Alana & Jon’s Rustic Bluestem Hall Wedding
It was such a pleasure to photograph Alana and Jon’s rustic Bluestem Hall wedding this fall. The couple was married in a romantic October wedding with a ceremony and reception at the Bluestem Hall in Urbana, IL. I enjoyed photographing every bit of it. There was something fascinating happening throughout. What made my work easier and the photographs livelier was this couple’s charming smiles.
When Cupid Struck
Alana and Jon’s is a unique love story. They were set up for a date by a friend in 2011 where they exchanged phone numbers and promised to stay connected. However, Alana never attended Jon’s calls or replied back to his texts except for one odd time when she was grocery shopping and had a brief phone conversation with Jon. Years later, they met at a charity event. They were both accompanied by their friends. It was this time when Jon walked up to Alana and, in a loud voice, said, “Alana Sorrentino… Thanks for not calling me back!”
Alana says Jon’s bold true statement became the reason for them to reconnect again. She not only apologized to Jon but also they talked the night away. From then they have become inseparable.
A Rustic Fall Bluestem Hall Wedding
On her Bluestem Hall wedding day, before proceeding towards the Bluestem Hall, Alana got ready at I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign, IL. Her White One wedding gown and Angela Nuran shoes caught as much attention as her hair and make-up by Fringe Salon. She completed her look with jewelry and a headpiece from Veiled In Elegance. Jon was all suave in a Men’s Wearhouse grey suit, a striped grey tie, a white pocket square and brown shoes.
The bridesmaids looked pretty in Navy Blue Azazie gowns. Our little flower girl was dressed up in a lovely Bill Levkoff dress. Then there were the handsome groomsmen, all suited up in grey with navy blue ties and brown shoes.
Alana and Jon’s Bluestem Hall wedding was perfectly planned by Autumn DeVos at the Bluestem Hall. Officiant Bob Hutchinson solemnized the marriage. The Irish handfasting ceremony, where cords were tied around the couple’s hands, made the photographs so interesting. There were bagpipes and an exciting Irish dance. All thanks to Party On Productions and Clint & Anna Grace Wedding Music.
The Paper Boutique and the Petals & Co did a fabulous job as stationers and florists respectively. Decorations by Rustic Love Rentals, at the venue, atop its wooden structure added to the rustic feel of the Bluestem Hall wedding. Meanwhile, rains played their good part too and we got the chance to add beauty to our couple’s photographs.
This Bluestem Hall wedding was so much about love, laughter, traditions, friends and family. Photographing this event was pure joy for me! I wish Alana and Jon a life full of love and adventures. Cheers, you two.
Featured Illinois Wedding Vendors
Planner: Autumn
Florist: Petals & Co, Rochester, IL
Cake/Dessert: Wendy Jostes, Groom’s Mother
Stationary: The Paper Boutique, Springfield, IL
Decor: Rustic Love Rentals, Lincoln, IL
Rentals: Lottie Brogan Linens
Caterer: Bergie’s Place, Pete Bergstrom, Monticello, IL
Band/DJ: Party On Productions, Clint & Anna Grace Wedding Music
Makeup Artist: Fringe Salon, Bloomington, IL
Hair Artist: Fringe Salon, Bloomington, IL
Wedding Rings: Luttrell Jewelers, Springfield, IL
Bridal Dress Designer: White One, Barcelona (Orson)
Bridal Dress Boutique: Veiled In Elegance, Geneva, IL
Jewelry: Veiled In Elegance, Geneva, IL
Bridal Shoes: Angela Nuran
Bridal Headpiece or Veil: Veiled In Elegance, Geneva, IL
Groom Suit Boutique/Store: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Flower Girl: Bill Levkoff
Getting Ready Location: I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL
Ceremony Venue: Bluestem Hall (Website), Urbana, IL
Reception Venue: Bluestem Hall (Website), Urbana, IL
Trolley/Limo: Starr Limousine, Champaign, IL
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