The Homestead 1854 Wedding Photographer | Plano, IL | Sarah + Eric

documentary style wedding photographer – the homestead 1854

Sarah and Eric were married on a beautiful summer day in front of the hedge maze at The Homestead 1854 in Plano, IL.  Their theme for the day was “Wild in Love” and the colors were pink, blue, dark red, and gold.

Venue – The Homestead 1854

Photography – Elite Photo

Design and Floral – RJA Design

Caterer – Ginger & Soul Catering

Papers: Designed by bride

Guest Favors:  Homemade pickles canned by bride and groomthe homestead 1854 wedding invitation and rsvp – elite photo

 

This was my first time photographing an event at this gem in the western suburbs of Chicago.  The mansion has the feel of an 1800s Tuscan villa and combine that with the beautifully manicured grounds and exemplary staff and service, this place is truly an inviting and memorable wedding venue.

The very first time I ever met Sarah, the immediate thing I noticed about her was her natural beauty and style.  She’s one of those people I call “glowy”.  As I’ve gotten to know her and her family more, I’ve learned they all are beautiful souls.  Eric wasn’t able to come to our first meeting, but I got to meet him as well as his two amazing kids at their engagement session we did on their hobby farm.  One of the many memorable details about this wedding was Sarah, Eric, and the kids grew all their own vegetables for their wedding reception in their garden where we actually took some photos during their e-session.  See it here.

On the wedding day, Sarah got ready in the bridal suite which featured old, big windows, striped wood floors, and a full length mirror.  During this time, her florist RJA Design and their staff put together their ceremony and reception decor which featured a “Forest Floor” feel to the long reception tables and many vintage pieces set up in and around the grounds.

Some favorite details for the day included the homemade pickled cucumber and beans Eric and Sarah made for their guests as well as the invitations and menu cards designed by Sarah herself.  The couple actually used the theme of “Wild in Love” and complemented that with the feathers, forest floor feel to the tables, and most of all their refreshing and lively personalities.  The couple took some time during their reception to take a joyride on their tandem bike they decorated with streamers to match the day.

In the evening, guest were treated to eats provided by the talented Ginger & Soul Catering in the Homestead pavilion.  Guests were seated at mismatched farm chairs and the couple chose a mauve love seat.  The dance floor under the stars featured a checkered black and red design.  What a fun place to get your groove on.candid wedding photographer in western suburbs of chicagothe homestead 1854 wedding photography – elite photothe homestead 1854 wedding photography – elite photo - bridal portraitthe homestead 1854 wedding photography – elite photothe homestead 1854 wedding photography – elite photodocumentary wedding photographer - long veildocumentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854 - bride gets dressed

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It was a slightly added pressure but we loved the responsibility and the connection we had to the menu. We also kept it a secret, so our guests didn’t find out until they read the menu cards at their place settings. It was super special for everyone involved.”

When I asked her what advice she could share with other wedding couples in the planning process, she said “DO NOT stress or waste money on little things like guest favors or adding lots of wedding signage because your guests will probably forget them.  Save that money to use to splurge on a great photographer and caterer. Also, find a dress with pockets 😉 Invaluable space for my backup lipstick and *tissues! *I KNEW I would be a total hot mess walking down the aisle and during the ceremony. Instead of stressing over what you know you are going to tear up about, just let it go, grab a tissue, and feel it.”

Sarah told me the most important and nerve-wracking part of her wedding day was the 4 sentences she dedicated to Eric’s kids during the ceremony.  She wanted to tell not only the kids but the whole family her intentions when marrying the children’s Dad – “That I would commit my whole self to being their Stepmom“.  Eric hand wrote it on a piece of paper for her because she was worried her nerves might get the best of her. She said “I carried those (words) in my wedding dress pockets, too!  And now they’re in a memory book.”documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854processional at the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854bride and groom – the homestead 1854 wedding daydocumentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854 - tandem bikedocumentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854okra decor and details – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854documentary wedding photographer – the homestead 1854wedding reception – the homestead 1854 – elite photowedding reception – signature drink – elite photowedding reception – the homestead 1854 – elite photowedding reception – the homestead 1854 – elite photowedding reception – the homestead 1854 – elite photowedding reception – the homestead 1854 – cake cuttingwedding reception – the homestead 1854 – elite photocheckered floor – the homestead 1854 – elite photowedding reception – the homestead 1854 – elite photobride and dance floor – the homestead 1854 – elite photothe homestead 1854 wedding photography – elite photothe homestead 1854 wedding photography – elite photodramatic nightime photo at the homestead 1854chicago documentary style wedding photographerchicago documentary style wedding photographer - bride dancingchicago documentary style wedding photographerchicago documentary style wedding photographer

 

Thank you, Sarah and Eric, for choosing me,  Elite Photo , to photograph this amazing Plano, Illinois wedding day and your beautiful engagement session.  Enjoy!

 

 

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Welcome to Elite Photo.
I’m Missy, and I’ll be your photographer for this beautiful journey. I’m a Batavia, IL wedding and lifestyle photographer with a love for beach holidays and ginger tea. Favorite color – sky blue

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BATAVIA, ILLINOISLOCATED INLife & wedding photographer
BATAVIA, ILLINOISLOCATED INLife & wedding photographer