THE VALENTES


From the moment I first met Sarah and Anthony during their consultation call in the booking process, I knew these two were going to be some of my favorite clients to work with. One of the fun parts of this gig is finding out how small of a world it is when you make connections with people you've never met before.


the DETAILS


Details will always *hands down* be my favorite way to start shooting a wedding day. The rings, the invitations, the florals, the dress, the veil - they're all so fun to play with and get the creative juices flowing. And can we please take a moment to admire these shoes?! The definition of glamorous!


Sarah and her girls stayed at Wonderland in Paris, the cutest little Airbnb, to get ready for the day. Booking an Airbnb house allowed the ladies to spread out and get dolled up with ease. The house had a fun, eclectic vibe and was the perfect hangout for this girl gang. From the retro couches to the vibrant colors, I loved exploring this neat little gem.

GETTING READY


First Look Studio out of Terre Haute provided an exceptional hair and makeup experience for these ladies. Sarah and her girls chose trendy floral silk pajamas for their getting ready photos, and we took the most fun, girly photos on the bed in the main bedroom. It was giving all the BFF sleepover vibes.

the FIRST LOOKS


Once Sarah slipped into her stunning dress, we snapped some photos with her mom, Lisa, and then tucked her away for the first looks. The house's unique nod to yesteryear served as a moody, romantic background for the photos, which made the moments even more intimate and special. You could visibly tell that Sarah and her dad, Matt, share a special bond. There wasn't a dry eye in the house during their first look. When it became Anthony's turn, he was overcome with emotion when he saw his bride for the first time in her dress. The reflections in the mirror hanging above the classic fireplace mantle gave an intimate glance at the emotions that were flowing during these moments.

the BRIDAL PARTY


If I had one word to describe Sarah and Anthony's wedding party, it would have to be easygoing. These guys were so incredibly helpful, patient, kind, and uplifting. They surrounded the bride and groom with so much love and positivity that it made the entire day flow like a breeze. They willingly volunteered to handle quick tasks, assist with family portraits, and made sure my second shooter and I were taken care of. Sarah and Anthony are blessed with this bunch for sure!

A winter wedding scene features two women in red velvet and white lace gowns standing among bare trees.
A candid black and white outdoor wedding photo capturing a tender moment between two people in formalwear.
Wedding photograph featuring coordinated suits with red bow ties and boutonnieres against a backdrop of bare winter trees.
Two people in dark suits with red bow ties stand together in a wooded outdoor setting during autumn.
Two men in black suits pose back-to-back in a playful stance among bare trees in an outdoor setting.
Black and white portrait of two people in formal suits with bow ties sharing a joyful moment outdoors.
Two men in matching dark suits and bowties pose together outdoors among bare trees on a grassy landscape.
Two matching groomsmen in black tuxedos with red bowties stand among bare trees on autumn grounds.
Two people wearing black tuxedos with bow ties pose together outdoors against a backdrop of bare winter trees.
Group of groomsmen in black tuxedos and red bow ties stand in formation outdoors during a wedding photoshoot.
A group in black formal suits huddles together playfully outdoors against a backdrop of bare winter trees.
Groomsmen in black suits huddle together laughing in a playful pose against bare winter trees in autumn field.
Two groomsmen in dark suits and bow ties pose together outdoors in front of bare trees on a cloudy day.
Two bridal attendants pose in a fall landscape wearing elegant gowns and fur wraps with a bouquet of red flowers.
A group in burgundy dresses and white gown pose together outdoors on a fall day among bare trees.

the BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS


I came to this wedding equipped with a slew of umbrellas (thanks, Jess!), so you can imagine my relief that the rain held off. We took these mind-blowing portraits near a creek and waterfall next to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, located out in the Paris countryside. Sarah and Anthony were already accustomed to being in front of my camera thanks to their engagement session a few months prior, so we rolled right through these prompts and poses for some incredible shots that are certainly going to be printed and hung on walls in the future.

the CEREMONY


If we're being honest, my heart skipped a beat when I walked through the doors of the charming St. Aloysius church. From the balcony view to the gorgeous architecture, I was in love with every aspect of it. Rich in history, this tiny little brick church served as the perfect place for Sarah and Anthony to vow their love to one another in front of friends and family.

the RECEPTION


The reception was held close by at Sarah's family's farm. Everyone pitched in to get the farm's shop spiffed up, machinery moved out, and decorated the place. However, this was not your typical DIY venue. Once we stepped foot inside, I knew we were in for an unforgettable night. The shop transformed into a classy, sophisticated, and elegant space. Black tie attire, the Bluewater Kings Band playing jazzy Frank Sinatra tunes, wintry floral arrangements, the delicious scent of Beef House rolls, and the cutest salvaged claw-foot iron bathtubs-turned-drink containers demanded your attention as soon as you stepped foot inside. Personalized wine bottles accessorized every table while twinkling white lights romantically lit the space. This party was like walking into an upscale jazz club - you never would have guessed farm machinery was sitting out on the dance floor a few days before.

A wine bottle on an elegant wedding reception table decorated with pine branches and twinkling lights.
A couple cuts their wedding cake together at a rustic reception venue decorated with white draping and twinkling lights.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a milkshake together at their wedding reception.
Joyful couple makes their grand entrance at a wedding reception in an industrial venue decorated with string lights.
A group of people in formal attire seated at round tables during an indoor event in a warehouse-style venue.
Reception decorations of red and white roses with baby's breath and wine bottles under twinkling string lights in an indoor venue.
A black and white wedding photo showing couple seated at decorated table with floral arrangements in an indoor venue.
A couple dances at a holiday party with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
A black and white photograph of couple dancing together at an indoor venue with band equipment in the background.
Elderly couple smiles together at holiday celebration in decorated barn-style venue with lit Christmas tree in background.
Guests dance during a festive celebration with a lit Christmas tree and other party-goers in the background.
A couple in wedding attire poses with their husky dog at an indoor reception with a decorated Christmas tree in background.
Black and white photo of a bearded performer singing on stage with musicians playing instruments and holiday decor in background.
A couple in wedding attire kneels and pets their black and white dog during their wedding reception.
People gather for a holiday celebration at an indoor venue with a decorated Christmas tree and elegant formal attire.

A VERY SPECIAL guest

After the speeches were finished and the cake was cut, Sarah and Anthony's sweet pup, Chief, made his grand entrance to the dance floor in his very own tuxedo. Chief made an appearance in the engagement session photos back in the fall, and I can certainly vouch that he is one of (if not, the most!) well-behaved dog I've ever come across! Clearly, he is a special piece of the puzzle for this couple, so it was only fitting to include him in the festivities.

Couple in knit sweaters sharing an intimate moment while sitting by a lake on an autumn day.

to Sarah + Anthony


I cannot even begin to thank you for your kindness and generosity towards me throughout your photography experience. You spoiled me rotten with your laid back personalities, attention to detail, and stellar sense of style. I truly wish you nothing but a long and happy marriage!

Best wishes,

- Liz

Vendors

Wedding photography | Woods + Co. Photography

Venue(s) | Aloysius Church & Ellis Farms

Hair & makeup | First Look Studio - Terre Haute, IN

Florals | Anja & Anna Valente

Cake | Anna Valente

Live band | The Bluewater Kings Band

Dress | Down the Aisle Bridal Shop - Dunlap, IL

Bridesmaid dresses | Azazie

Dress alterations | Catia's Alterations - Washington, IL

Airbnb | Wonderland in Paris - Paris, IL

Caterer | Beef House - Covington, IN