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Erik + Valerie

If I’m being completely honest, this wedding has been in the works since the first time I met Erik when Val introduced me to him at our part time job. He would come in and sit at the bar as Val cleaned, waiting for her to be off work. This happened religiously. I just knew there was something special about their connection!

As time went on, the two of them bought a house and quickly became engaged. What happened next melted my heart. Erik (who everyone calls Chico) came to me and told me that Val had wanted me to photograph the wedding… so he wanted to book with me and surprise her! MAJOR GROOM POINTS! So we sat at Starbucks and chatted for hours about the wedding and planned everything so well that the final day timeline barely changed from our original (again, Chico, major groom points).

I. Was. So. Excited. For. This. Wedding.

Not only because Valerie and I have been friends for almost 4 years BUT also because I just knew how special this day would be for them and I was so incredibly honored to be a part of it.

Their wedding was nothing short of perfect, taking place at Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL. Just before the ceremony, Valerie was downstairs opening her gift box from Erik when all of the sudden she laugh/screams, “Sara! …Chico got me BIRKS!” They were the EXACT same size, color, and style as the ones I was wearing (ummm, majoooorrrr groom points, again)!

The short and sweet ceremony brought me to tears (as always) and I couldn’t be happier for my gorgeous friend and her new husband. You two don’t know how much I love you so thank you so much for honoring me with capturing your wedding… Valerie, you looked absolutely beyond breathtaking, and Chico, you’re perfect for Val. Oh, and now that you’re back from Riviera Maya we need to go on a double date again!

Erik + Valerie, congratulations again on your exquisite wedding… thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to be a part of your most precious day. It means the world to me. I wish you both the most amazing of marriages + the happiest of ever afters.

Love, Sara

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A big thanks to all the vendors who helped make this wedding possible! Incredible job!

DRESS: Brandi’s Bridal Galleria | brandisbridal.com

CEREMONY: Church by the Side of the Road |churchbythesideoftheroad.com

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Brandi’s Bridal Galleria | brandisbridal.com

INVITATIONS: Rock River Printers | http://rockriverprinters.yolasite.com/

CAKE: Halo Cupcake |halocupcake.com

GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Seno FormalWear | https://www.senoformalwear.com/

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: Chelsea Marie Photography | http://chelseamariephotography815.weebly.com/

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