Amanda and Kraig had an absolutely BEAUTIFUL and romantic wedding at the Destihl Brewery in Normal Illinois. The day was filled with good times and smiles all around. Even after I had Amanda stand on top of an anthill for the first look!
Amanda and Kraig both took their mornings slowly with their wedding party, Kraig getting ready at his best friend’s home while Amanda and her bridesmaids got ready at their hotel. They both prepared gifts and letters for one another which was SO sweet, and they actually both bought each other perfume and cologne as gifts to wear on their wedding day!
Amanda and Kraig had their first look at Fransen Nature Area in Normal Illinois which is SUCH a beautiful spot to take your photos in Normal, but take note that there is little to no parking outside of the nature center. Luckily we were able to make it work!
After positioning Kraig so he wouldn’t see Amanda when she walked out of her car, Amanda went to greet her soon-to-be husband on their wedding day! I am ALL about first looks and all of the sweet emotions that come from them.
Soon after Amanda and Kraig had a few moments alone together, their videographers and I realized that Amanda had been standing on an anthill! In all of the layers within her dress, there were ants crawling ALL over. The whole wedding party and vendor team that was present came together and started working to remove every single ant one by one. Everyone including Amanda was laughing at the whole ordeal.
After their first look we took some wedding party photos and made sure to be EXTRA vigilant for insect homes nearby.
Amanda and Kraig hosted their ceremony, as well as their reception at Destihl Brewery in Normal Illinois. Destihl Brewery is an awesome venue for really all aspects of a ceremony and a reception. Upon arriving, their guests were able to grab drinks at the bar while they waited for the ceremony. Destihl sets aside a really beautiful spot just outside of the reception hall for their ceremony decorated with anything the couple brings with them as well as barrels and seating for their guests. Pollen and Pastry decorated the space beautifully giving their brewery wedding a romantic and rustic feel.
For their reception they had their tables set up family-style, making the feel for their reception so relaxed and fun. Their tables were decorated beautifully and everyone was so excited to celebrate Amanda and Kraig. Between the lighting, the florals, and the setup at the Destihl Brewery, the evening felt so romantic and fun.
Right around sunset, we asked Kraig and Amanda if they wanted to sneak outside for some sunset photos and to have a moment alone, and let me tell you, we were SO excited when we got out there. The view outside Destihl Brewery was absolutely gorgeous. If you can, in your timeline make sure to set aside 15 or 20 minutes right around sunset to sneak outside and take a couple of photos with you and your now spouse! It gives you two a chance to have a moment of alone time on your wedding night and it also gives you another opportunity to take some gorgeous portraits on your wedding day.
Venue: Destihl Brewery @thebarrelroom_destihl @destihlbrewery
HMU: Fringe Salon Bloomington @fringesalon_bloomington
Dress: Adore Bridals @adorebridals
Video: Lacey Graham Photo @laceygrahamphoto
Bridesmaids: @balticbornclothing
Flowers: Pollen and Pastry @pollenandpastry
Ceremony chairs: @theeventexperiencecompany
Interested in booking me for your own romantic wedding? Fill out my wedding inquiry form here!
an illinois Boudoir and Wedding photographer based in bloomington, Il.
Available for travel throughout Chicago, Peoria, and the midwest!
Danabell.photography@gmail.com
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