Teala Ward 9/15/26 Teala Ward 9/15/26

Starved Rock State Park Wedding: A Fairytale Day

Teala Ward 9/15/26 Teala Ward 9/15/26

A Central Illinois Wedding Photographer's Favorite Kind of Engagement Session

A Central Illinois Wedding Photographer's Favorite Kind of Session: Cows, Side by Sides, and Golden Hour on the Farm

If you follow along on Instagram, you already know I'm a sucker for a session that doesn't feel like a session. No stiff poses, no "look here and smile." Just two people, their land, and whatever the evening hands us. That's exactly what happened when Leanne and Keith brought me out to their family farm for their engagement photos, and it might be one of my favorite shoots of the year.

Teala Ward 8/14/26 Teala Ward 8/14/26

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Starved Rock Elopement

Teala Ward 8/11/26 Teala Ward 8/11/26

Do We Elope or Have a Traditional Wedding day at Starved Rock?

Teala Ward 8/10/26 Teala Ward 8/10/26

Engagement photos @ Hornbaker Gardens - Immediate yes!

Teala Ward 7/5/26 Teala Ward 7/5/26

Starved Rock State Park Adventure Session

Teala Ward 6/28/26 Teala Ward 6/28/26

An Intimate Wedding at Starved Rock State Park

Teala Ward 6/8/26 Teala Ward 6/8/26

Ironwood on the Vermillion Wedding in the heart of Starved Rock Country

Teala Ward 5/15/26 Teala Ward 5/15/26

Hornbaker Gardens - A magical Wedding Venue Just outside of Chicago

Teala Ward 5/15/26 Teala Ward 5/15/26

Chicago Micro Weddings

Teala Ward 5/15/26 Teala Ward 5/15/26

Starved Rock- A hidden Gem wedding destination in Central Illinois

Teala Ward 1/27/26 Teala Ward 1/27/26

Wedding day poses that keep you moving and relaxed.

Wedding days are alive with motion — laughter, hugs, a quick twirl, a quiet glance. Stiff, posed photos can erase that spark. Instead, choose poses and prompts that keep you moving and feeling like yourselves. Below are easy, joyful, and timeless ideas to keep your wedding photos relaxed, natural, and full of life.

Teala Ward 5/9/25 Teala Ward 5/9/25

Wedding day timelines - your photographer should help + a sample timeline

Teala Ward 4/2/25 Teala Ward 4/2/25

Shorter engagements - the new norm

Short engagements are gaining traction in the wedding industry as couples increasingly prioritize spontaneity and the desire for authentic experiences over traditional timelines. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement towards living in the moment and embracing the joy of commitment without the lengthy planning periods that often accompany typical engagements. This trend may also be influenced by economic considerations, with many couples opting for more intimate celebrations that require less planning and reduced costs. As a result, vendors are adapting to meet the needs of these couples, offering flexible packages and innovative solutions to ensure that, even with a shorter planning window, each wedding still feels personalized and memorable.

Rachel Hoins 5/17/23 Rachel Hoins 5/17/23

Why You Should Book Your Engagement Photos with Your Wedding Photographer

While it’s true that you can have any photographer take your engagement photos, today I am talking about why you should get your engagement photos done by the same photographer that will be doing your wedding.

Rachel Hoins 5/3/23 Rachel Hoins 5/3/23

Dergance Family Session | Buffalo Rock, Illinois

I absolutely loved taking this family’s fall portraits near Starved Rock State Park in Illinois.

Rachel Hoins 4/19/23 Rachel Hoins 4/19/23

5 Tips for Hiring the Right Photographer

Hiring the right photographer can be overwhelming. These are my top 5 picks for choosing the photographer whose style and personality are a good fit for you.