Abby Kate Photography

Jill and Adam's day is probably as close as I'll ever get to a royal wedding- these two were absolutely stunning together. It was all things timeless & classy with a touch of whimsy! Wishing you both a lifetime of blessings! Thank you for letting me document such a beautiful day celebrating your love.

Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church & Illini Country Club
Photographer: Abby Kate Photography
Videographer: Paul Gottshall
Florist & Decor: Create A Scene Events
DJ/Entertainment: Epic Entertainment Services LLC
Make up: Cameron Duval, Bj's Grand Salon
Hair: Crystal Barnes, Bj’s Grand Salon
Ring: Flora Gems

Payne and Ethan’s wedding day was truly something special — a day so many of us have been looking forward to for a long time, and it did not disappoint! From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully and beautifully planned. You could feel the love and intention in every part of the day, from the decor to the vows to the way Payne and Ethan interacted with their friends and family! The joy was absolutely contagious — everyone there was smiling, celebrating, and soaking in every moment. Every vendor brought their A-game and helped bring their vision to life so perfectly. It was such an honor to be part of something so meaningful, and I’ll be reliving it for a long time! Cheers to the Crains!

Vendors to thank:
Venue & Catering: Pear Tree Estate
Florals: Megan from Trendsetters Floral
Video: ParkLife Films
DJ: Radio Pro DJ's
Photobooth: Pixster Photo Booth Rental Chicago
Rings: Giganti and Giganti Fine Jewelry
Transport: Starr Limousine
Makeup: Alyssa Vance (amvance_) & Kirsten Place (kirstplace10)
Hair: Amber Gilgenbach (amberwaves_309) and Brenna with Bsquared Studio
Linen Signs: Amy Bouvier (shopormond)
Koozies: Maggie Pranger (twosixoeight_)
Permanent Jewelry: Beyond Bonded

When the last wedding of my 2024 season feels like a high school reunion, you know it's going to be a good time!

How I managed to pick sneak peeks from this gallery, I will never know! From the time Tracy started telling me her vision for the day, I have been so excited to document it. It was classic & timeless with some urban edge, and what made it even better was that everyone involved just radiated love for both Tracy & CJ. I could write a book about how much dang fun I had but instead, I'll just show you some pics!

Vendors:
Photographer: Abby Kate Photography
Venue: Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr
Florals: Peaches & Green Floral - Niki J Ones
Hair:
Dress: Gowns
Day of Coordinator: Dawn Phillips
DJ: Radio Pro DJ's - Sean Lynch

I'm having a really hard time coming up with words to describe what this day meant to me, and certainly what it meant to everyone involved in Ryleigh Taylor Bloink and Max's wedding! It's not every day you get to photograph a childhood friend on a day she has dreamed about her entire life, and I'll say taking photos is NOT easy when you have constant tears running down your face!

A couple years ago, I got to Max while photographing his family! I made the connection from seeing his face in Ryleigh's posts. He responded with a giant smile, "Yep, that's my Ryleigh." And I thought it was so endearing how he lit up when talking about her.

Seeing them together is something special. Seeing their family and friends in the same room celebrating & supporting them is unforgettable!

Well, now Max can say, "That's my bride!". And I couldn't be happier for both him and Ryleigh. Enjoy a peek into their beautiful day!

The lovely vendors:

Dress: Clarice's Bridal Fashions
Hair: Jess Thomas and Mane Mixx Salon
Makeup: Morgan Carroll Douglas, Elise Caton, Dorothy Dambacher
Florals/Decor/Design: Create a Scene
Venue/Catering: Illini Country Club
Band: Allmixedupbandstl
Rings: LA Montell & Co and Adam Foster Fine Jewelry
Videographer: Lydia Stuemke Films
Photographer: Abby Kate Photography