The wait is over. Brendan & Jordan finally had their dream day exactly 1 year to the date that they were originally supposed to be married.

You see, exactly 1 week before their original wedding date of March 28, 2020, Illinois shutdown due to COVID-19.

So they reschedule for April 202, then June 2020, September 2020, and lastly March 28, 2021.

Throughout it all, they never lost faith that sooner or later they would have the day they had dreamed of and planned for. 3.38.2021 was their lucky day. Their patience paid off, and everything was absolute PEAR-fection, as they say at Pear Tree Estate, their wedding venue. Jordan worked at Pear Tree Estate for several years while studying to be a nurse, so the place and the people hold a special place in her heart.

Jordan & Brendan were high school sweethearts, and their love for each other never wavered through their teens, college, internships, living in separate states, a global pandemic, and more I’m sure I don’t know about.

Throughout the past 9 years, both of them (as well as many members of their families) have appeared in front of my camera countless times for prom pictures, family photos, and various events. Jordan has babysat my kiddos, and my son goes to school with their brothers. They hold a super special place in my heart, and I love them both dearly.

Personal touches such as this Beauty and the Best themed ring box that Brendan make pictures of the details even more special. We get absolutely giddy when we see things like this included in the items our brides gather for us to photograph.

We oohed and ahhed at these gorgeous velvet bridesmaids gowns in various shades of pink. I love how each of he dresses showed off the ladies individual personalities and made the florals really stand out.

Jordan’s gown fit her like a freaking glove. She felt like a Disney princess and it showed.

Jordan had the sweetest first looks with both Brendan and her dad Brett. Both were tear-filled and everything you could hope for. This is one trend we hope never goes out of style. When a couple has a first look, it just relaxes the rest of the day because the jitters are gone, and pictures can be taken all before the ceremony. Still, even with when a couple has seen each other before the ceremony, nothing replaces the way a bride will take her groom’s breath away when he sees her walking down the aisle. It’s a fulfillment of daydreams both partners have had, since wedding plans began.

Jordan is the oldest of 4 with her siblings all being boys. She is daddy’s girl through and through. I’m not ashamed to admit that I got a bit teary eyed along with her mom, Jamie, watching these two.

Garret’s Popcorn as party favors – yes please!

The vendors for this wedding were:

Venue: Pear Tree Estate

Wedding dress: Cloud 9 Peoria dress by Maggie Sottero Designs

Men’s attire: Michelles Bridal and Tuxedo

Rings: Flora Gems

Hair & Makeup: Janna Lynch

Florals: Flowers Etc Ltd.

Catering: LA Gourmet Catering

Cake artist: Baked Beer & Bread Company

DJ: Crash Events

Stationary: Minted Weddings

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 “Shout!” 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.