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Hi friends!
Up to this point, I've helped professionally coordinate wedding ceremonies through my part-time job as a Wedding Assistant through the Diocese of Peoria. In the past, I've also helped with the weddings of family and friends, so I wanted to showcase a few of those for you all! First up: Nate & Jasemia Dillon! Nate and Jas were married on August 5th, 2017. Nate is my husband's first cousin. I remember meeting Jas when Nate brought her home for Christmas for the first time - we all loved her! She has such a warm, kind, and charismatic personality. Nate is the same way - laid back, easygoing, and can have a conversation with anyone. They are such a great couple! They have a 3 year old son, Liam, and are expecting a baby girl in July!
📷: Stephanie Bartman Photography
My husband's family owns Jonah's Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar (they just added on a Market & Bake Shop too!) so naturally, Jas and Nate had their rehearsal dinner at Jonah's. My mother-in-law and I helped set up & decorate the space. It was so fun! They had a long table down the middle of the room for their head table, and served heavy appetizers for a more laid-back feel. We used centerpieces of simple greenery & hydrangeas picked from my mother-in-law's back yard.
Now, on to the ceremony - my husband was a groomsman and my daughter was their flower girl! Have you seen a cuter combo?! Catherine made it about a quarter of the way down the aisle before Tate had to walk out and meet her. It was so adorable. Cue the tears!
📷: Stephanie Bartman Photography
I actually did tear up when I saw Jas in her dress for the first time. There's this little stone alcove at Sacred Heart where the bride waits as her bridal party walks down the aisle. I was helping Catherine wait for her turn when Jas came around the corner to walk down the aisle. I audibly gasped. She looked so stunning! And I loved the look on Nate's face - just beaming with joy!
📷: Stephanie Bartman Photography
We also helped prep the Cotillion Room at the Pere Marquette Hotel for Jas and Nate's reception. It's such a grand room to begin with; it doesn't need a lot of decoration! Michele's Floral Events did the centerpieces and they were so perfect. I loved that Jas picked out navy anemones for her bouquet and arrangements. They were gorgeous! We set out gold chargers, tied together satin bows, and placed floating candles around the room, including on the head table. Everything was set, so we were able to relax and celebrate with the new Mr. & Mrs. Dillon!
📷: Stephanie Bartman Photography
Thank you so much, Nate & Jas, for letting us be such a big part of your wedding day! This wedding is one of my favorites to look back on because we created so many wonderful memories throughout the entire day (and late into the night!). That's what I love most about weddings: creating a once-in-a-lifetime event for friends and families to create lifelong memories. The bride & groom shouldn't have to worry about anything on their wedding day. Just like Nate & Jas, they should be focused on celebrating the beginning of their new lives together!
📷: Stephanie Bartman Photography
Details:
Rehearsal Dinner: Jonah's Seafood House
Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Photography: Stephanie Bartman Photography
Reception Venue: Hotel Pere Marquette - Cotillion Room
Dress: David's Bridal
Floral: Michelle's Floral Events