Laura + Travis had the ultimate autumn wedding day for their Illini Country Club Wedding in Springfield, Illinois. The weather could not have been more perfect on this November day.

Their Story

After months of anticipation, Laura took the Illinois bar exam in July 2017. One of her best friends from law school invited Travis, his friend from middle school, to a celebratory happy hour that evening in River North. Allegedly, Travis introduced himself to Laura (although Laura does not recall this). She left for a month-long Europe trip the very next day and didn’t see Travis again until a few months later. Travis was very intrigued by Laura’s long list of restaurants she wanted to try while living in Chicago, and they quickly made plans to go on a double date the next week.

Thus began many months of Travis very patiently trying to woo Laura while she lived her best single girl life in River North. Eventually, Travis decided to give it one last try, and he took Laura to dinner at Bohemian House. Unfortunately for Travis, he had eaten a bad hot dog earlier at the Cubs’ opening day game and spent most of the date getting sick in the bathroom. Fortunately for Laura, this incident made her realize just how much she liked Travis. The rest is history.

Laura and Travis have spent the past five years eating around Chicago and traveling the world, making memories while hiking the Inca Trail in Peru and exploring Mayan caves in Belize. In October 2023, Travis took Laura to Acadia National Park and, after two weather-thwarted attempts, proposed to her on the Maine coast. They celebrated by demolishing roadside lobster rolls and pounding oysters at their new favorite spot in Bar Harbor.

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

While Travis and his groomsmen got ready at the Illini Country Club locker room, Laura + her friends were at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel. For their first look, we met up at Illinois State Capitol Building in downtown Springfield. Afterwards we took some portraits around the area with the full wedding party (definitely one of the largest groups I’ve encountered this year!). We then went over to a property across town that used to belong to Laura’s grandfather. The road to get down to the house was breathtaking! The fall colors on the trees added so much magic to this day. Malcolm, the couple’s dog, was brought by friends and joined us for a few photos before we drove back to the venue.

Illini Country Club Wedding

Laura + Travis had a gorgeous outdoor ceremony next to the golf course at the Illini Country Club. There were even deer behind the couple as they said their vows. That moment that could not have been more magical. They kissed right as the sun began to set over the horizon. Cocktail hour took place inside as guests were able to enjoy signature cocktails and appetizers. Once everyone was sat for the reception, the wedding party + the newlyweds were introduced. Their first dance was followed by dinner and speeches. After Laura danced with her father and Travis danced with his mom, the dance floor opened up.

Toward the end of the night, Laura circled up with her sorority sisters to partake in a fun tradition. Each one of them drank from a large chalice that was passed around a circle. I’d never seen this at a wedding before and was super excited to see it happen! Laura + Travis then poured some champagne down a tower for a cool photo + video moment. Right before photography coverage concluded, the wedding party and immediate family joined us outside. They all lit their sparklers as the couple walked through the tunnel. It was a great way to end the night!

Venue: Illini Country Club / Bride’s Getting Ready Hotel: President Abraham Lincoln Springfield / Florals: True Colors Floral / Hair: BJ Grand Salon & Spa / Makeup: Morgan Carroll Douglas / Stationary: Emery Ann Design / Dress: Alice in Ivory / Suit: The Black Tux / Band: Sway Chicago / Cake: Incredibly Delicious / Videography: Madisen Timp Weddings