Melissa and Patrick | Destination Wedding Photographer

This wedding is very near and dear to me. Why? Because I've known the bride my entire life. She's my beautiful, smart, and talented cousin. And I'm the lucky one who got to photograph the intimate details of her and her (now) husband's amazing wedding day.

So meet Melissa and Patrick. These two Illinois natives found each other through a string of serendipitous events (all of which Melissa's brother, Grant, likes to take credit for.)

On the most lovely sunny day, they were married on the Peoria riverfront surrounded by their closest friends and family. A lock and key ceremony symbolized their union and they tossed the keys into the river. The thing I loved about these two was the significance they put on their ceremony. Everything meant something, and that is always so sweet and romantic.

After the ceremony, we walked a couple blocks down to the Gateway Building, a beautiful brick building that looks over the bridge and river. It's boasts one of the best views of the river in the city.

Melissa and Patrick planned every little detail of their wedding. It was hands down one of the best days I've been a part of because these two are so sweet together. I cannot wait to see where life takes them together!

Cheers to the newlyweds!