People line Morton Avenue to pay their respects to Ssgt Matthew Weikert during his funeral last month. Photo by Steve/Warmowski Photography
Last month I offered to photograph the honor guard, visitation and funeral of Staff Sgt. Matthew Weikert, of Jacksonville, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. The community made an incredible show of solidarity for the fallen soldier, with people lining the route of the funeral procession. People stood along the curb on both sides of Morton Avenue from the funeral home at Lincoln Avenue for a mile until Route 104. More people with flags, signs of support or just standing along road were interspersed along the rest of the route to Libery Cemetery west of town. Soldiers serving as honor guards said they’ve never seen a show of support to that extent in all the funerals they’ve attended.
Tiffany’s cousin, Ian Stewart, was killed in 2004 while serving in the Marines in Iraq. I made photos of the wake and funeral at the request of Tiffany’s grandmother, and extended the same offer to the Weikert family. Hopefully the images I made for the Weikerts will help them remember the gratitude the community extended for their sacrifice.
Dad and I wait upstairs at MacMurray's Annie Merner Chapel while guests are seated. 15 September 2001 Photo by Zuzana KillamDad and I wait while my sister Nicole (far left), and best friends Tracy Mazurkiewicz and Michelle (McIntyre) Davlantis chat. Not pictured is Steve's sister, Janet (Warmowski) Jackson, also a bridesmaid. She was the first one to walk down the aisle, which is probably why she isn't in this photo. 15 September 2001 Photo by Valérie Berta Torales
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I’ll never forget the option my dad gave me before walking me down the aisle on my wedding day 15 September 2001:
Dad (looking at the door to go outside): We can walk out the door if you want to, Tiffy.
Tif: What do you want to do, Daddy?
Dad: No, Tiffy. What do you want to do?
Tif: I think I’ll walk down the aisle.
It might seem weird to be given that option moments before walking down the aisle, but in honesty, I have always been grateful for that “out.”
When we were walking down the aisle, dad said to me, "Tiffy, I've been thinking about this day for a long time." Here we are just before that. My cousin, Amy Bennett, was our flower girl. I was the flower girl in her parents' wedding 18 years before. 15 September 2001 Photo by Valérie Berta Torales
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Before our good friend Esther married Steve’s mentor, Archie Lieberman, Esther’s aunt told her, “Five minutes before is better than five minutes after.” Esther didn’t take the “out.” But she never forgot about her aunt offering to her, either. Esther and Archie were married 60 years before his death in 2008.
We’ve had 3 couples cancel or indefinitely postpone their weddings this summer. But believe me, there are no hard feelings here! Making a lifetime commitment is not something that you should do just because you have been planning a wedding for months or because people will be disappointed if you decide not to go through with it.
I hope that all couples work as hard on preparing for their marriage as they do planning their wedding (if not harder!). And if they reach a point in that process where things don’t feel quite right, then taking a step back and taking a good hard look at things just might be the right thing to do, whether the wedding is months, weeks or days away.
**Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010** Blog post by Tiffany/Warmowski Photography Tiffany & Steve Warmowski were married in Jacksonville and photograph others’ weddings in Jacksonville and around the world. WarmowskiPhotography.com
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.
Kelsey & Josh pose in front of one of the church windows, showing the dark clouds coming their way. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
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**
Tiffany & Steve Warmowski photograph weddings in Jacksonville, Springfield and elsewhere in Illinois, as well as throughout the world – in any weather.
There were some really nice moments between Kelsey and her dad, Andy, during Kelsey & Josh’s wedding day. I love that Andy wasn’t afraid or ashamed to show his emotions.
Kelsey came into the sanctuary prior to the ceremony for some portraits. That is where her father saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. ** Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010***Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**Kelsey & her dad, Andy, in the basement of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church before walking down the aisle. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**Andy gives his daughter a hug before giving her hand to Josh at the beginning of the ceremony uniting Kelsey & Josh. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**At the end of the father/daughter dance, Andy swept his daughter off her feet. Andy gives his daughter a hug before giving her hand to Josh at the beginning of the ceremony uniting Kelsey & Josh. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Kelsey Mason & Josh Hoyt tied the knot June 27, 2010, in a beautiful ceremony at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. The reception was at Hamilton’s 110 North East in Jacksonville.
Here’s a couple of the many notable things from their fantastic day:
Kelsey was in comfort her whole day with sparkly ballet-like slippers. Her Man-of-Honor, Ben, wore shoes to match his suit, her ladies wore silver and her personal assistant, Casey, wore black. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**Kelsey & Josh greeted their parents during their ceremony. Here, Josh and Kelsey's mom, Delores, share a special moment. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**Kelsey's parents, Andy & Delores, kept a bottle of sparkling wine from their wedding in 1985. They opened it and shared it with the newlyweds. Now THAT'S thinking ahead! **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**Kelsey & Josh raise their glasses, filled with Kelsey's parents' sparkling wine, after Kelsey's dad's toast. **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**Kelsey's Man of Honor, Ben Hale, loves taking photographs. Here's a photo of Ben taking a photo of Steve! **Photos Copyright Warmowski Photography 2010**
Boxing legend Ken Norton Sr. breaks down after receiving a painting of his mother during a birthday bash to benefit Pathway in Jacksonville. (photo by Steve/Warmowski Photography)
In addition to weddings, Warmowski Photography provides event photography, and on Friday 23 July Steve covered the Ken Norton Birthday Bash for Pathway Services Unlimited. Pathway is one of the social agencies in Jacksonville facing a budget gap due to delays in state funding, and we donated our services to help with the fundraiser.
Jacksonville native Ken Norton Sr. is probably best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1973. The boxer still makes it back to Jacksonville to make appearances, and this trip was anchored by an early birthday party to raise money for Pathway. (It wasn’t really his birthday, but it was Steve’s.) He brought a cadre of stars, musicians and sports greats into town for the celebration at Hamilton’s 110 North East.
Steve covered special events for sponsors in the VIP room, the celebration and the entertainment. In the photo above Ken Norton breaks down after receiving a painting by Mario A.C. Della Casa, depicting Ken with his deceased mother. Two of the artist’s paintings were auctioned off later in the evening for $2,000.
Ken Norton Sr. (center) with Hollywood stars, sports greats and other friends at his birthday bash. (photo by Steve Warmowski)
Warmowski Photography was glad to help in the evening, and preserve memories for the sponsors and attendees of the event (if you had your photo taken with the champ, check out this gallery — all profits go to Pathway).
Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Morgan County Fair Pageant!
Kate Elizabeth Fox was crowned Queen and was also awarded Best Speech; Randi Leigh Huey won the People’s Choice Award and was named First Runner-up; and Nikki Leigh Phillips won Miss Congeniality, Best Interview and Second Runner-up.
Grace Newman gets her 2010 Little Miss sash from 2009 Queen Alyssa Jackson during the Morgan County Fair Pageant Tuesday 6 July in Jacksonville.
In the Little Miss contest, Grace Elizabeth Newman was named Princess; Camille Lauren Brown won First Runner-up; Taylor Renee Larsen won the People’s Choice Award and was named Second Runner-up; Ella Grace Stremming won Best Stage Presence; and Macy Danielle Hansen won Best Interview.
Grace accented her evening dress with a cast on her left arm. While playing tag with her little brother the week before the fair she tried to jump a ditch, but came up a bit short and shattered her elbow. Even after surgery to put in a plate and eight screws, she fought back to be on the 4th of July parade float and to compete in the pageant. Her mother Andrea (Kirkpatrick) Newman has a history with the Morgan County Pageant, winning Little Miss in 1983 and Queen in 1997.
Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography donated their services to the pageant committee, and awarded prizes to the winners. Tiffany & Steve Warmowski, top wedding and event photographers in Morgan County.
Carolyn Buckner & Daniel Vize emerge from church after their wedding in Buxton, Derbyshire, England in 2008. Photo by Steve/Warmowski Photography
I recently came home from England, after taking a trip to explore my family history with my mother, aunt and grandmother. We started in London and traveled south to Horsham, then west to Thatcham, Tilehurst (Reading) & environs to see places my ancestors roamed.
On the trip, I conducted a bit of business. Steve and I photographed the wedding of Carolyn & Daniel Vize in England January 2008. We met them at the wedding of our friends Sada & Jason Reed — we hit it off, and they quickly followed suit when we said we’d love to photograph their wedding. Following the wedding, we sent them their photos, but their computer crashed and they lost their images. We pulled their stuff out of our archive and copied everything onto a hard drive for me to deliver. It was a great excuse to reconnect with Carolyn’s mother in London, and Daniel’s parents in Buxton.
Carolyn & Daniel Vize en route to the Old Hall Hotel in historic Buxton, United Kingdom. Photo by Steve
What else does a wedding photographer do while on vacation? Why, take photos of a wedding of course!
Checking out a wedding from the balcony. Photo by Tiffany
While in Thatcham, I (with Grandma, Mom and Aunt Dawn) went to the main church in town to find out when it was built and if perhaps our ancestors had worshipped or were buried there. It was a Saturday and when we arrived, a wedding was about to begin – once the bride finally got there. We quickly learned that the bride was delayed because the car she was riding in broke down on the way to the church! She arrived in a “dirty car,” in the words of the vicar, but she arrived.
We were talking to church’s wedding coordinator while waiting for the ceremony to begin and she suggested I go up to the balcony and watch from up there when the bride arrived. I went up there with my camera and photographed the bride, her father and attendants walking down the aisle. I thought this was amusing because that is the exact place I go when Steve and I photograph weddings.
I have recently contacted the church in order to connect with the bride and groom so that I can e-mail them some photos. I didn’t meet the bride and groom, and they didn’t even know I was there or that I was taking photos. I hope to connect with them through the church and I wish them a long and happy marriage!
Tiffany with an English icon in London.
Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography covers weddings in Illinois, but also offers destination wedding packages. Getting married in England? Why not bring your own photographer to cover the whole trip!
Sherie Kording & "Bubba" Trace are surrounded by sparklers as they kiss outside MacMurray College's Annie Merner Chapel during their New Year's Eve wedding. Photo by Tiffany.
Received an e-mail today on quick tips for shooting fireworks that I thought I’d share. The main things to remember are you’ll want a long exposure so to get the full streak to show and you’ll want to use a tripod to hold the camera steady (both of which Tiffany used to get the photo above).
Other than that, to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend we will be having a print sale. Prints ordered this weekend on July 3rd & 4th will be at 10 percent off. Details will be sent to e-mail addresses registered via our on-line galleries.
Posted by Steve. Warmowski Photography, wedding photojournalism in Jacksonville 62650.
Hans Burlin, 8, flicks a seed as he climbs on a tractor with his brother, Axel, 10, during a visit to Two Roads Farm in Assumption. Their parents, Johannes and DD Burlin, of River Forest, recently bought a share of the farm which produces organic grain.
I like to joke and say I’m a retired newspaper photojournalist (with more than 20 years experience including college, internships in Michigan and newspaper positions across Illinois). But, this is a working retirement — mostly telling couples’ wedding stories, but I also get to do some news work every now and then.
The Chicago Tribune has called on me a couple times over the past few months. It’s a nice way to keep my newspaper skills up to date.
I have been freelancing for the Chicago Tribune since my college days at the University of Illinois — Urbana-Champaign. The first job I can remember was photographing two students who used their martial arts expertise playing the roles the turtles in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie. I even photographed a hog confinement near Bearstown — later my stomping grounds while working at the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. I even got to take photos of my mentor, Archie Lieberman.
I was blessed to work with Wes Smith, of the newspaper’s Midwest Bureau based out of Bloomington-Normal. He’d call me to check my availability, then I’d be off. I have a box of negatives somewhere in my basement. Some of the stories I remember are the Lawlor family and Galena Cellars winery, motorcyclist/protestor at Starved Rock State Park near LaSalle-Peru/Ottawa, Slave House in southern Illinois near Carbondale, and an old guy who was a stink bait supplier for Wal-Mart in Metro East St. Louis.
The most attention I gained was from a story I suggested to Wes. An Amish family near Decatur opened their doors and offered home-cooked meals to raise money to cover medical bills after a son’s farming accident. The story made a big splash on the feature page, and was the talk of the town on WGN radio for several days.
That all being said, at this stage I get more fulfillment telling a bride and groom’s wedding story. To be an intimate part of their wedding day is such a thrill, such a gift, and always inspires me to do my best work.
Posted by Steve, experienced photojournalist and wedding photographer, and part of the husband-wife team of Warmowski Photography.
