Anna and Felix have a funny story to tell when it comes to describing their first meeting. It was love at first sight for them. It didn’t take them too long to realize that they were serious about each other and wanted to get married. Anna and Felix got married at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Champaign in an elegant and simple ceremony. Their reception was hosted at the Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello.

I love it when I get the chance to photograph the moments of love and affection between a couple. I am grateful to Anna and Felix for choosing me to be their wedding photographer.

Similarities And Coincidences Brought Them Together

Anna and Felix met at a music venue in Champaign. Anna was out by herself and Felix was out with one of his Army buddies. Anna jokes and says Felix was wearing a terrible white sweatshirt and she overheard him telling his friend a story about how his dad rescued a small dog that was blown down a street during a nasty Chicago winter. He made a sound effect of, “yip, yip, yip,” to describe how the dog sounded and Anna started laughing at this. Felix looked up and said to her, “Why don’t you stop eavesdropping and join the conversation?” And that’s how they met.

Anna knew it was meant to be when she saw him put the people he loved first before anything else in his life. She says he has a good sense of priorities and is very selfless towards his family. Felix, on the other hand says he knew it was meant to be when he saw how she treated his kids.

Felix proposed to Anna on Christmas Day of 2018. Anna and Felix went over to her parents’ house to open gifts and once everyone was done exchanging their gifts, Felix brought out a small jewelry store bag and gave it to her. Then he got down on one knee and proposed to her.

Allerton Park & Retreat Center Wedding Photography

Anna, who loves to paint and sew, sewed her own wedding dress. It was a pretty cream gown with a long train. Her veil was equally beautiful. She wore a floral hairband that was simply gorgeous. She had sunflowers in her bouquet, along with a variety of multicolored wildflowers. Jason looked handsome in a grey suit, teamed up with a printed maroon tie. The bridesmaids’ dresses were dark red, the groomsmen wore grey suits with red ties.

Monsignor Stanley Deptula solemnized Anna and Felix’s wedding at St. Matthew Catholic Church. After this, I got the opportunity to steal this newlywed couple away for some time and get some awesome photos. The love and understanding between this couple reflected so well in their pictures. I took a few group photos as well.

At Allerton Park and Retreat Center, where the reception was held, the guests got a good chance to mingle. There were some interesting speeches, the drinks and dinner were awesome. Anna and Felix cut the cake and their first dance was to The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel. The Father-daughter dance was to True Colors by Phil Collins. There was a bouquet toss after this. It was such a sweet ceremony and reception. Capturing all the moments of Anna and Felix’s wedding and their love was an overwhelming experience.

A big congratulations to you Anna and Felix. You two look great together. I wish you both many adventures and fun together. Above all, I thank you two for letting me photograph your lovely wedding.

Featured Illinois Wedding Vendors

Planner: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Fraya Replinger, Monticello, IL
Florist: Abbott’s Florist, Champaign, IL
Cake/Dessert: Schnucks’ Bakery
Stationary: Lisa Lockhart
Decor: Abbott’s Florist, Champaign, IL
Rentals: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello, IL
Caterer: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello, IL
Band/DJ: Bugbee’s DJ Plus, Champaign, IL
Hair Artist: Style and Grace Salon & Day Spa, Champlain, IL
Wedding Rings: Rogers & Hollands, Jewelry by Fordos
Bridal Dress Designer: Oxidants Happen Designs (made by Anna Poulsen Lockhart)
Bridal Dress Boutique: Homemade
Jewelry: Rogers & Hollands
Bridal Headpiece or Veil: Oxidants Happen Designs (made by Anna Poulsen Lockhart)
Bridal Other: Homemade dress!
Groom Suit Designer: Joseph A. Bank
Groom Suit Boutique/Store: Joseph A. Bank
Bridesmaids Dresses: Ever-Pretty.com
Groomsmen Suits: Generation Tux
Flower Girl: Flower girl dress designed and sewn by Angie Poulsen (mother of the bride)
Ring Bearer: Generation Tux
Ceremony Venue: St. Matthew Catholic Church, Champaign, IL
Reception Venue: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello, IL