Oh, how I have loved working with Shauntel and Valerie! Their day came many *years* in the making and it is such an honor to shoot their wedding knowing how much time and energy they have spent planning and saving for their big day. After shooting their engagement session earlier this year and hearing more of the details about the wedding, I was ecstatic for this day to arrive! We started out at BJ Grand Salon & Spa in Champaign for hair, makeup, and nails, and then traveled to Allerton Park (one of my favorite venues to shoot at) for their beautiful, intimate ceremony. I have to say that this blog post contains more black and white images than usual and for good reason. This day was so moving for me and the beauty of the love that Shauntel and Valerie share for each other is unlike any other couple I have photographed. The emotion of these images in black and white helps depict the emotion that existed on their day and I’m so happy with the way these images have turned out. Much love to Shauntel and Val as they start their lives together in Madison, Wisconsin. May their journey in life together always be as beautiful as their wedding day!

The first look! It took a lot of skill to get these two to this spot without them seeing each other, but it was totally worth it! I love this spot in Allerton!

The Best Cake EVER! Ok, so I have no idea what the Legend of Zelda is, but that game + Lord of the Rings made for one amazing cake design! I love how beautiful it is, but also how much it incorporates Shauntel and Valerie’s style. So awesome!

Congrats you two! XO-

Melanie