Jillian + Mark’s Spring Wedding at Anderson Japanese Gardens & Prairie Street Brewhouse

WOW, what a day Jillian and Mark had! We trekked over to Rockford to document their wedding day, and it was EPIC! Here are some favorite photos, and more about this amazing couple and their wedding!

Q&A with Jillian & Mark:

1) Looking back, what were some of your favorite parts or moments of the Wedding day?
Favorite moments of the wedding day from the bride: Our first look! it was so emotional and special. The day goes by in the blink of an eye, so I loved having a few minutes to share with just the two of us. The anticipation of getting ready and all the nerves made it especially emotional and exciting. I will always remember the look on his face and the way I felt during that moment.

Favorite moments of the wedding day from the Groom: I agree, the first look was a very special moment. It’s a snapshot moment that can never be recreated in what you see or what you feel.

2) What was your favorite piece of fashion or accessory, and where did you get it?
My dress!! It was the opposite of what I had envision, but when I put it on I knew it was perfect for me and our wedding. The beautiful flowers fit with our garden theme and it was pink and sparkly! The gown was fun and looked gorgeous when my husband spun me around on the dance floor. Dress is by Hayley Paige and I got it from Nordstrom

3) What was the inspiration for your decor or styling?
I would say our style was Modern/industrial chic, with the main themes being cherry Blossoms and 1,000 paper origami cranes. My husband and I love craft beer (reception at Prairie Street Brewery) and Japanese culture and visiting Japan (Ceremony at Anderson Japanese Gardens). When we had visited Hiros+ I love the beauty and meaning of cherry blossoms which represents the fragility and the beauty of life. It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short.

4) Mention a funny moment here:
The cake cutting was almost a complete disaster. Our wedding cake was supposed to be a display cake that was styrofoam covered in fondant with one real layer on top for cutting. When we got to the cake and attempted to cut into the top layer I discovered it was as hard as a rock! I had a brief moment of panic thinking there was some sort of mixup and the bakery had made the entire cake faux. You’re the Best by Joe Esposito was blaring overhead and all eyes were on us, so with no other choice I was finally able to saw off a tiny piece onto my plate. I then looked lovingly at my husband and said, “You’re about to perform your first husband duty and eat this piece of styrofoam like it’s the best thing you have ever tasted!” Luckily for him I quickly realized the real layer was not in fact the top layer, but the second layer. We still find it hilarious that his first husband duty was almost to eat Styrofoam!

5) Any wedding advice for engaged couples?
Hire Sprung Photo ASAP, and then a wedding planner. Leave the rest to them. I feel so lucky to have had such great vendors that worked well together. I never realized how important it is to have vendors who work in the same style. Also a good DJ can make or break a wedding reception, so be sure to pick one you feel will keep people dancing.

6) Tell us about the honeymoon plans!
We spent about 2 weeks in Seoul South Korea and then Hanoi/Ha Long Bay Vietnam.

7) What was it like working with Sprung Photo?
Victoria and her team are exceptional and they work flawlessly together. Victoria is professional and very detailed, ensuring her team captures all the most important moments, people, and details. I was dreading the feeling of constantly being photographed throughout the day and was scared I would feel uncomfortable, but I actually felt extremely comfortable and truly enjoyed spending the day with them.