You may remember this gorgeous couple from their engagement session last year in May, and I had been looking forward to Phil & Kristi’s wedding day ever since! I just adore these two! They are such a sweet couple, and you’d have a hard time finding two people more head-over-heels for each other than these two!
The big day took place at Allerton Park in Monticello one cloudy, but perfect Saturday afternoon. I met Kristi and the girls at the House in the Woods where they got ready and Phil met us there shortly afterwards to await their First Look. And I’ve never been more glad that a couple decided to do a First Look than this wedding! Poor Phil! I felt for the guy! He was SO nervous! He didn’t feel good and he was sweating bullets! I tried my best to calm him down and reassure him (as did everyone else). But the only person he needed was Kristi…
Before Kristi even gave him the go ahead to turn around, he had already started to look more relaxed. The thought of knowing his beautiful bride was so close and he would soon be able to see her had the calming effect that nothing else could have brought him. And when he turned around and saw his gorgeous (soon-to-be) wife, a big smile spread across his face and he wrapped his arms around her in a tender and loving embrace. I can honestly saw this couple exudes the very meaning of the word love and I felt honored to bear witness to this beautifully perfect moment they shared.
We quickly got in the rest of the photos we needed and made sure we were all set for the ceremony, which was taking place in the meadow on the opposite side of the pond from the mansion. We couldn’t have asked for better weather for an outdoor wedding… though the clouds had everyone wondering if it might rain – it never did. The ceremony was as beautiful as you would have expected. Phil’s dad presided over the service and the bride and groom’s brothers performed a song while Phil and Kristi poured sand into a vase symbolizing their union.
Once the service was over and the bridal party had a chance to greet all the guests, we snuck in a few more shots of the happy couple before heading to the reception hall in Bement for food, music, toasts, and lots of fun and dancing! Well, enough of my talking – here’s just a peek at Phil and Kristi’s special day!
A big congrats to this wonderful, sweet couple! Ryan and I couldn’t be happier for you two! We had so much fun spending the day with you and capturing your cherished moments! May you have many, many years of love, laughter and happiness together!
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I asked Kristi a few questions about her big day. Here’s what she had to share!
I loved your dress! It just fit you so perfectly! Where did you find it? I’m sure some of my brides would love to know!
I found my dress at Formals of Litchfield. They carry many different sizes in stock so I was able to see what my dress looked like in my size which made a huge difference
I loved your bridesmaids candy apple red dresses – where did you get them?
I found the dress pattern at Jo Ann Fabrics and Marge Stout of Illiopolis made them. She had also made a bridesmaid dress for my mom years ago.
The guys looked quite handsome in their tuxes as well! Did you send them somewhere special for those?
The men got their tuxes from Seno Formalwear in Decatur
You had beautiful real flowers for your bridal bouquet! I think I overheard the florist say there were 75 roses in your bouquet!! Wow! Would you like to share who your florist was?
My wonderful florist was Larry DeLong from Just Weddings in Decatur
I also loved your wedding cake! The red up-lighting behind the black and white cake was gorgeous! Who was your cake maker?
Our delicious cake and cupcakes were made by The Sweet Life Bakery in Decatur
Is there anyone you’d like to give special credit to for their help putting your special day together?
I had so many friends and family that helped make my day perfect! I can’t possibly thank them all on here so hopefully they all understand how much I appreciated their help! I will just single out my mom and dad long enough to say thank you for everything and for helping make my wedding day the day of my dreams!
Is there a detail of your day that you particularly loved or a moment that you will never forget?
I loved seeing the tears of joy in my husband’s eyes as we said our vows. I also loved being able to do a fun Father-Daughter dance with my dad to the evolution of dance songs. It was definitely unforgettable! I also was extremely blessed to be able to have my Father-in-law perform our wedding ceremony
Now that it’s all over, would you do anything differently?
Honestly, I can’t believe just how perfect my wedding day was! The only thing that I wish I could have changed would have been to have my husband’s Uncle Mike present. Unfortunately, he has been sick and in the hospital but he was definitely in our thoughts and prayers on our wedding day.
Any advice for future brides and grooms?
Enjoy every minute of the planning and the wedding day because it flies by! Also, remember what your wedding day is really about and don’t let any of the stresses of wedding planning take away from what should be the happiest moment of your life.
I hope you all enjoyed the images from Phil and Kristi’s wedding! I hope you all are having a fantastic Friday and a weekend full of fun! See you back here on Monday!
2 Comments
Stephanie,
The pictures of Kristi and Phil’s wedding day are magnificent, you capture all of the happiness and joy we shared that day. As the extremely proud mother of the bride I am sitting here with tears in my eyes right now. Thank you and Ryan for capturing so many special moments for us. I can hardly wait to see more!!!! Thanks so very much, Janet
Thank you so much Mrs. Schollmeier! It was an absolute joy and pleasure to capture your beautiful daughter and son-in-law’s special day! Ryan and I were thrilled to be there and share in the love and joy that your families exude! 🙂