“I met the girl.”

That was the text message that Jason’s best man received a week after Jason and Kaitlin met.  It didn’t say, I met a girl… it said I met the girl.

Jason and Kaitlin met at a wedding almost exactly two years before their own wedding day.  They both happened to be a part of the bridal party that day and Kaitlin just happened to be the only single bridesmaid.  When their attraction began that day I’m not sure but they both recall their first dance together that night.  They smiled and danced to Shut up and Dance by Walk the Moon at their friend’s wedding.  I bring this up because they decided it was only fitting to open the dance floor at their wedding reception this past Saturday to the same song.  Jason and Kaitlin jumped around and encouraged everyone to join them in the song that marked the beginning of their relationship together.

While their relationship began due to mutual connections, Jason and Kaitlin have so many more things in common with each other. For starters, they both attended the University of Illinois and are both big Illini fans.  So much so that they had their engagement photos taken there and also held their wedding reception at the Colonnades Club at Memorial Stadium.  As if their love for their alma mater wasn’t clear, Jason made sure it was during their reception when he took off his air force mess dress to reveal a bold orange and blue Illini dress shirt.

In addition to their love for the University of Illinois, Jason and Kaitlin also share a love for running and races.  Jason’s best man talked about the first time he met Kaitlin was when Jason participated in an Ironman Triathlon. He laughed recalling how Kaitlin seemed almost as exhausted as Jason when he finished because she was so emotionally involved in it all.  It was then that Jason’s best man knew how special Kaitlin was and how perfect they were for each other.

I could talk about Jason and Kaitlin for forever.  The love that they share for each other and the laughter that comes with it makes me smile just typing this.  Jason and Kaitlin were so thankful and kind throughout their entire wedding day to my second shooter Taylor and myself.  They reminded us of how much we love our job and how special it is to photograph someone’s wedding day.  Thank you Jason and Kaitlin for being so amazing. We loved being a part of your day!

          

VENDORS —

Hair & Makeup – Timothy John Salon

Florist – Blossom Basket

Wedding Dress – Martellens Bridal (Maggie Sottero)

Suits – Jos. A Bank

Programs – Cals Printing

Reception Music – Bugbee DJ Plus

Cake – Cream and Flutter

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To see more like this University of Illinois wedding, check out:

Charming Kentucky Wedding, Kevin & Rachel, Crestwood KY

Pear Tree Estate Wedding, Cody & Laura, Champaign IL

Windows on Washington Wedding, Scott & Meredith, St. Louis MO