Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Emily and Peter’s Romantic Hoosier Grove Wedding

We first connected with Emily years ago when her daughters Jenna and Natalie were little, she came by with the girls and Lindsay and I took some sweet summer photos with watermelons in my backyard. Since then . . .

We first connected with Emily years ago when her daughters Jenna and Natalie were little, she came by with the girls and Lindsay and I took some sweet summer photos with watermelons in my backyard. Since then it has been a joy to watch Jenna and Natalie grow up and occasionally run into Emily around town. We were excited to know that Emily met someone when we first heard about Peter. As their relationship grew so too did their family and in May of 2022 they welcomed their son Jayden. Lindsay was so happy to catch up with Emily and her girls at Jayden’s newborn session and it has been a joy to be connected with this wonderful family since then!

When Emily and Peter decided to make things official we were honored to be asked to photograph their wedding. Conrad and I loved getting to know little Jayden at their pre-wedding meeting and were so excited to meet everyone at Hoosier Grove Barn for the big day! Emily and Peter collected dozens of Azul Tequila bottles to use as vases and decor for the barn, the beautiful space looked so festive and inviting for their celebration! We met with Emily and her girls upstairs at Hoosier Grove where everyone was buzzing with excitement, it was so special to see Jenna and Natalie again looking so gorgeous in their navy bridesmaids’ dresses. Little Jayden joined us upstairs for some hugs with Mom and looking beyond adorable in his little suit.

Peter fought back tears and held Jayden tight as Emily walked down the aisle. Emily’s colleague Katie from Flaherty Jeweler’s served as their officiant and did a wonderful job presiding over their romantic ceremony. The most touching moment was when Peter made time to share special vows for his new official daughters, he even had rings for Jenna and Natalie that he gave them as he promised to always love them as his own. The emotion in that moment was something that we will never forget.

After the ceremony we took lots of fun photos with the whole Ramirez family, including some swoon-worthy shots of the newlyweds. Then it was time to head inside for tacos and fun celebrating the newlyweds! This was such a lovely day, we were truly honored to be a part of it!

Congratulations, Emily and Peter, we wish you (and your beautiful family!) a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Emily and Peter’s wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Hoosier Grove Barn

WEDDING RINGS
Flaherty Jewelers

WEDDING DRESS
Vanessa’s Modern Bride

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Katie & Tony’s Perfect Farmhouse Plainfield Wedding

Katie and Tony crossed paths in classic Southside Chicago fashion, introduced by mutual friends during a casual night out at a neighborhood bar. Their connection deepened over shared interests, including spontaneous . . .

Katie and Tony crossed paths in classic Southside Chicago fashion, introduced by mutual friends during a casual night out at a neighborhood bar. Their connection deepened over shared interests, including spontaneous road trips, exploring Disney parks, vibing to country music, and tackling escape rooms together. Despite Tony's stoic demeanor as an Air Force veteran, Katie effortlessly melted his tough exterior, unveiling a softer, more vulnerable side reserved solely for her. Their story reflects the serendipity of love found in the everyday, fueled by common passions and genuine companionship.

We first met Katie and Tony at her brother’s gorgeous Heritage Prairie Farm wedding last Fall. Katie hired us after her original wedding photographer fell through, she told us that Matt and Shea had such a great experience that she wanted to work with us too! I honestly can’t think of a higher compliment than that! From that first conversation this Winter to when we said goodnight at the end of their wedding I loved every moment working with Katie. She is incredibly kind, thoughtful and down-to-earth, it was such a joy and honor to be a part of this wedding.

Katie is a self-processed DIY bride – she worked for weeks leading up to her wedding to create the gorgeous bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces herself. When the day arrived for Katie and Tony’s Farmhouse Plainfield wedding the weather was absolutely PERFECT, unexpectedly warm and sunny for an April wedding! Katie and her bridesmaids were in great spirits as they got ready together, while Tony MAY have been experiencing a few nerves before seeing his bride. Once Katie and Tony did their First Look the nerves melted away into happiness and love, these two were truly made for one another. They shared private vows (one of our FAVORITE “new” traditions!) together on the farmhouse patio before joining with their awesome wedding party for pictures. We had so much fun with this crew on the beautiful property at The Farmhouse!

When it was time for the ceremony Katie and Tony had a surprise in store for their guests – instead of flower girls or ring bearers they invited two buddies to be “Beer Boys” and get the party started by handing out Busch Lights down the aisle! It. Was. Awesome. Their energy set the tone for an epic wedding that we will never forget! After their peaceful and emotional ceremony the newlyweds celebrated with their guests during cocktail hour under the Spring sunshine. We stole Katie and Tony away just before introductions for some “golden-hour” photos by the Farmhouse entrance, the light was absolutely gorgeous and everything just looked so pretty with all of the Spring blooms!

As the DJ announced Katie and Tony and their wedding party we could tell we were in for an unforgettable reception. There was SO much joy and excitement in the room for this wonderful couple!! While the guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ feast we were all treated to several emotional toasts to the bride and groom. There were powerful nods to Tony’s military past and fallen friend that the couple had honored in different ways throughout the day. And Katie’s Dad led all four parents to the front of the room for a sweet joint toast, we love seeing families come together in love! Then it came time for Katie and Tony to thank their guests and Katie did THE sweetest thing – instead of doing a bouquet toss she gave a poignant speech to thank her Mom for her support and gave her the bouquet that she had created. It was such a sweet and beautiful moment rooted in gratitude and thoughtfulness!

After dinner and toasts Katie and Tony were ready to dance the night away, we especially loved the rollicking family line dances!! It was honestly the perfect wedding – for all of the special moments our favorite thing about Katie and Tony’s wedding was simply spending time with this spontaneous, quiet and loving couple. Katie and Tony gifted us with the most amazing start to our wedding season!

Congratulations, Katie and Tony, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Katie and Tony’s beautiful wedding photos, click here


VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
The Farmhouse Plainfield

HAIR & MAKEUP
Hairs 2 the Bride

WEDDING CAKE
Wolf’s Bakery

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Wolsfelts Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie

MENSWEAR
Men’s Wearhouse

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Jamie & Patrick’s Perfect Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding

Jamie and Patrick are both teachers who met when they started new jobs in a new district. She taught second grade and he is a PE teacher. They met at a welcome party for their new principal. Over the next two years they became great friends. . .

Jamie and Patrick are both teachers who met when they started new jobs in a new district. She taught second grade and he is a PE teacher. They met at a welcome party for their new principal. Over the next two years they became great friends. Patrick wanted to ask Jamie out but didn't want to ruin the friendship they had built. In August 2020, Jamie left to go to a new district to teach 3rd grade. Even though they were no longer working together, Jamie and Patrick remained close and soon he asked her to spend time together “just the two of us.”

Starting to date during Covid forced Jamie and Patrick (along with SO many of our Something Blue couples!) to be creative with how they spent time together. They went on many adventures that included walks and drive through Christmas lights. In April 2022 Patrick took Jamie on a scavenger hunt. Jamie's mom picked her up and gave her the first clue. Each clue was a memory from their relationship (first place we met, first date location, first kiss location, first place they said I love you). At each location was a friend of family member to give the next clue to Jamie. The final clue led to the picnic spot were they met after Jamie got a new job. When they left that day we thought we would never see each other again. So when Patrick proposed at this location, he shared that the last time they were there there they left thinking they wouldn't see each other again and when they left today they would leave being together forever.

Conrad first spent time with Jamie and Patrick at their engagement session at the beautiful Heritage Prairie Farm (our favorite venue!!) He loved spending time with these two, they share such a deep bond and are both filled with kindness and humility. As they explored the farm together they also got in plenty of time with local celebrity Carl (otherwise known as @badkittycarl) Conrad LOVES Carl (everyone’s favorite wedding crasher at Heritage Prairie Farm) but Patrick isn’t as sold on him – this bad kitty definitely jumped up onto Patrick during their engagement session! He then also proceeded to fully crash their wedding ceremony by wandering up and down the aisle during their vows looking for pets 😹

Jamie and Patrick’s wedding day could not have been more perfect. When we arrived, everyone was In great spirits – Jamie and her friends were relaxing together in the farmhouse as they finished hair and makeup, and Patrick and his buddies had a lot of fun opening their custom Cubs’ jerseys and beer bats (such an epic gift for the groomsmen!) When the time came for Jamie and Patrick to see one another they did their First Look right outside the farmhouse before sharing private vows with one another. We really love when couples choose to do this, it’s a beautiful and intimate moment and always clears the air for FUN for the rest of the day! Jamie and Patrick both shed tears when sharing with each other, it was an honor to be present in that moment.

After getting some photos with their (very fun!) wedding party, we moved under the tree out back for their ceremony. Guests sipped cold fresh lemonade and relaxed under paper parasols while Jamie and Patrick were pronounced husband and wife, and then the celebration could truly begin! We had the best time with Jamie and Patrick and their loved ones, it was a perfect day!

Congratulations, Jamie and Patrick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Jamie and Patrick’s beautiful wedding photos click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Heritage Prairie Farm

FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens

VIDEOGRAPHER
I Do Video by Leo

DJ
Amp Event Professionals

WEDDING CAKE
Deerfield’s Bakery

WEDDING RINGS
R.C. Wahl Jewelers

WEDDING GOWN
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie

MENSWEAR
Mens Wearhouse

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Jamie and Patrick’s Romantic Heritage Prairie Farm Engagement Session

Jamie and Patrick are both teachers who love to spend quiet time together (having been a High School teacher in my 20s I can most certainly understand that!) So it was perfect for them to . . .

Jamie and Patrick are both teachers who love to spend quiet time together (having been a High School teacher in my 20s I can most certainly understand that!) So it was perfect for them to do their engagement session on a peaceful Monday evening at their wedding venue. If you know us well you know we LOVE Heritage Prairie Farm, we could shoot weddings here every weekend and truly be happy. In fact, we are heading to the farm this Thursday for their annual Friendsgiving Farm Dinner! Conrad loved exploring the farm with Jamie and Patrick and getting to know them better – they cuddled and giggled and had such a great time together. And they even got to snuggle the farm’s resident kitty Carl (nothing makes Conrad happier than a good kitty snuggle!) We love these two and are so excited to celebrate their wedding at Heritage Prairie Farm next summer!

Here are some of our favorites from Jamie and Patrick’s romantic engagement session, to see their full gallery click here

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Sarah & Gilberto’s Romantic Farmhouse Wedding

Sarah and Gilbert met while working together, but didn't exactly like each other at first. Out of the blue they started talking about traveling and their friendship took off. Gilbert introduced Sarah to a new world . . .

Sarah and Gilbert met while working together, but didn't exactly like each other at first. Out of the blue they started talking about traveling and their friendship took off. Gilbert introduced Sarah to a new world of different cuisines. He makes her laugh and challenges her every day. Gilbert fell in love with the size of Sarah’s heart and caring ways. He loves that she can bring out his cheesy and playful side.

Gilbert planned a proposal along with Sarah’s family; Sarah had dinner with her sister while Gilbert and her family set up the scene in their backyard. He definitely took her by surprise, Sarah only though it was weird that Gilbert had been cleaning the house every day during the week prior!

I was excited to meet Sarah and Gilbert in person at their engagement session, even though it was VERY cold that day!! Sarah’s Mom came along to help with their adorable dog Clifford (who cutely rocked an “I Do Too” bandana). I think we finished their session in under a half-hour and were completely frozen by the. time we were done! But Sarah and Gilberto’s love kept them warm, it was clear how deeply they care for each other.

On their wedding day, Ashley and I were really happy to shoot at the beautiful Farmhouse in Plainfield. It was the perfect venue for Sarah and Gilberto’s romantic day! Sarah had THE most amazing girl-squad hyping her throughout the day – we laughed and laughed with these bridesmaids while they slayed in their sexy rust dresses all while helping Sarah and keeping her laughing all day. And Gilberto’s crew of groomsmen was equally awesome, we were obsessed with the character mugs that he gave them as a token of his appreciation for their friendship. We see a lot of wedding parties but this group will always stand out to us – loyal and faithful friends who truly loved and supported the bride and groom AND made it fun and easy to do our jobs throughout the wedding! It was the perfect day, we were so thankful to be a part of it!

Congratulations, Sarah and Gilberto, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Sarah and Gilberto’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
The Farmhouse

DJ
J.P.W. Productions

HAIR & MAKEUP
Kate K Beauty

WEDDING DRESS
Essense of Australia

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