Rachael Marie Photography

Ashton & Josh got married on vacation — but celebrated with the nearest & dearest in Illinois 🤍 best of both worlds !!!

If you’re local to Springfield, IL, and if you’ve ever been on the Carter Bro’s haunted hayrack ride— you’ve probably seen Josh Carter! He drives the tractor around the Carter Bro’s land every fall. It was an honor to photograph a staple of the 217. 🫡

It was a super chill evening. We were worried for rain, but it let up juuuuuuust in time for folks to start arriving. Everyone showed up in the best boots & hats. 🤠

A&J didn’t get too many photos of the two of them on vacation when they got married, so we made sure to get some of them throughout the evening. ☀️

If you want to elope — do it! If you want to host a party afterwards— do that too. Ashton & Josh had a great time chatting with friends, loved ones, coworkers, and wowowow we had a great time with polaroids later!! A&J are so kind, it was so special to be apart of their special celebration.

Congrats Ashton & Josh !!!! 🤍 thank you for trusting me to hang out with your favorite folks 🥹

How sentimental is it, to get ready in the home you’ve made together and hang out in your beautiful garden backyard for your first look and vows.

One night after dinner, Jimmy and Anna were walking from their garage to their house, when Jimmy grabbed Anna’s hand, got down on one knee and proposed.

It was very fitting to spend their wedding day afternoon in that same backyard.

It’s important for me to ask my couples what they want day of their wedding. One of the things I ask is if they want me present when they read their vows. Private vows are becoming more and more popular for my couples, and I’m all for supporting them in their decision to have that quiet moment. Jimmy and Anna wanted to be alone, so l went inside their house, and took photos while they read. I don’t know what was said, but I know that Anna got really emotional, and it made me cry.

After portraits, we went to Silvercreek restaurant in Champaign, Illinois for their intimate ceremony and dinner reception. In the back of the restaurant is a greenhouse that is very whimsical— almost an extension of their backyard. No dancing or speeches, just mingling with their guests.

It was wonderful. We sent them off with well wishes just after sunset.🌅

Anna’s vision for the day was— “Lots of flowers. Our loved ones chit chatting and laughing. I want the focus to be on love. The love J and I have for each other. The love that our friends and family have for us. The people that are going to be at the wedding are our closest friends and family. I’m most stressed about all of the little details coming together. And honestly just all the guests having fun! I want everyone to be comfortable and have a nice time.“ 😭😭

How is this my job. 🥹 congrats Anna & Jimmy

Venue Silvercreek
Dress Depop seller — itsgraces
Suit Men's Wearhouse
Rings Flora Gems
Hair BennyandKay
Florals The Flower Bar

Central Illinois wedding photographer, Champaign IL wedding

The Legacy Building in El Paso is one of my wedding venues in Central Illinois!!

Not only does it have historic charm, but it has a lot of getting ready spaces available.

The backside of the building used to be a bunch of offices that are now converted into a large Airbnb space. This allows you to stay the night before, get ready in the morning, and crash in the evening. When getting ready or waking up the next day, be sure to walk over a few blocks to a really awesome inclusive coffee shop called . The vibes are amazing and the drinks are great!!

A getting ready space with lots of charm really adds to your getting ready photos. But I don’t mean like when you’re actually getting your hair and makeup done.

At least in my experience, for “getting ready photos”— your hair and makeup is done, and we take a few photos in the cool Sabrina Carpenter inspired pjs you picked out, or specifically just do portraits in your wedding outfit in the space you got ready in.

That’s why we scheduled it in Merrian and Ryan’s timeline— to get some photos in the beautiful Airbnb spaces, as well as other cute corners the Legacy has.

If you’re thinking about getting married at the Legacy… this is your sign to check them out!! Tell Tabitha that Rachael sent you 🤍🤍

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Central Illinois wedding photography, historic wedding venue, Peoria wedding, Champaign wedding, Springfield wedding, Chicago wedding photography, St. Louis wedding photography, wedding details