“Ryan and I hold this wedding very close to our hearts!! ( You might even notice us standing up for this one! That’s because we not only took turns photographing their wedding, but we also played a big part in this one. Ryan was Scott’s bestman and I was a bridesmaid. )

 

YAY … Ryan’s sister Cherilyn married her high school sweetheart Scott and we’re so HAPPY for them! : )

 

But we can’t take all of the credit for this one. During the ceremony, the groom’s sister Corinne filled in with one of our cameras. A HUGE thanks goes out to Corinne from the both of us and Scott + Cherilyn in capturing some additional moments throughout the day and rising to the challenge. ( After all we proposed the idea to her just a few hours before the wedding rehearsal on Friday night. She admitted she’s always wanted to get more into photography, so it was perfect for her. )

 

Scott + Cherilyn’s early in May, Spring wedding fell on a bitter cold and windy day – which was a bit of a bummer. But thank goodness the clouds didn’t drop any rain on us all day. And after the ceremony, the bridal party was relieved to have a few minutes to warm up in the nearby private canyonside cabin at Starved Rock Lodge. S+C’s picturesque outdoor ceremony location was situated amidst a canopy of trees where close family members gathered all bundled up in blankets & jackets. Everyone kept the day warm with lots of smiles and happiness. Scott being an avid outdoorsman and hunter, Starved Rock was the perfect ceremony location for their wedding. ( Scott even works part time for Miller’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop located in Plainfield Illinois… stop by their shop for a taste of the best meat you’ll find in Northern Illinois. )

 

S+C’s outdoor May wedding ceremony was at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. Their Spring wedding took place just outside of the rustic, canyonside log cabin on a romantic flagstone terrace surrounded by nature. After the ceremony, the bride, groom and bridal party bundled up from the cold ( me and the girls even put on pants under our dresses ) and we headed into a canyon for a couple in the canyon photos. The hiking helped warmed us up. And later in the evening with toasting, laughing, celebrating and dancing at Scott + Cherilyn’s reception in Ottawa at Pit Stick Pavillion, everyone easily became warmed up again. In knowing all of the Miller’s very well, we know we will be talking about Scott + Cherilyn’s wedding at one of the next Miller family or Stewart farm get togethers soon and probably for many years to come!!

 

Scott + Cherilyn we hope you enjoyed your wedding day and the photo memories captured on your wedding day. Love ya both and we are excited about your future together as husband + wife. Wishing many wonderful years to come for you guys… Hugs + Kisses.”

 

 

 

 

We love the Starved Rock area!! We are out in the Illinois River Valley area often because it’s so picturesque. Be sure to visit our other wedding photos blog post from in August 2009 featuring images Starved Rock wedding photography from Mohsin + Heidi’s outdoor wedding ceremony, canyon photos and reception in the lodge. We are often in the Starved Rock for engagement sessions too. Be sure to visit our Starved Rock Engagement Photo Session Archive before you leave our blog.

Sarah + Ryan Miller:

“Mohsin + Heidi traveled with family and friends to Heidi’s home state of Illinois to unite in marriage under a canopy of trees at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL. A far contrast from their current location in bustling New York City as graduate students at Columbia University, Starved Rock offered Heidi memories of her early childhood visits hiking the canyons, as well as the perfect wedding location incorporating the beauty of nature, an intimate ceremony backdrop and rustic retreat of the lodge.

 

M+H planned for a romantic pre-ceremony, private meeting spot followed by a hike into one of the park’s many sandstone canyons which served as a beautiful backdrop for their bridal photos. A wedding at Starved Rock Lodge is an excellent option when searching for a Chicago outdoor wedding ceremony location – it is noted as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.

 

With the early morning rain thankfully receding, Mohsin + Heidi’s ceremony proceeded outdoors where the soft sounds of a dulcimer enhanced the Islamic Nikah ceremony officiated by the Imam. Heidi customized every visual element of their destination wedding day with the incorporation of personalized details of brilliant, peacock feathers which influenced the variety of jewel tones in her bridesmaid’s dresses and various feathers within the wedding programs, bridal hair pieces and décor. She looked stunning in her unique, 1920’s vintage style, v-line Jenny Lee gown purchased from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in NYC. Thank you Heidi + Mohsin and congratulations! We enjoyed spending your wedding day with the two of you.”

 

Contact Jill Jacobs the wedding coordinator at Starved Rock Lodge by calling 800-868-ROCK.
For wedding and bridal party hair and make-up, contact Heidi’s stylist Neil at Luscious Moi Beauty Salon located in LaSalle, Illinois at (815) 220-8005.
View Heidi + Mohsin’s published wedding announcement in The New York Times by clicking here.