Emily + Michael | Wedding portrait session at Allerton Park

I really feel for couples like Emily + Michael, as they have had to deal with so many changes, stress, and compromise since COVID started. Their wedding was supposed to be late April, just about a month after Illinois went into lockdown. They were one of the first couples to contact me and say they were postponing. They then moved their date to September, and then ultimately decided to postpone it indefinitely.

In between those two events though, they were actually married at the courthouse, surrounded by their parents and siblings (only 8 people allowed!). I was sad to hear about their cancellations, but was happy that they chose to use other ways to celebrate their wedding and essentially use their wedding “credit” with me. They already had the clothes, hair & makeup, flowers, shoes, cufflinks, etc all ready to go, so why not do a session so they still have the photos to look back on?!

Well that plan almost went awry also! A couple days ahead of the session, Emily emailed me to say that the weather forecast wasn’t looking good and wondered about their options. I’m happy to say we were able to move the session ahead by one evening (including hair & makeup!) and got it done on a BEAUTIFUL evening with perfect weather and absolutely gorgeous light.

Please enjoy Emily + Michael’s wedding photo session at Allerton Park!

Vendors:

Bride’s dress: Elite Bridal, Champaign; Stella York designer

Bride’s ring: Flora Gems, Champaign

Groom’s ring: Robert’s Jewelry, Champaign

Hair & Makeup: Something You Salon & Spa, Champaign (Amanda Baer)

Florals: Delight Flower Farm

Location: Allerton Park, Monticello

Photographer: Holly Birch Photography, Mahomet