Julie + Josh | Starved Rock State Park wedding - Utica, IL

Julie and Josh were positively radiant on their wedding day this past Saturday, August 28. See those two photos above? I have TONS of photos like that of them where they are just staring into each other's eyes. They chose to have a somewhat destination wedding at the beautiful Starved Rock State Park near Utica, IL. I had a wonderful time hanging out with the couple and their friends and families all day, and I wish them the best as they enter this next phase of their lives together.

This was one of those days where I shot one absolute favorite getting ready photo, and I once again knew it was going to be a fabulous day. I love the way the light falls around her eyes: Ready to roll! Another one of my absolute favorites from the day. The light here was perfect. Julie's new last name is "Hartke." Get it? :) (Thanks, Andrea, for explaining it to me!!) The printed materials were amazing, from the programs, to the placeholders, to the menu signs. I loved all of it. The bride requested this special shot. I haven't done this one in a very, very long time! Josh is a writer so it's very fitting. Julie arrived at the ceremony site by horse-drawn carriage. Here, she and her dad are beginning their ride. So happy to be getting married! At the beginning of the ceremony, they both took a few moments to look out at their friends and family. MOH is concentrating on the bustle. Julie wanted a shot with the horses. Oh my goodness... I LOVED the cake. And the best part? One layer was strawberry, so when they cut it, it looked like a slice of watermelon! Julie is a goldsmith at Browne's Fine Jewelry and actually designed her own ring! Here's the story in Julie's words: "...He planned it so I would set-up my own ring with out knowing it was mine. The funny thing was that I remember setting the ring up and saying to myself, "I would take this" while looking at it on my hand. Little did I know it was really mine!" Love that story!!

Vendors: Ceremony & Reception: Starved Rock State Park, Utica, IL Florist: Danny Whitehurst, St. Louis, MO Catering & Cake: Starved Rock DJ/Band: Dawna Nelson & the Crazy Johnny Band Officiant: Rev. Derek White