Rachel & Drew's Wedding at The Highland Loft | Elgin, IL


Rachel & Drew wed May 6th, 2022 at the Highland Loft in Elgin, IL. Although I met with them initially for photography, they decided to go another route, and just a few short weeks ago, I was informed they needed my help.


They reached out to their wedding planner to let her know how unhappy they had become with the original photographer they had booked. After an update by video chat about what they had encountered, and what Rachel's fears were, I told her I was available and would be happy to take care of them on their wedding day.


Even just after the first few emails to discuss details, timelines, and more, Rachel breathed a rather audible sigh of relief. She even told me, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate it and how much stress this has lifted already. I think we got swept up in the big business and all the extras that they included and didn't think about the benefits of having a photographer/business owner doing our wedding. So thank you so much for being there to pick up this mess!!!" This couple had so many bumps in the road on their way to the altar, that I was willing to do anything I could to make them both happy and turn their experience from dread to elation. But the bumps didn't end there.


Their wedding day arrived and I was watching the weather closely. She had hopes of having her first looks at Lords Park in Elgin and having beautiful springtime bridal formals in the park as well. The entire week of their wedding I watched the rain percentage climb. 24%. 32%. 48%. It seemed inevitable that we wouldn't make it outside for her portraits, but where there's a will, there is a way.


The wedding day arrived and I was still keeping my eye on the sky. Someone up there, please make this happen, she is going to be heartbroken yet again if we can't do these portraits at the park. Hair and makeup were complete and the rain was still coming down. We did the first looks, and the rain continued to fall. Just as we finished family formals, I checked and it looked like we could possibly sneak in a few pictures outside. I asked her, "Should we give it a go? You might need a hair touchup after, but it's only drizzling right now." Rachel's reply was priceless. "Do you think we can? You know what, YOLO." I cracked up laughing. "Let's do it then!"


Rachel, Drew, my second shooter, Sierra, and I all packed in my car to head to Lords Park. We didn't see the need of dragging the entire party out if the weather was so iffy. By the time we arrived, IT STOPPED RAINING. We immediately called back to the Loft to get the rest of the bridal party out there and get their portraits out of the way while we awaited their arrival. We may not have had sun, but we had bright overcast clouds, which I think is simply God's massive softbox for photographers. We finished up portraits and bridal party photos just in time to head back to the venue and really get things started with the "I do's" and "you may kiss your bride."


I am so happy that I was able to help Rachel and Drew salvage their day (not only from the rain but the less-than-ideal previous vendor), help alleviate the stress they were encountering, and simply let them enjoy their weddings day... as it should be done!


Congratulations, Rachel & Drew. You were so sweet to us, we were so happy to see your smiles on your big day and glad that we were able to help you out in a pinch!


Venue: Highland Loft Elgin, IL

Dresses: Stella York, Brides by Young

Suits: Men's Warehouse

Catering & Event Coordination: Your Day Your Way Weddings and Events

Cake: Sam's Club

DJ: Highland Preferred

Photography: Parker Photography IL