I have asked Sara to personally write her thoughts about her wedding and the course that she and Ben took with their planning, here is what she wrote: “One of the best compliments we received on our wedding day was how much the wedding ceremony and reception fit our personalities and style. To Ben and I, that was the most important part of the entire celebration! When planning a wedding, it’s so easy to get lost in all the little things, like the minor details that turn into a big deal. Or your friends and family’s opinions/ideas filling your head. But when it was all said and done, this was OUR day and we really wanted to make sure our wedding reflected who we are as individuals and as a couple.

Ben and I both appreciate classic, clean, and simple (though, trust me, there is no such thing as a simple wedding). We appreciate culture and a little history. I’ll be honest; I just love the look of the 60s. Incorporating both our tastes into the planning of our wedding, well, I guess you could say that our wedding ended up having a “vintage” vibe to it. Our Rehearsal Dinner as well as a large part of our photo shoot was located at the Vrooman Mansion, a historical landmark and bed-and-breakfast in Bloomington-Normal. The mansion really set the tone for our vintage look and the attire just fell into place. The girls wore black Jackie O. shift dresses and small birdcage veils to match. Ben was in a cut-away tux and I in a very old-fashioned, yet somewhat modern, lace and taffeta gown. The best part was my pillbox hat and veil, which I fell in love with at the bridal salon at first glance!

Speaking of the bridal salon, I cannot say enough how fabulous my experience was at Dimitra’s Bridal in Chicago, IL. The staff I worked with there were more concerned about finding the right dress for me, rather than selling me the most expensive dress in the salon (which had been consistent with other experiences I have had–I’m buying my wedding dress, not a used car).

Our flowers were done by Casey’s in Bloomington, IL. Picking out flowers was a bit scary for me, but it was like they could read my mind. I had hand picked a dozen types that I liked, but I had no idea how these flowers would look when all together in a bouquet or flower arrangement. However, Casey’s was able to create exactly what I had pictured in my mind. I’m not easy to please, so this was rather impressive.
A good friend of mine, Alissa Strait, designed and assembled the save the dates, invitations, and wedding programs. I could not have asked for invitations that better suited our wedding theme than what she had created. Truly stunning artwork.

Our cake was done by Michalene Hundman, who is known throughout central Illinois for her wedding cakes–both delectable and elegantly decorated. We went with pumpkin cake, our absolute favorite, which also fit the season.

And who could have a wedding without the photographers! Katelyn and Mark from Mark Romine Photography were just as fabulous in person as they are talented. Thanks to them, our day was documented in the most beautiful, artistic manner and even the smallest details of our wedding day will never be forgotten.

The reception and catering was done through Bloomington Country Club. The club was gorgeous, the food delicious, and Carl (the wedding coordinator) was remarkable. He made sure that everything went off without a hitch. I had nothing to worry about, what a relief! I could actually enjoy my own wedding.

And Ben and I did just that. It was by far, the best wedding we have ever been to! Thank you to all of the wonderful people who put in their best efforts to make sure our day was as just as amazing and memorable as it was.”

Photography by: Mark Romine Photography
Dress: Cymbelin
Florals: Casey’s Garden Shop
Ceremony Location: Evelyn Chapel
Reception: Bloomington Country Club