Brooke + Tyler : Pontiac IL Wedding

They happened to be put in the same car riding to a summer work camp with their youth group. He tortured her the whole way there, but stuck by her side the rest of the week. They stayed up all night in a cabin together at the end of the week and from there Brooke and Tyler became best friends.
He later asked her to a school dance “as a friend” during his senior year of high school (her junior year). During one of the slow dances of the night Tyler asked Brooke to be his girlfriend, and on December 30, 2016 he asked her to be his wife when on a pilgrimage to Israel, he proposed on top of Mount Tabor, and church bells began ringing as soon as Brooke said yes. It couldn’t have felt more meant to be.
Which is exactly how their day felt!! Even though this summer has been SO. HOT., Brooke and Tyler’s day was a bit overcast which made it feel comfortable and nice. Brooke and Tyler had every element of a perfect day, and we felt so thrilled to be back in Cullom IL/Pontiac for another sweet, small town wedding that was surrounded in love!
Enjoy Brooke and Tyler’s day!

Brooke and her dad have the sweetest relationship and bond. The first time he saw her in her wedding dress was spectacular!Gah – can you believe it!!??? Roger caught this moment where Brooke and Tyler spontaneously unicorned all on their own. Such a proud moment there to see a real life unicorn! 😉We love photos of all kinds, but it’s photos of the moments like the ones below that really are our “why”. Real, honest joy always makes for the best photographs!We’ve photographed weddings in this church several times and have always LOVED it. It’s absolutely stunning and has so much history in it’s architecture. We were so sad to find out that this Catholic church in Cullom IL is closing it’s doors, but honored to photograph the last wedding that would take place there. We had to do some extra special images in the church to commemorate the event. <3I have to gush about another thing that made Brooke and Tyler’s wedding perfect – their wedding party!! 4 people on each side is the magic number. Working with this amount not only looks the best in photos, it makes for such an effortless, stress free day! Not only for the person photographing, but for everyone. These 10 people were able to bond and laugh and really enjoy one another’s company while getting great photos that were fun because it was such a manageable group! Brides and Grooms should seriously take the advice of these two and have an intimate wedding party!Grain bins and old railroad tracks – I do!For the love – I just melt with these two!Just a couple of supermodels.Brooke seriously – you are perfection. Because Brooke and Tyler allowed a perfect amount of time in between their ceremony and the reception, we were able to hit up a couple different spots for their photos! And when we saw this field of flowers we knew this was going to be one of them! It was the perfect setting for these two!The perfect group hug!“Sprinkles are for winners” just happens to be my mantra.I have to say, 2018 has been the year for jaw dropping backs of wedding dresses!! I just love the thoughtful elegance of Brooke’s dress and how gorgeous it is with her dad’s hands on her back. Dad’s hands on a daughter’s back is always special to me – I can’t help but think about how those hands held her as a baby, worked hard to provide for her, and now hold her as he gives her away. I think everyone must have read this sign because from the moment the dance floor opened up it was PACKED!! Everyone definitely had a blast at this wedding!!

FROM THE BRIDE + GROOM:

THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF THE DAY?
Saying our vows and officially becoming husband and wife. Being engaged for a year and a half, that moment always felt so far, so it was surreal when it was finally happening, and each of us will remember the goofy grin on the others’ face.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDE/GROOMS?
Take mental pictures throughout the day. Everyone will tell you that it goes by fast, but you won’t take them seriously until you’re living it. Make sure to take time during your day to enjoy the moment and pay attention to the details.
THEIR SONG
Yours by Russel Dickerson
IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL OVER, WOULD YOU CHANGE ANYTHING?
When people say the day goes by quickly, they aren’t kidding. I would never change a thing about our best day ever, I just wish it would’ve gone by slower.
HONEYMOON LOCATION
Paradise Island, Bahamas
WEDDING PROFESSIONALS
flowers – Becky Freed
DJ – Starlight Karaoke & DJ
venue & catering – Pontiac Elks Lodge
cake – Cakes by Marissa

Brooke and Tyler, we can’t possibly say more wonderful words about the two of you and your day!! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and cheers to your beginning!
Please enjoy more of this day in the video below!