Today is a cold and rainy Saturday and yet it's a good day. I've had three calls about wedding photography from my website! I need to create a selection of packages for brides and grooms. I'm interested in suggestions if you have them. So, what should a wedding photography package consist of to make newlyweds content?

What is a bridal shower in 2016? It's friends gathering to share in the excitement of a bride-to-be's upcoming wedding! Dani Zellmer was the guest of honor at a bridal shower we hosted yesterday for her at Starved Rock Lodge. It was a lovely party! There were games and sangria, laughs and delicious desserts. I made the decorations. Amy took care of all the fun games and Jenny was in charge of the food. I think Dani felt very special and there's nothing better than a room filled with people who care about you sharing in this happy time in your life. Everyone who came to this party works at the Lodge and it's rare that we get to relax and celebrate a special event. It was beautiful from start to finish. Best wishes to Dani & Ryley!

See Magnolia Bridal: the best, new boutique in Saint Charles, IL!

en·tre·pre·neur·i·al

ˌäntrəprəˈnərēəl/

adjective

1. characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit; enterprising.

   "an entrepreneurial culture"

I have loved weddings and everything bridal since I was a little girl. On March 5th, my son's sweet girlfriend, Ashley Patyk will open her own Bridal Boutique in St. Charles, IL. Magnolia Bridal is going to be amazing. I was overjoyed when Ashley asked me to go the the 2016 Bridal Show for buyers at McCormick Place earlier this year. She had to make hundreds of decisions to make her vision come to life. Seeing this kind of courage and entrepreneurial spirit in action is pretty awesome. My son has been by her side, traveled to New York with her to buy some of the designer bridal gowns she would feature in her store and much more. Together, they are embarking on something quite remarkable at their age! I am so proud of them. Here's to the success of Magnolia Bridal!!

The start of the 2116 Wedding Season is just around the corner! I can't wait. I am going to a wedding in Chicago at Old St. Pat's Church this Saturday and it's always a joy for me to be a guest at a wedding--even though I love photographing them! I love seeing how the weeks, months and maybe years of planning comes together for one, great day. I pay great attention to every detail--why did the bride choose that dress, those colors, those flowers, that venue??

Of all the weddings I have ever shot there are only a few that stand out in my mind. I wondered today if they had a common thread. Every wedding is unique and beautiful in it's own way, but when a bride and a groom exchange vows and all their friends and family share in that ceremony, there's an energy created. I think the weddings that stand out were the ones that had positive energy in common.

Are you engaged? Planning a wedding? Visit me at the Starved Rock Lodge Bridal Expo on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 from noon to 3pm.

Book me as your wedding photographer and have your dream wedding at beautiful Starved Rock! Before your wedding, we can hop on Bella (our wedding trolley) and head out to take photos at St. Louis Canyon. Then, we can go to Lone Point Shelter and Bridal Cove! Nothing's better than an outdoor wedding at our East Shelter which overlooks Starved Rock. #starvedrockweddingphotographer #enjoyillinois #enjoylasallecounty #wedding #kathycasstevens

Friday the 13th

Tomorrow is Friday the 13th. There won't be another Friday the 13th for 6 months...that will be May of 2016. By then, wildflowers will be in bloom and winter will be in the rear view mirror. There will only be one Friday the 13th in 2016. I find this to be interesting.