It’s not every day you have a wedding photographer title their post “The Mother Of The Groom”. Blog features are usually a story of the couple, the details, or a review of the venue. I did however highlight that it’s an Allerton Park Wedding…but the real meat of todays story is about The Mother of The Groom. Because that is what happens when you get to your late 30’s I guess!

Okay backstory is necessary! 

I have know the groom, Elias, for almost his entire life! He was maybe a toddler when we met. I didn’t know him well, but his mom Lisa and I have been friends for these past 17 years-sh. See I can’t even remember the exact date, but I believe it was in 2002. We met at a fall retreat for Cornerstone and Illini Life; the college ministry I was a part of for close to 10 years in Illinois.

From the second Lisa came into my life I was in awe. She was this strong, vibrant, fearless woman after God’s heart and spirit. With purple hair I’m pretty sure. She was like a fire blazing in my life. She became a mentor and I loved every moment I spent in her presence. Although we were in very different stages in life, the relationship was deep and real. I was in Art School and she was a mama, wife and in the adult stage of her life. Her family was all college ministry, motherhood, and all the things. I was a little crazy, wild and totally clueless. haha. But she related to me and was there for me year after year.

She was a shining star in my college years, so 17 years later when she “Listen, my little boy is getting married and we would love to see if you could shoot their wedding, they love your style and of course I love you!”

I almost cried, simply because I was so happy to be asked. It is such an honor to be have such a signifiant roll in her son’s wedding day.

Even though I know my connection to Rebecca and Elias is primary through the mother of the groom the day really was about the couple and their great love for each other and their families.

I finally met Rebecca on the wedding day, she came walking into the room with the most radiant of smiles and kindness. She is a gem of a woman, she is beautiful inside and out. Even with just one day spent with her, my heart is glad for the Wilcoski family to gain such a wonderful new family member. I can only hope that when my son grows up he will marry such a wonderful person too.

Allerton Park is a destination for me, with a whole day of traveling from Arizona to Illinois, but well with the travel.

The venue is beautiful and also great for couples wanting a single location for all the things. The couple can get ready, have their portraits in several different locations, and have a ceremony and reception all in one spot! That’s always great when it comes to weddings because it cuts down on stress and time!

Congratulations to Rebbeca and Elias and to you Lisa. You have gained a daughter and a friend!

The Mother Of The Groom An Allerton Park Wedding

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