Sarah and Joe

Wow Furnishing and Events on Broadway. Alton, IL.

January 15, 2021

Wedding One of Two ;)

This year. This year has brought so much change to our lives. Some of this change has been positive and some negative. Regardless, love isn't cancelled. This day is my sisters wedding. This is their day, and these are their memories. This is a day that was planned out for months and months, and friends, I do not think it could have been more special. The venue appears to be a remodeled law office. There were beautiful rooms upstairs for most of everyone to stay. This venue offered a very unique experience in that regard. It was all hands on deck setting up on Thursday afternoon when we all arrived. Sarah and Joe had amazing food for everyone and we had such fun games to play- hover soccer was my personal fav! Friday morning, the girls started getting ready bright and early. Soon everyone was helping to set up the venue for the ceremony.

In these images, you will see the most amazing first look I have ever witnessed. Joe and Sarah worked together. They did for years. He would leave her a little note on her desk. Sarah kept nearly all of these notes. She spent forever and a day laminating them to get them ready to use on their wedding day. She and I talked for hours on the phone about how to best display them. I knew this doorway would be the perfect location. And can we talk about this stunning venue one more time?! Joe was so surprised when he turned around and saw her and his notes from the time they worked together. Right before the first look, the couple read the letters they wrote to each other. He unknowingly read his in front of all of his notes.

We had some snow on this day. This is a first for me. I was soooo excited when I saw the forecast. In reality, it ruined our hair and made us very wet! The snow looks absolutely beautiful in the photographs. After portraits, we ran to grandma's house down the road to give her a flower and say a quick I love you. It was so meaningful to be able to include her given the circumstances. Then back to the venue to dry off and redo our hair to get ready for the ceremony.

Sarah and Joe had poems read during their ceremony. The officiant was fantastic and had us all in tears. They also chose to do a ring blessing ceremony which was unique. The rings were passed around so all of the guests could bless them with positive thoughts or prayers. Side note: the couple used family jewelry and had the rings completely custom made. After their I do's, they had some fun confetti cannons that scared us way more than popping the champagne that morning! 

They ended their night with dancing and karaoke.
I personally enjoyed the cake and the Polaroid guest book.

So many friends. So much love. And so many memories.

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See you all in 2022 for the vow renewal and FULL reception!

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While I did photograph many of these images, the main photographer was Claire with Claire Krienitz Photography. She was amazing. She helped keep everything going smoothly all while capturing stunning images. Sarah fell in love with her photography style. I was in love with both that, and her understanding of how to manage a wedding day. We were so grateful to have her! I can't wait to photograph more wedding days with her in the future. 
All images were edited by me.