Natalie and Luke’s wedding was unique because COVID threw all their plans totally out of whack, with their official ceremony at the courthouse and the reception months later at The Lodge at River Valley Farm. When Natalie and Luke were finally married at the Champaign County Courthouse on Jan. 8 2021, that was their fifth wedding plan! Natalie said that the best part about COVID was getting engaged to Luke, so they were thrilled to finally be legally married at the courthouse. There were only eight guests allowed that day, myself included. Talk about an intimate ceremony! 

On Dec. 11, 2021, Natalie and Luke were able to have their wedding celebration with their friends and family at The Lodge at River Valley Farm. Despite the particularly windy and cold day, Natalie and Luke had a wonderful celebration. Everyone was joking about Luke being late to their courthouse wedding– everyone needs a little mishap on their wedding day, right? Natalie wrote her vows on the hotel stationary, and Luke’s vows brought Natalie to tears. Natalie’s sister also made both of the beautiful bouquets for the courthouse wedding and the reception ceremony.

Although COVID threw so many wrenches in their plans to get married, Natalie and Luke still got their happy ending. I wish them nothing but love and happiness, and I hope that COVID’s turbulence is the toughest thing they’ll have to face together.

“It’s amazing how one day someone walks into your life, and suddenly, you can’t remember how you lived without them.”

— Anurag Prakash Ray

Vendors

Officiant: Walt Jones

Caterer: Once Upon A Plate 

Cake: Sea Salt and Cinnamon

Florist: Angel’s Arts and Crafts

DJ: Audio Inferno Entertainment

Wedding Rings: Flora Gems

Makeup and Hair: Summit Salon Academy Anderson

I want to tell your story

Wedding photographs should tell the full story: the candid joy; the family photos grandma loves; the dance photos that leave everyone feeling connected long after the music stops playing…we get to know each other throughout the planning process – that’s why every package comes with engagement photos as well. So by your wedding day, we’re old friends, you’re comfortable with my camera, and your moments are genuine and never forced.