Courtney + Jessica | Downtown Champaign + iHotel wedding

A little over a week ago I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Courtney + Jessica for my friend Rebekah Albaugh, alongside her associate photographer Jennifer Council. The whole day was so much fun!! I started up in one of the suites with Jessica while she got her final hair and makeup done. We did their First Look in the lobby of the iHotel before heading to the Japan House area for photos.

The couple’s wedding also happened to fall on Pride weekend in Champaign, and the ladies had talked about visiting the festival area for a few quick photos. We didn’t know if the crowds, traffic, and parade would be a problem, but I was determined to give them a fairytale moment that they’d never forget so we made it happened. Our driver Shawn from Elite was a BOSS and got us exactly where we needed to be and even got close enough to pick us up again when we were done.

You guys, it was magical! The bystanders cheered for Courtney + Jessica, and they got all kinds of applause and well wishes. A couple people were standing nearby waiting with rainbow flags and I asked them to wave them in the background. And so I was able to create the image that had been formulating in my head. <3

Then after a few more portraits of the couple and wedding party, we headed back to iHotel for the ceremony and reception. I loved their super elegant cake, Courtney’s dad tearing up during his speech, their throwback hashtag (is that an oxymoron?!), and the day-long laughs. It was a beautiful, perfect day full of love, family, and friends. Congrats on your new marriage, Jessica + Courtney!!