Rockford Wedding at the Burpee Museum of Natural History - by Peer Canvas Photographer

Melissa and Josh were married at the Burpee Museum ofNatural History in Rockford IL and Brenton and I had the honor of being their photographers.  We first met Melissa at a Bridal expo at Franchesco’s Ristorante in 2013.  We spoke with her and her mother and we could quickly see that this was going to be a lot of fun.

 

We loved that right away Melissa had great ideas for doing things a little differently---and it started with having their engagement shoot at the airport.  You can check out the pictures and video from that here--- PICTURES    VIDEO    BLOG

Melissa wore a beautiful gown and veil from Brandi’s Bridal in New Glarus.  She shared with me that she has worn her dress twice more since the wedding---just around the house for fun J  LOVE that.  She wore an antique blue crystal broach in her hair that was just gorgous.  She also had a sixpense for both her and the groom to put in their shoes.  It originations from the tradition of ---‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.’  The coin represents prosperity love and happiness in the marriage.  I love these fun details and traditions.

All of the wonderful flowers were by Broadway Florist.  The shades of blue and creams were just beautiful in the bride’s bouquet.  The bride also requested some loose flowers which they used for the planters along the isle and also for great details on the tables.  It all came together great and was fun to do some of the decorating yourself.  The smell of fresh flowers was even sweeter with the cotton candy machine that they rented from North Park Rental. 

The bridesmaids all received coach clutches and the groomsmen watches-----so that they wouldn’t be late J  The groom and groomsmen all looked smart in tan suits from Mens Wearhouse. 

The ceremony was outside on the pavilion behind the Burpee Museum.  I loved that the bride and groom could look down from the large round window as their guests arrived.  The guests were able to keep cool during the outdoor ceremony with custom fan programs by Rockford Litho.  They were wonderfully designed and a great bonus that they doubled as a fan.  Plus with the weight of the handles they didn’t blow away.  After the ceremony the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour on the patio before heading inside the Burpee for the reception.  Luxe Productions got the party started with great lights and music.

Thankfully the rain held off until later into the evening,  but it was such a romantic setting for a few night pictures.  Melissa is up for anything and was all for going out in the rain for a couple last shots.  And WOW----they were just amazing. AND------no wedding at the Burpee would be complete without a picture or two with a dinosaur :)

Full Picture Gallery HERE

Ceremony and Reception Venue - The Burpee Museum of Natural History
http://www.burpee.org/   https://www.facebook.com/Burpee.Museum?fref=ts
Flowers - Broadway Florist
http://www.broadwayflorist.com/  https://www.facebook.com/broadwayfloristrockford?fref=ts
The Dress and Veil - Brandi's Bridal
http://brandisbridal.com/  https://www.facebook.com/BrandisBridal?fref=ts
Fans / Programs  - Rockford Litho
http://www.rockfordlitho.com/html/home.html
DJ and lighting - Luxe Productions
http://www.luxeproductions.com/  https://www.facebook.com/Luxeproductions?fref=ts
Cotton Candy Machine - North Park Rental
http://www.northparkrental.com/  https://www.facebook.com/NorthParkRental?fref=ts
Tan Suits - Mens Wearhouse
http://www.menswearhouse.com/

Check out the video from their big day J

Congratulations Melissa and Josh!!!

Check out their slideshow for more great pictures too :)