Nothing says romance like a traditional wedding in Bloomington, IL. For Karson and Paul, this was the perfect way to seal their love and begin their happily ever after together. It was a blessing to witness their beautiful marriage and capture some adorable photos of the couple, wedding party, and all their family and friends.

College Sweethearts

Karson and Paul are college sweethearts. The two college kids met at Illinois Wesleyan University during their freshman year. They lived in the same dorm building, and they had mutual friends through their sorority and fraternity. Karson said she was pretty shy and went home most weekends her first year, so it wasn’t until sophomore that they really hit it off. The couple would challenge each other to putt putt contests at Paul’s fraternity house – nothing like some friendly competition to heat up a relationship! During one fraternity formal, they danced together all night and spent hours talking. When Paul talked about how much he loved his mom and how close he was with her, Karson knew this handsome guy was a keeper.

Paul was the first guy that Karson brought home to her family. Apparently, her parents and grandparents used to tease her, saying, “The first guy you bring home is the guy you will marry.” It turns out they were right. Love how her family seemed to have some sixth sense about this!

As a couple, Karson and Paul enjoy lazy nights with a movie, a night out with drinks and music, and traveling. These sweet lovebirds are easy going and just love to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company. From the time they got engaged, they have been excited for their traditional wedding and reception!

A Church Ceremony

The wedding ceremony took place at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on a beautiful day in August. This is a special place for Karson and Paul, as this where they first attended church together. They both grew up Catholic and their faith is important to them, so it was the perfect venue for them to make their vows and say “I do”.

The entire day was full of classic elegance, traditional touches, and sentimental moments. The bridesmaids’ dresses were beautiful and understated in a taupe shade, while the groomsman looked sleek in all black. White flowers with some lavender and blush tones sprinkled here and there added to the elegance of the atmosphere. Everything became sentimental right at the get go, as Karson and Paul exchanged letters prior to the ceremony. Both reacted so sweetly to the words written by their other half! It is these sweet moments that really make a wedding day special. Other personal touches made the celebration truly unique. Karson pinned her sorority pin onto her bouquet and also added her “something old”, which was her great, great grandmother’s handkerchief. She didn’t stop there, though! She had a beautiful new dress, borrowed her mom’s diamond earrings, and wore a blue garter. It was so great to see the traditional “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” as another element in their already classic wedding.

Love Story Memories

Before heading to the reception for an awesome party, we made sure to stop and get some photos at their alma mater – Illinois Wesleyan University. After all, that is where it all started for these newlyweds! We took some pictures in front of the fraternity and sorority house where so many of their early memories were made. It was incredible to make these special places a significant part of their wedding day!

The reception was icing on the wedding cake for a perfect day! From the couple’s first dance to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (we definitely could!) to the bouquet and garter toss to dancing the night away with all their family and friends, it was truly a night to be remembered!

Vendors:

Videographer: Complete Weddings and Events

Florist: Kristy Howell; Create a Scene

Cake Artist / Dessert Designer: Tammy Woodmancy- Cake Crumbs Limited

Stationary / Paper Designer: Kelsey Keyser @ So Chic Boutique

Rentals (tent, lighting, chairs, tables, linens, etc..) Palace Events

Band / DJ: Complete Weddings and Events

Makeup/Hair Artist: Loft Bridal

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band: Jones Brother’s Jewelers

If you loved Karson and Paul’s Bloomington, IL wedding you will also adore Jenny and John’s Orpheum Theatre Wedding!