What an incredible wedding! Last Friday, I had the honor of photographing Laura and Matt’s wedding which was held at Starved Rock. Instead of using the Great Hall like many other couples do, they decided to have their ceremony at Council Rock. I’ve been to many outdoor weddings but this wedding was actually in the middle of the state park and away from everyday modern distractions. Laura and Matt met in the Peace Corps and like nature. Their wedding reflected this. Something about being in the middle of nature made the wedding special.

In a strange juxtaposition, I am currently reading “The Shelters of Stone” by Jean M. Auel which set in prehistoric era. In the book, Jondalar and Ayla have returned to Jondalar’s home which is described as being part cave and part rock overhang. I could easily imagine prehistoric cavemen once living at council rock. Ayla and Jondalar “tie the knot” on a promontory overlooking the rest of the tribe. This was much the way Laura and Matt did too!

Laura getting a sneak peek at the cake.

Matt and Laura on the promitory overlooking the cavern during the ceremony

Everybody who attended the ceremony could fit under the overhang with plenty of room to spare!

I’m not sure why, but the feelings of love between Matt and Laura were amplified out in the forest. It just seemed like I was intruding on something special between the two of them.

A beautiful sunset capped off a great day!