Nicole + Nolan | iHotel wedding
In my 16+ years of doing wedding photography, there isn’t too much that I haven’t seen on a wedding day. Well there was a first for me at Nicole + Nolan’s wedding and it was one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen for a toast. Nolan’s best man Reid spoke about how as a kid he would visit Nolan’s house for the “video games and Oberweis milk.” At some point, Nolan caught onto Reid’s milk addiction and cancelled his family’s milk order. It didn’t take long for Nolan’s mom to figure it out though and the Oberweis was back.
For his toast to the couple, Reid packed a cooler with 3 shot glasses and a glass bottle of Oberweis chocolate milk. Nicole, Nolan & Reid toasted the couple’s new marriage. It was seriously so cute!
The day started out with a grim forecast… rain pretty much all day. But never fear — Holly is here! My off-camera flash setup means that weather is never an issue for me on wedding days (or for other sessions too!). I was able to confidently walk into where both the guys and girls were getting ready and light up any situation, despite not being able to go outside due to the rain.
Thankfully though, the rain let up for just a bit between the ceremony and reception so that we were able to do a few portraits outside with the lush green grass and spring trees. Nicole + Nolan also were able to get out his family’s vintage fire truck and take it for a spin around the block with their wedding party. I am so glad they were able to do that since they didn’t get to use it for the church exit with the rain.
There were many highlights from the reception, and a few of my favorites were the marquee letters (🙌🏻), my friend Dan Wild doing caricatures, Howl2Go dueling pianos, custom wrapping paper with N+N’s faces, and the solid wood arbor behind the head table that was made entirely by the couple’s dads. How sweet is that??
It was also my first time photographing a wedding in the new addition to the iHotel Conference Center, and it was amazing! I can’t wait to go back! Huge congrats to Nicole + Nolan! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding day. <3
Ceremony | St Matthew’s Catholic Parish, Champaign
Cake | The Cake Artist’s Studio
Florist | Fancy Florals by Nancy
Entertainment | Howl 2 Go Dueling Pianos
Caterer | UIUC Catering
Officiant | Monsignor Stanley L. Deptula
Bride's dress | Elite Bridal & Designer - Pronovias
Bridesmaid dresses | Sorella Vita
Suits/tuxes | Michelle’s Bridal and Tailored Foundation
Linens | Create a Scene
Invitations/Programs/Seating Chart | Courtney Kamm Design
Marquee letters | Alpha Lit Central Illinois
Day-of coordination | 618 Events
Jeweler | Flora Gems
Hair & makeup | Hansen & Co Beauty Lounge
Photographer | Holly Birch Photography