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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.

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Jacob Tucker of Illinois College competes for dunking title

Jacob Tucker flies and dunks; WarmowskIPhotography.com
Jacob Tucker of Illinois College posted a video on You Tube showing his dunking skills, and hopes to compete in a national contest. Photo by Steve, Warmowski Photography

Jacob Tucker of Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, is only 5’11” — but he sure can fly!

Steve & Tiffany helped the school with photography and video this week to showcase Jacob’s skills as he hopes to compete in the State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships. Beginning today March 17th and up to Tuesday March 29th fans can vote for Jacob on a special Facebook page.

Jacob and friends posted a video on You Tube that had more than 1.7 million views in less than a week! Congratulations to Jacob for making it this far, and best of luck! Read more on the college’s web site.

Jacob Tucker as seen from above rim; WarmowskIPhotography.com
Illinois College Jacob Tucker has been getting all sorts of press coverage. Photo by WarmowskiPhotography.com

Photo by Steve. Warmowski Photography, an experienced husband-wife team of photojournalists using their skills to tell brides’ and grooms’ wedding stories. More than 100 weddings plus combined 30 years of newspaper experience means you can enjoy your day, and not have to worry about getting great images of your wedding. Also helping Illinois College get great images to their community.

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Eileen’s 90th birthday

Eileen laughs during 90th birthday party; photo by WarmowskiPhotography.com
Eileen Smith Cunningham laughs as she sits with her grandson, Luther Cunningham, during her 90th birthday party in Carrollton, Illinois. Photo by Warmowski Photography

Tiffany & I had a little fun last weekend with Eileen Smith Cunningham, as we photographed her 90th birthday celebration in Carrollton, Greene County, Illinois.

We’ve photographed the family for years while working at the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. The Cunninghams were sports stars, and we covered them in action at Carrollton High School, and even later with Hannah competing at Illinois College in Jacksonville. I photographed Eileen when she competed in the Ms. Senior Illinois American Classic Woman Pageant in Springfield around age 80.

Eileen Smith Cunningham turned 90. WarmowskiPhotography.com
Eileen Smith Cunningham turned 90.

Eileen is tons of fun to be around. The family hosted extended kin and friends for a party at First Baptist Church in Carrollton. She’s still sharp as a tack, remembered way more people than I’m capable of recalling, and greeted friends from historical, archaeological and other pursuits.

The Cunninghams have been multiple clients for our wedding services. We photographed their daughter Hannah’s wedding last June, and son Luther’s wedding last month. (I also photographed the wedding reception for their son Blake back during my newspaper days.) Always a compliment when a family appreciates our photography and service on the day of the wedding (and beyond) and has us back for more events.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, wedding experts in Carrollton/Greene County and beyond.

Tiffany kisses Steve Warmowski
Tiffany & Steve at Eilieen's birthday party. Photo by Dan Cunningham (also provider of the hat).
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Breaking with tradition: Seeing each other before the ceremony

When I meet with couples before their wedding day to learn the details and hear about what is most important to them, one of the questions I ask is if they plan to see each other before the ceremony.

The answer is about 50/50. Fifty percent of our couples want to stick with tradition. The first time the groom sees his bride on the wedding day is when she is walks down the aisle.

The other 50 percent decide on a special moment before the ceremony where they see each other, ooohhh and aaahhh over each other, and then have their family and bridal party join them for portraits.

Either way works for us. The day, after all, is about the couple and their friends and family, and NOT about the photos OR the photographers.

But,  (you knew there would be a but, right!?) we honestly prefer when couples see each other and get the portraits done before the ceremony. The upsides are: fresh make up and clothing, less rushing, not keeping guests waiting, being able to get to the reception when you want to, not when photos are over, and you don’t have to worry about people who were supposed to be in portraits having left for the reception.

Monica and Luther decided to see each other before their ceremony. One reason was that they wanted to stop at their CrossFit gym with the bridal party for photos between the ceremony and reception.

Here are a few photos of their “first look.”

We typically do the “first look” at the alter where the portraits will be taken. There is good light there. The bride and groom usually opt for the groom to stand at the alter with his back turned and the bride walking up the aisle, and he turns around when she gets to him. Although, we have done it other places. Liz and Kris saw each other for the first time in a garden outside the church and Steve and I first saw each other on Rutledge Lawn at MacMurray College across from Annie Merner Chapel in Jacksonville. Rutledge Lawn was where we first met and where he gave me my engagement ring.

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography. She and her husband, Steve, photograph weddings, like Monica & Luther’s, in Lombard and Homer Glen, as well as in Chicago, St. Louis and all over. And, although Tiffany & Steve saw each other before their ceremony, they both still cried when Tiffany walked down the aisle with her daddy.

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Monica, Luther & CrossFit

Between Monica & Luther’s wedding and reception, the limo took the entire bridal party to Monica and Luther’s CrossFit gym. They had a couple photos in mind. I already put one in the Monica & Luther’s Wedding Highlights blog post. But, I have included it in this entry, too. Monica and Luther began CrossFit the November before their February wedding. They plan to continue even though the big event is over.

Here it is – the Bridal Party Kettlebell Swing!

It took a couple to tries to get it right.

Monica’s awesome “something blue!”

My vantage point from up in the loft

The bridal party’s reaction to the weight being put on Monica’s bar

Steve’s vantage point from the ground

The whole group and Jason, the CrossFit owner and trainer

Posted by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography, photographing brides, grooms and their unique interests in Jacksonville, Illinois, Chicago, Springfield and worldwide.

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Updates from Springfield Local Favorites

Went to Springfield for our monthly Springfield Local Favorites meeting at Northfield Inn and Suites.

  • Alicia Butler has the most delightful homemade caramels. She offers them for wedding favors, and also does Longaberger baskets (in case you need ideas for gifts).
  • Petals & Co. already has 50 weddings booked for this year, very much in demand for the Springfield/Rochester Illinois area!
  • Nelson’s Catering announced the winner of their Military Wedding Catering Giveaway. Also, they offer tastings, RSVP to Ashley or 217-787-9443. Tuesday, March 8th in Springfield 5:30 – 6:30 pm, and Wednesday, March 23rd in Quincy from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Matthew Stevens of Stevens DJ Service reminded members they are included in the organization of the top wedding vendors in the Springfield area to be accountable. All members of the group answer to one another in case of a dispute. If you have a problem with your wedding vendor, and they are a member, you can bring up your problem with Springfield Local Favorites to get a resolution. It’s a nice guarantee of professional service offered by the group.

The group includes select vendors for weddings in: Banquet Facilities, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Catering, Cake, Cosmetic, Decorations, DJ/ Entertainment, Dance lessons, Flowers/florists, Formal Wear (tuxedo, gowns, wedding dresses), Gifts/Wedding Favors, Transportation, Wedding Planner and more. Check the website or the Springfield Local Favorites Facebook page for more.

Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, one of the top wedding photographers in the Springfield, Illinois market.
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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.

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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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Unique racetrack wedding – Olivia & Adam

Oliva & Adam were married at Shepp’s Racetrack, near Jacksonville, Illinois, on October 10, 2010. Shepp’s is a track were Adam races and he and Olivia thought it would be the perfect spot for their wedding.

A month before their wedding, we photographed Olivia & Adam with their race car at the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
Adam fires up the engine before driving around the trailer, where the guests await the start of the ceremony.
The ceremony took place on a stage set up in front of the trailer. The guests sat in the stands.

Posted by Tiffany/WarmowskiPhoto.com

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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.