When I think of Bryce & Kelli I instantly smile.  This couple is so in love and happy.  They make everyone else around them smile with the way they are constantly laughing with each other.  From being friends early on in the Newman Center dorms to eventually admitting their crushes and becoming official, this is a couple that is meant to be.  Bryce and Kelli were married on July 9th at the Saint John Newman Catholic Church on University of Illinois campus.  They both lived in the dorms there and attended mass regularly as college students there.  These two share so much wonderful history with the Newman Center that it was only fitting that they were married in that church.

Kelli and her bridesmaids began their morning in their hotel suite, listening to an adorable wedding day playlist and sipping on mimosas.  When Kelli put on her dress, her mother and several of her bridesmaids were in tears.  Her dress was absolutely stunning and looked like it was made specifically for her.  Her jewelry and details paired perfectly with her bridesmaids, who all wore pearl accessories.  Her bridesmaids matched in color and material but each wore an individual, unique shape of dress.  Blossom Basket did a phenomenal job as always with their coral and pink bouquets which provided the perfect pop of color against the girls aqua dresses.

Bryce and his groomsmen also looked wonderful with their sharp gray suits and aqua ties. Just like the ladies, the groomsmen also had their own unique touch but for them it was their fun, crazy socks (Note: they were very excited about these!).  They were a great group of guys ranging from Bryce’s older brother to his college dorm friends.  They kept spirits light by being excited for photos and giving Bryce a hard time about his go to silly face.

Saint John Newman Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful sanctuary’s I have ever seen.  As a University of Illinois alum, I also regularly attended mass there but had never attended a wedding. I don’t know if I had ever stepped back and looked at it with a photographic eye or what but wow it is so much more breathtaking than I ever remember! Bryce and Kelli had a traditional Catholic mass ceremony but had a very special sermon from Father Luke due to his relationship with them.  It was neat to see him talk about them as individuals as well as them growing into the couple they are today.  I also loved the personal touch of having grandparents and close relatives give the other readings.

Bryce & Kelli shared a moment of true happiness when they reached the back of the church after walking down the aisle as a married couple.  It was one of those moments at a wedding that remind me of how truly amazing my job is.  They hugged and kissed and held each other as if no one else in the room could see them.  They truly rejoiced in the fact that they were officially a married couple and it was absolutely amazing to witness.

The celebration continued after the ceremony at University of Illinois Arboretum for pictures of the couple and their closest friends.  The bridal party rode around in a trolley and danced and cheered to the officially married couple. My second shooter Taylor and I first photographed the whole group being crazy on the trolley then took them around the park for photos.  The groomsmen made sure to get photos of their crazy socks and the bridesmaids insisted on picking up Bryce for a picture.  They were all so outgoing and optimistic about taking pictures which made our jobs a blast. After all of the bridal party crazies were taken, we let the group head to the trolley and kept just Bryce and Kelli with us.  I’m not kidding when I say they are natural posers.  I joked about recruiting them for an example couple if/when I do a photography workshop. Bryce and Kelli are just so naturally beautiful with each other! They laugh and kiss and smile… can you tell I enjoyed photographing them?! Once you scroll down to their images, you’ll see what I’m talking about!

Just like the day, the reception at the Hilton Garden Inn was a blast. The bridal party had grand entrances and the speeches (especially Kelli’s dads) had everyone smiling and crying at the same time.  Kelli shared a song and dance with her grandma that was one I know they will both never forget.  I had three of my special couples at one wedding which was amazing.  My favorite, Ryan Reid of Crash Events, had the dance floor packed from the time dancing started to I am sure the time the reception ended.  I am truly so happy I was a part of Bryce & Kelli’s wedding day.  Thank you two for allowing me to photograph your special day, it was incredible.

To see more of Bryce & Kelli, check out their engagement photos.

VENDORS –

Ceremony Music: Leslie Manfredo

Florist: Blossom Basket

Reception Music: Crash Events

Dessert: Cakes by Christina

Trolley: Elite Luxury Limos

Dress: Veiled by Cha cha