Tuesday started out like any other day, I answered some emails and got my camera gear ready. There was a snowstorm in the forecast, so I told Aaron I was going to head out early to make sure I got there safe and sound (and on time.) I made it to Downs before the ISU athletic department called me and told me the game had been postponed. Oh well. The drive home was actually better anyway! So Wednesday, I repeated the whole process, and got over to Bloomington a few hours before tipoff. I was also able to stop by the hospital and see my past clients/friends Lindsey & Sam’s new baby boy Michael who had been born during the snowstorm the day before.

Illini Central ended up winning over Cissna Park, 50-39.

So then it was time to make plans for Peoria on Friday. I had a 6-month-old baby girl session first thing in the morning on Friday, so I did that session, and then left straight for the state finals from there. The Cougars ended up handling Nokomis in the semi-finals well, defeating them 52-38.

I spent the night in Hopedale at my friend Kristina’s house before heading back in to Peoria again on Saturday for the state championship. This game was totally intense. For you Illini fans out there, it felt like the 2005 Illinois-North Carolina game national championship all over again. Nothing was going our way, shots weren’t falling, our best big man was in foul trouble. But then in the 4th quarter, they turned it on, and turned the game around. This team was not going home without a win. I won’t lie, when they tied the score at 32, the tears welled up a little bit! Illini Central outscored Madison 28-12 in the 4th quarter to win 55-44. The Cougars were state champions for the first time ever. It was so cool being on the floor after the game, and seeing all these familiar faces from my hometown community congratulating each other and loving that moment.

This Cougar team was comprised on NINE seniors, and I’d like to recognize the whole team by name here: Jared Entwistle (all-state), Jordan Bradshaw, Justin Onken, Duncan McClure, Grant Bale, Connor Martin, Noah Kirby, Jesse Thompson, Ean Albers, Derrick Himmel, Willie Neuendorf, Cody Curry, Jordan Lynn, & Justin Luft. Congrats again to the Illini Central Cougar boys’ basketball team! I’m one very proud alum!

There are still opportunities to give to C-U at Home. Visit their website here.

I’m excited for all the new changes, and am eager to see what 2013 brings for Holly Birch Photography and my family! Thanks for your support!

Leave a comment below the post, and after 50 comments, Shannon + Brandon will receive a complimentary 10×15″ mounted print of their choice.

Ceremony: Funks Grove Chapel
Reception: Mr. Lincoln’s on the Green
Caterer: RA Lowers Catering
Photographer: Holly Birch Photography

I’ll never forget MaKayla’s first email to me when she told me she was marrying Jeremy, with a “Mr.” in front of his name. You see, I knew Jeremy in college, and I don’t recall anyone ever referring to him as “Mr.” Ha! But I can safely say now that he fits the bill perfectly, and he and MaKayla are so great together. I also knew 4 of the 5 groomsmen from our college days, and my frequent visits to their fraternity. Enter: Walt Flanagan. I had heard them play a few times years ago, and was excited to hear them play at the wedding. Fun times!

Leave a comment below, and after 50 comments, MaKayla + Jeremy will receive a complimentary 10×15″ mounted print of their choice.

Ok, enough talking… on to the photos!

Ahem… the bar that wouldn’t let us take photos inside! Well, we just went and found another place!

Ceremony: Champaign County Courthouse
Luncheon: Silvercreek Restaurant