A Reel Life Moment

06/22/2024

Congratulations to Jaqueline and Jake!

It was so fun to be a part of their wedding day. They are perfect.

05/15/2024

One month until Jacqueline and Jake get married!

At Hannah and LJ's wedding in 2022, Jacqueline told me she wanted me to film her wedding. It was still early in the day. The ceremony hadn't taken place yet and she hadn't seen a single shot of my film.

At the time, I just thought it was a sweet thing to say and had no expectations of hearing about it again. Then a year went by and I got her inquiry. I thought, "no way".

I'm so stinkin excited to see them again because this wedding was the best and they come from incredible friends and family.

As a small business owner, this means the world.

I can't wait for your day and !!!

12/15/2023

Demi and Isaac had the most perfect November 11th wedding. It started with a parade in downtown Peoria for Veteran's Day! How many brides can say they saw a parade from their bridal suite?!

Shoutout to the amazing vendors that made this day possible:
Tailored Events
DJ4U Mobile Entertainment
Heather McCormick Photography
Create A Scene, Inc.
Peoria Pere Marquette
Corpobello
Miranda Cakes
The Bridal Parlor
Men's Wearhouse
Show Me Your Mumu
Peoria Limousine

This is "Demi + Isaac" by A Reel Life Moment on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

11/22/2023

It was such an honor to film for Lizzy and Ethan on their gorgeous fall wedding day. These two were so kind and such a joy to be around. I absolutely loved hearing stories from their family and friends. They've truly surrounded themselves with caring friends and family who support their journey together.

They have a long line of military history in their families, it was so sweet to watch them become intertwined. Thank you Lizzy and Ethan for also choosing to serve our country and carry on that family tradition.

Special shoutout to the amazing vendor team! And in true FB fashion, I'm not able to tag everyone.

Marlene's Event Barn
Pam Cooley Photographer
Top Hat
I Do Events
Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique
David's Bridal
Men's Wearhouse
Tin Roof

October 21, 2023

10/26/2023

Lizzy and Ethan had the most beautiful fall day! I’m thrilled for them to have had such an incredible day with family and friends.

10/06/2023

A shimmer of a day, and for so many reasons.

Their day was flawless, they were radiant, Jane was glowing, Nate was full of humor, oh, and did I mention the temperature was about 98 degrees?!

I applaud these two for making their day their own. They braved the sun and the heat and dominated showing us all who they really are as a couple. Two completely opposite people yet they fit so perfectly together.

Congratulations Jane and Nate!

July 28, 2023 Music from Artlist

09/07/2023

Congratulations to Maria and Jake! These two had no trouble at all showing their love for each other. I love it when couples can truly enjoy their day. Maria and Jake went with the flow of every little detail. They made every detail about them and incorporated friends and family. Their day was theirs.

Shutout to the wonderful vendors and any that I missed!
Paradice Hotel
Sacred Heart
Schilling Photography
Beth Maxwell - coordinating
DJ Todd (Peterson)I Do Events
Le Bakery
Cloud Nine - wedding dress
Men’s Wearhouse
David’s Bridal - bridesmaids
Loft Bridal - hair and makeup

July 8, 2023

08/17/2023

Nick and Jacey, two of the sweetest people I've met. They were so kind and fun to be with on their wedding day.

I just love what I get to do.

This is "Jacey + Nick" by A Reel Life Moment on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

07/13/2023

Who’s that person you always want to be next to? For Jake, it’s Maria.

Saturday was an incredible day with the most loving couple. It’s evident that they are a perfect match.

I can’t wait to work on their film!

06/30/2023

Colleen + Shawn
May 26, 2023

It's hard to describe how amazing it is to be with a couple on one of the most exciting days of their lives.

I learned so much about Colleen and Shawn just from their first look. The waterworks were flowing! To see a couple so incredibly happy when they see each other for the first time is unreal.

In that moment, I learned that Colleen is a genuine sweetheart. From watching her and hearing Shawn talk about how empathetic she is towards others, I knew I hit the jackpot with her. I also learned that if someone isn't making the greatest decision, Shawn is going to step in. He not only showed that he's protecting himself and Colleen, but others as well. He's a protector for all.

If you're attending a wedding, and you don't know one of them super well, you're about to find out who they are. It might not be from the couple directly, but more likely through their other friends and family because they can't help but share great stories on such a special day.

Greater Joy Events
Venue Chisca
Abby Jo Photography
Cracked Pepper Catering
DJ4U Mobile Entertainment
Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique
Trefzger's Bakery

This is "Colleen + Shawn" by A Reel Life Moment on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

06/06/2023

Jacey and Nick had the best day! Although the high was predicted to be over 90, it never once felt like it. They had a beautiful church wedding, time to film in the park, and wrapped up the day on the river. It doesn't get much better than that!

Shoutout to all the amazing vendors listed and not listed who made it possible! Please feel free to comment who I missed!

Eastport Banquet & Meeting Center
Carissa Mennen, photographer
Jacked Entertainment
The Bakery Bar

05/30/2023

What an incredible wedding weekend for Colleen and Shawn!

Although I talk to couples throughout the entire booking process before their wedding day, I don't usually get to see couples interact in person until their wedding day. And when I say interact in person, it usually ends up being the first time they see each other in person that day. So basically, I not only get to record their first looks on the biggest day of their lives but that's my first impression of them as a couple. Let me tell you, it never disappoints.

These two are incredible. They take wedding weekend to a whole other level with traveling states away and celebrating their marriage for multiple days straight.

Colleen and Shawn, I wish you the absolute best and that your days ahead consist of some rest. ;)

Shoutout to an incredible vendor team!
Greater Joy Events
Abby Jo Photography
DJ4U Mobile Entertainment
Venue Chisca
Cracked Pepper Catering
Trefzger's Bakery
Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique
Men's Wearhouse

Feel free to add if I missed any vendors!

05/09/2023

So. Many. Happy. Tears.

It’s evident on a wedding day that couples are in love. I am so thankful Lindsay Renee and Andrew made no attempt to hide it. I’m so happy to see so many supportive friends and family for these two! It’s a day they’ll never forget. 🤍

Venue Chisca
Rebecca Jean Photography
LeFleur Weddings
The Hair Saloon
AnnieB Beauty
Marien Mae Bridal Boutique & Events
815 Productions DJ Service
Henn House BBQ Catering and Food Truck
Trefzger's Bakery

(Thanks for getting me going on the tags Rebecca 😉)

05/05/2023

I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend the coronation tomorrow at Westminster Abbey.

Although, it would be an opportunity of a lifetime, I am honored to be filming an even better event to a very special bride and groom.

TOMORROW STARTS WEDDING SEASON!!!

03/27/2023

Since I’ve been doing so much sorting and spring cleaning, I felt it was necessary to share this gem from a best man speech.

01/27/2023

Brittany + Brent
Sept 17, 2022

I'm so thrilled to share the wedding of these two sweet souls. It's comical their differences, but I actually think they have a lot in common.

They made sure their guests had fun, but they also showed so much compassion. They were so chill and laid back. Whatever the day threw at them, they handled like champs.

We had passed a beautiful willow tree I really wanted to film by. They were down for it. As the bus pulled up it down-poured but they were committed. They saw it as a memory, and I love that about them.

I truly wish you two the best!

Sept 17, 2022 Music from Soundstripe

12/27/2022

Meredith + Jeff : The most beautiful wedding I could ever hope to wrap up a fall wedding season on.

When I first talked to Meredith, I could tell she wanted the most out of this time as possible. Both her and Jeff agree on remembering the past, looking forward to the future, but LIVING in the present.

I was thrilled when they chose me to not only film their wedding day, but to also create a Love Story Video while they were engaged. It has been such an honor to play a role in this part of their relationship.

I might also be a little bit biased of them since they got married the weekend of my wedding anniversary. It always makes things a little sweeter for me when I can relive such a precious time through the eyes of someone else.

They have so much wisdom already as newlyweds. I am so excited to watch them grow as husband and wife.

They had so many amazing family, friends, and vendors to help along the way. I would love to give a shoutout to anyone involved! Please feel free to comment, tag, and share the love for Meredith and Jeff.

Sacred Heart Church
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
The Warehouse on State
Create A Scene, Inc.
I Do Events
Pair Bridal
Makeup: Leiana Hilton
Tailored Events
Schilling Photography
Liv’s Bakes
Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique
DJ4U Mobile Entertainment
Courtney Kamm Design

10.22.2022 Music from Soundstripe

12/06/2022

Congratulations to Kara and Stevie!!

There's just something special for me about seeing a couple interact together for the first time, especially when it's their first look.

Following them around all day was far from dull. They not only know how to have a good time, but they truly embraced every moment with love and compassion.

There was only one rule for the day: don't get hurt

Makeup: The Happy Russian
Hair: Balayaged By Sydney
Flowers: Floral Elegance
Venue: Livengood's Barn
Dress: Wolsfelt's Bridal
Photo: Photos by Tara Marie

Music from Soundstripe

11/23/2022

Hannah and LJ's day was a dream! I absolutely love meeting couples and seeing them interact on their wedding day. These two are so in love and it was evident how much they care for each other.

Thank you so much for trusting me on your wedding day!

The vendor team!
Makeup: Julie Munn Makeup Artist
Hair: Savvy Hair Gallery & Spa
Attire: Bliss Bridal and Prom
Flowers: My Bloomin' Business
DJ: DJ Scottie Manners
Venue: The Barn at Double K Ranch
Photographer: Melissa Eaheart Photography
Food: Double D Pig Roasts
Drinks: Hopps & Scotch Mobile Bar Co
Cake: Nana's Cakery & Bake Shoppe

Music from Soundstripe

10/27/2022

It's finished! It was a dream filming Kate and Conner's wedding day.

When I spoke with Kate, there were a few things that were important for her to be captured. First and foremost, her and Conner. She really wanted the spark between them highlighted as much as possible. She told me, "the more candid, the better." Who doesn't love genuine candid moments?! Lastly, she wanted her video to be upbeat and fun.

My hope is that for years to come they can look back and be reminded of this very moment in time, just as they truly are.

Greater Joy Events
Nellie Photography
Mt. Hawley Country Club
Saint Philomena Catholic Church
DJ4U

This is "Kate + Conner" by A Reel Life Moment on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/26/2022

Meredith and Jeff have been a DREAM!

They had the most beautiful day last Saturday. I was totally pumped when they inquired with me about their date because it was the weekend leading up to my wedding anniversary, so of course I was a big supporter of their date.

It’s hard to believe this is my final sneak peek of a wedding this year! It was a fantastic wedding to end an incredible wedding season on. I know I say this a lot, but I’m so thankful for the beautiful couples I’ve had the privilege to work with.

10/22/2022

I’ve been looking forward to today for some time now. I had the pleasure of meeting Meredith and Jeff when we filmed their Love Story video. They are so kind and genuine and I love how they not only look forward to their wedding, but also their lives going forward.

I told Jeff their words are perfect for other engaged couples, so I figured I’d share a little bit of their thoughts and feelings towards today.

10/17/2022

A little recap of Kara and Stevie’s incredible day this past weekend.

I realized it was evident how they feel about each other from the moment they had their first look.

As always, it was an honor to film them.

10/10/2022

A day they’ll never forget…

Watching Hannah and LJ experience their wedding day was truly priceless. Appreciating their time with family and friends, constant consideration of others, and genuine happiness doesn’t ever scratch the surface to describe them.

Congratulations Hannah Kurek LJ Kurek

10/07/2022

Truly captivating. When Loryn described her day to me, she absolutely hit the nail on the head. I was blown away by the details.

Kyle and Loryn have been together for 11 years and you could just see the love and excitement of what this day meant to them. From high school sweethearts to married bliss, they make it look easy. They are so in love and weddings like this are such an honor to be a part of. I literally get to follow them around all day and film one of the best days of their lives. How awesome is that?

I'm so glad there were little pops of their personalities everywhere. It was a day suited perfectly to them.

Other Vendors
Venues: Wildlife Prairie Park Venue Chisca
Cake: Trefzger's Bakery
Photography: Steph Zimmerman Photography
DJ: Right On Q Entertainment

August 13, 2022 Music from Soundstripe

09/22/2022

Brittany and Brent’s day was filled with relaxation, spontaneity, and so much laughter throughout.

September 17th, the wedding that caused me to say, “let’s do this!” My summer and fall weddings were filling up, and then I met Brittany. After first finding myself comfortable with taking on just one more, we decided it was meant to be.

Here’s just a snippet of the perfection from Saturday.

09/11/2022

It's Marigold Festival weekend! We may not go every year, but we made it back this year to our old stomping grounds in Pekin, IL. It felt appropriate to share this adorable couple who also grew up in Pekin!

What festivals are you attending this fall?

08/24/2022

A few weeks ago I got the pleasure of spending my evening with Jeff and Meredith. It's not always common that I get to spend so much time with a couple before the wedding day but after meeting them I am so pumped for their wedding this fall! I can't wait to finish their Love Story video!

08/19/2022

I won't lie, it took me much longer than normal to pick out the clips that I wanted to highlight from Loryn and Kyle's wedding day last weekend. They had so many golden moments!

People often say to me that they're excited to see the full wedding trailer, honestly, I am too!

11/30/2019

It’s ok if shopping isn’t in your cards today! Check this out as an alternative: