March 3, 2018 was a day to be remembered. It was the day that lovebirds Jana and Bryan tied the knot, and it was incredible! This sweet couple wed in a unique, personal, and creative wedding at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello, Illinois. Their wedding was shared with an intimate group of family and friends, and the day couldn’t have been a more perfect celebration for this adoring couple.

Jana & Bryan’s Love Story

As you very well know, I love love stories. Seriously, I could listen to couples telling their stories for hours and hours and hours. So, of course, I loved hearing about Jana and Bryan! These lovebirds first met after Bryan first caught sight of his future bride, and he decided to chat her up via the interwebs. Although, Jana was intrigued when she received the email, she was busy – I mean, as a Ph.D student, transitioning jobs, and teaching classes, how could you not be?? Thankfully, Bryan didn’t take that as a no. In his own words, he says that “Jana, who is busy even when you’re with her, was not really available at the time, and I felt that without hearing no, why not wait.” They texted back and forth for a few weeks before Jana had an opening in her schedule. She invited Bryan to hang out, and they immediately felt so comfortable together. After that, their lives began to intertwine into one. Bryan is happy to have found the person that values his pursuits as much as her own, and knows for a fact that she would move the earth at her expense to make his world spin a little faster. How sweet is that? Jana on the other hand, says, “Bryan supports me unconditionally, makes me laugh every day, is the smartest person I know, is the most patient person on the planet, and would do anything to make my life better.” If their relationship isn’t rock solid, nobody’s is!

Best Friends and Partners

As a couple, Bryan and Jana are fun-loving, adventurous, and nerdy. They both love learning and exploring the world around them. Together, the like to exercise, travel, watch good and bad TV, eat, shop, go out for ice cream, and work on home improvement projects. They like trying new restaurants and returning to their favorite places. Some of their favorites in Champaign include El Patio, Wedge, Miga, and Himalayan Chimney. Through it all, Jana has come to love that Bryan is a problem-solver and practical, but still manages to dream big. She loves his kind and thoughtful disposition, and his sense of humor – he makes her laugh every day! Bryan has fallen head over heals for Jana’s thoughtful and caring nature. Oh, and her meatloaf recipe!

Creative Wedding at Allerton Park Mansion Library

Jana and Bryan tied the knot in a creative wedding at the Allerton Park Mansion Library on a beautiful spring day. The two hoped their day would be filled with genuine moments, creative details, and a lot of fun. Their wedding celebration certainly did not disappoint! With colors of navy and pewter/metallics coupled with unique touches theirs was a one-of-a-kind wedding. These personal touches included a globe guest book, walrus wedding topper, and tables named after books. But the creativity and personality doesn’t end there!

Instead of a traditional white bridal dress, Jana opted for something totally fun and unique. She wore a stunning sequined gown, while Bryan wore a handsome custom suit. They hosted a ring warming at the start of the ceremony so that everyone could hold their rings in a bag and wish them well as the ceremony progressed. How cool is that – and a great way for guests to be involved in the wedding! Their dear friends played the ceremony processional, which was the couple’s favorite love song “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds. Instead of a traditional first dance, the newlyweds asked all the kids in attendance to join them on the dance floor to shake loose to “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Um, adorable much?? And this made for such cute photos!

After witnessing such a beautiful celebration, I am positive that this couple’s amazing wedding is just a glimpse into how amazing their marriage will be. Bryan even says that he is looking forward to their marriage being the gold standard for marriages everywhere. So, yes, I’d say their marriage is going to be spectacular!

Wishing you all the best, Jana and Bryan!

Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Allerton Mansion

Florist: Blossom Basket

Cake: Cakes by Lori

Makeup and Hair Artist: Ashlee Bialeschki, Bouffant Salon

DJ: Elite Entertainment

Bride’s Gown: Adrianna Papell

Bridal Shoes: Cole Haan

Bridal Jewelry: Marchesa

Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Stationary: Minted

Guest Globe: Megen Briars of Sequins and Lace Design

To see similar weddings click here and here!