JILL + BRIAN

Jill and Brian met at the Cullom Fair in Cullom IL. Jill was there helping out a friend who was showing pigs.  Jill did not grow up on a farm, so this was a completely new experience for her.  Since Cullom is a small town, everyone knew everyone, except Jill. But she ended up under the high school kids version of the “shade tree” with Brian. At the time, the cool thing to do was put your number in someone’s phone under a silly name, so when Jill was able to get Brian’s phone, she put her name as “The Hot Chick”. A few weeks after the fair, Brian and his friends were looking for people to hang out with, so they were scrolling through their phones.  He found “The Hot Chick” but had no idea who it was.  Brian’s friend insisted – “you have to call her!!” because he knew who it was, but Brian still had no idea. Finally, he called her and asked her to come hang out and surprisingly, she did!

Poor Brian thought he was getting this “farm girl”, but little did he know it was all way out of her league! But it must have worked because the two were inseprable and dated 14 years! Brian had planned to propose at the Cullom Fair the second weekend in August since that was where they met, but it had been cancelled due to Covid. So he decided to do it on Jill’s 30th birthday instead. The two had gone to pick out a ring about 6 months prior, so she knew it was coming at some point, but he always said he wouldn’t propose on a holiday/birthday. Jill believed the plans was to meet her family for dinner the night of my birthday. “We were getting ready to leave and I was in the car waiting for him and he came out and said, my parents are on the way they need to drop something off, I didn’t think anything of it. They must have been close, because he said why don’t we have them take our picture while they are here, so I obliviously got out of the car, as they were pulling in he started to panic, asking where should we take our picture?? Here? Over there?? What do you think? I should have known something was up, normally he doesn’t even want to take a picture let alone be worried about its location! As soon as they got out the car they were so excited they had there phones out, practically running towards us and next thing I know he is down on one knee, finally asking me to Marry Him. I am grateful he planned “photographers” so we can cherish the moment forever!”

The two had originally wanted to get married in March of 2021, hoping for cooler weather and wanting it to happen sooner since they had already been together for 14 years, but decided to push it back a few months because they did not want to risk any guests getting sick. They hoped pushing the wedding a few months would be the best, but then as the weeks approached and the new variant developed, they were worried they may have restrictions. Thankfully, they dodged another mask mandate by 2 days, and it gave them peace of mind that those who attended the wedding all had the opportunity to be vaccinated if they chose to.
The warm (aka HOT) day was filled with sunshine and joy. Everything was close to home and had a feel of community and love.  Enjoy a look at Jill & Brian’s wedding day!

I love that the couple decided to do their first look at their home.  It’s so special to have images from their wedding day at the place where it all began.Brian is the brother of two of our favorite brides – Jenna and Sarah. Getting to see them, their families, and their children felt amazingly full circle.  The cutest little humans ever!The two looked most forward to finally being married! “We both were able to finally relax once the ceremony was finished.”  After almost 2 years of a pandemic we totally get that relief!The original party bus Jill and Brian booked ended up getting damaged the night before the wedding. The catalytic converters had been stolen – not just from the bus they needed – but from all of the buses owned by the company! So their bus was sooo loud!  They could barely hear each other talk. They were grateful to still have a ride, but it certainly wasn’t what they’d expected. But the bus driver Jan was soo much fun – so much so that they requested to add her to a few pictures!! “Looking back we will never forget Jan and our loud bus!”The theme for the day was “Rustic Farm”.  “We met at a fair, Brian’s family farms, we live in a farming community and also live in a farmhouse, seemed appropriate!”This might have been our favorite part of the reception… 66 Licks is owned by the Parents of the Bride & Sister of the Bride and was UNBELIEVABLY good!!  Only regret was not getting one of each!!  https://www.facebook.com/66licks/First Dance Song: Make it Easy by Sierra Black

Bridal Gown- Bridal Elegance https://www.bridalelegance.us.com/
Bridal Alterations- Personal Touch Sewing http://www.personaltouchsewing.com/
Tux Rental- Bliss Bridal https://www.blissbridalprom.com/
Venue- Kankakee County Fairgrounds https://www.kankakeefair.org/
Videographer- Videos By Design https://ilvideodesign.com/
Bus Service- Larry LaCost Shuttle Buses Decor Rental ( we rented our large items from Becky)- Old Oak Vintage https://www.oldoaksvintagerentals.com/
Decor & Flowers- were all made by the Bride
Custom Signs & Gifts Cloth and Pallet https://www.clothandpallet.com Band- Twice the Action https://www.facebook.com/twicetheactionchicago Caterer- Tools Catering by Tom Tuley Cake/Cupcakes- Deb Grieff (Godmother of the Bride) Ice Cream- 66 Licks (owned by the Parents of the Bride & Sister of the Bride) https://www.facebook.com/66licks/ Hotel- Hilton Garden Inn Kankakee, IL