Holly Birch Photography

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Bianca + Thomas | Nightmare Before Christmas wedding at Willow Creek Farm

Wow! What a perfect theme for a near-Halloween wedding! This one was definitely unique, but matched perfectly to this couple! I loved all the nods to The Nightmare Before Christmas movie, and there are probably some references that I don’t even recognize. Bianca + Thomas are big fans of Halloween and the movie, so it all made sense to help tell their love story!

My first stop for the day was the Hyatt Place in downtown Champaign where Bianca and her ladies got ready. Those corner suite rooms are awesome for getting ready with ample light and room to move around. Once everyone was finished with hair and makeup and dressed, I headed out to Willow Creek Farm to meet up with Thomas and his best men. It was the most beautiful warm & sunny fall day — it really couldn’t have been any better! We used the grounds of the farm for some group photos, and especially the weeping willows by the pond — one of my favorite spots at the farm.

Then it was time for the ceremony, where Bianca + Thomas spoke their personal vows to each other. There were laughs and tears, with bits of movie quotes thrown in, and it was all perfect. We then moved over to the reception space, and YOU GUYS, you have to check out this cake! My friend Beth (whose vow renewal I photographed a few years ago) did the cake, and it was outstanding! With Jack and Sally sitting up on the top tier, it was definitely a statement piece in the center of the dance floor.

Congrats, Bianca + Thomas, and I wish you a long, happy life together!

Ceremony & Reception | Willow Creek Farm, Urbana, IL | Instagram

Catering | Willow Creek Farm, Urbana, IL | Instagram

Cake | Beth Rodgers

Florist | Blossom Basket, Champaign, IL | Instagram

DJ | Tim Anderson

Officiant | Rose Nolen-Walston

Bride’s Dress Retailer | David’s Bridal, Champaign, IL | Instagram

Bride’s Reception Dress Designer | Oleg Cassini | Instagram

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal, Champaign, IL | Instagram

Shoes | David’s Bridal, Champaign, IL | Instagram

Suits/Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse, Champaign, IL | Instagram

Hair & Makeup | Rod Sickler Salon, Champaign, IL | Instagram

Jeweler | Christopher’s Custom Jewelry, Champaign, IL | Instagram

Transportation | Willow Creek Farm, Urbana, IL | Instagram

Linens | Willow Creek Farm, Urbana, IL | Instagram

Photographer: Holly Birch Photography, Illinois-based photographer available for destination weddings