Nicole + Nolan | iHotel wedding

Wedding

May 25

In my 16+ years of doing wedding photography, there isn’t too much that I haven’t seen on a wedding day. Well there was a first for me at Nicole + Nolan’s wedding and it was one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen for a toast. Nolan’s best man Reid spoke about how as a kid he would visit Nolan’s house for the “video games and Oberweis milk.” At some point, Nolan caught onto Reid’s milk addiction and cancelled his family’s milk order. It didn’t take long for Nolan’s mom to figure it out though and the Oberweis was back.

For his toast to the couple, Reid packed a cooler with 3 shot glasses and a glass bottle of Oberweis chocolate milk. Nicole, Nolan & Reid toasted the couple’s new marriage. It was seriously so cute!

The day started out with a grim forecast… rain pretty much all day. But never fear — Holly is here! My off-camera flash setup means that weather is never an issue for me on wedding days (or for other sessions too!). I was able to confidently walk into where both the guys and girls were getting ready and light up any situation, despite not being able to go outside due to the rain.

Thankfully though, the rain let up for just a bit between the ceremony and reception so that we were able to do a few portraits outside with the lush green grass and spring trees. Nicole + Nolan also were able to get out his family’s vintage fire truck and take it for a spin around the block with their wedding party. I am so glad they were able to do that since they didn’t get to use it for the church exit with the rain.

There were many highlights from the reception, and a few of my favorites were the marquee letters (🙌🏻), my friend Dan Wild doing caricatures, Howl2Go dueling pianos, custom wrapping paper with N+N’s faces, and the solid wood arbor behind the head table that was made entirely by the couple’s dads. How sweet is that??

It was also my first time photographing a wedding in the new addition to the iHotel Conference Center, and it was amazing! I can’t wait to go back! Huge congrats to Nicole + Nolan! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding day. <3

Ceremony | St Matthew’s Catholic Parish, Champaign

Cake | The Cake Artist’s Studio

Florist | Fancy Florals by Nancy

Entertainment | Howl 2 Go Dueling Pianos

Caterer | UIUC Catering

Officiant | Monsignor Stanley L. Deptula

Bride's dress | Elite Bridal & Designer - Pronovias

Bridesmaid dresses | Sorella Vita

Suits/tuxes | Michelle’s Bridal and Tailored Foundation

Linens | Create a Scene

Invitations/Programs/Seating Chart | Courtney Kamm Design

Marquee letters | Alpha Lit Central Illinois