serving two years as president of the board. He will serve this year as vice president.

He can’t make a lot of work days because he’s with me photographing weddings. But he helps with fundraising, planning and all the other not-so-fun stuff that needs to get done to keep the local chapter going.

Steve also is a member of the Kiwanis Club here in Jacksonville, and serves as the newsletter editor. (He’ll probably be doing something during Pancake & Sausage Day March 7th). He also serves on the Fox Trust and Missions committees at our church, Centenary United Methodist.

All his volunteer work is part of our efforts to be involved in civic life and to give back to the community.

Posted by Tiffany.

Tiffany marks 2 years on Elm City board

Congratulations to Tiffany, she was recognized for two years of service on the board of the Elm City Center at their annual board meeting on Tuesday.

Elm City Center provides work and independence for people with disabilities in Jacksonville. Tiffany also runs the Second Closet, a program through Prairieland United Way that provides professional and work clothes for those who need them to find employment. And, she runs the exchange program through the Jacksonville Rotary Club and is very active keeping the exchange students busy.

All her volunteer work is part of our efforts to be involved in civic life and to give back to the community.

Posted by Steve.