May 28, 2022
Meredith and Shay are two of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out. Their Walnut Hall Estate wedding in Carrollton, Illinois was pure magic. It was full of love, so much laughter, nonstop smiles and yes, a round or two of pickle shots.
Their story started with a simple “hey” on social media. That little hello turned into one of the most heartfelt wedding days Jessica and I have ever been part of. Here’s a look back at the day.
Walnut Hall Estate: A Carrollton, IL Wedding Venue Worth the Drive
Walnut Hall Estate sits out in the fields of Carrollton, Illinois, and it’s breathtaking from every angle. Owners Brittany and Bobby bought the historic property in 2020. Since then, they’ve put so much love into it while keeping its history intact. It’s an all-inclusive venue with a big white barn for receptions and both indoor and outdoor ceremony spots. There’s also a bridal suite, groom’s quarters and houses where family and friends can stay for the weekend.
As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t ask for more variety in one place. Stone walls, tall trees, barn doors, chandeliers and string lights, all within a short walk of each other.
Getting Ready in the Big House
Meredith and Shay got ready in the big house, each with their own space: a bridal suite for her and a groom’s man cave for him. The whole house was buzzing with family and friends. Plus, I’m pretty sure the kitchen was stocked with every fixing you could think of to keep everyone going.
Meredith thought of every single detail. She created the decorations, the flowers and the bouquets herself, plus the dessert and charcuterie spread. So I loved slowing down with those details. I worked through careful compositions and played with the window light so her work could really shine.
Her bridesmaids kept the energy high all morning, and that antique gold mirror was practically begging for a group photo.
Meanwhile, Shay was looking sharp and pretty relaxed for a guy about to get married.
A First Touch and a Son’s First Look
If you ask me, this was the most beautiful part of the whole morning. Meredith stood back to back with the two most important men in her life: Shay, her soon-to-be husband, and her son, Preston. They read letters to each other. After that, there were plenty of tears, a good share of laughs and a lot of hand squeezes.
Then came the big moment. First, Meredith stepped out. Next, Preston turned around to see his mom in her wedding dress, while Shay looked on to catch his reaction. I’m not going to lie, I needed a tissue too. Moments like this are exactly why photography is my passion.
It was so sweet to see how at ease Shay and Preston were with each other. You could feel the family they’re building together.
Wedding Portraits Around the Walnut Hall Estate Grounds
The grounds at Walnut Hall Estate are a dream for portraits. For example, the tall trees gave us soft, shaded light. Meanwhile, the barn added a little rustic charm, and that weathered stone corner gave us one of my favorite frames of the day.
Shay’s guys definitely brought the fun.
An Indoor Ceremony Under the Chandeliers
The ceremony took place inside the hall, with chandeliers overhead and tall windows pouring in natural light. The room was packed with people who love these two. Meredith and Shay were so in sync and so in love. You could see it on every face in that room.
And of course, that ring deserved a moment of its own.
The Reception and a Sparkler Send-Off
Once the party started, it didn’t slow down. Poe’s Catering kept everyone fed, Sound & Light Creations kept the dance floor full, and Emmy Cakes made a sweet little cake for the couple. Finally, we wrapped up the night with a sparkler exit outside the barn. It was the perfect way to send off the new Mr. and Mrs.
Meredith and Shay, thank you for trusting Jessica and me with your day. We could go on forever about the details, the venue and the genuine kindness of everyone there. Still, a picture is worth a million words, so we’ll let these speak for themselves.
Now I want to know: which photo from their day is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!
Walnut Hall Estate Wedding Vendors
- Venue: Walnut Hall Estate, Carrollton, IL
- Wedding planner: Amanda Scalf Weddings
- Photography: Chris Withers Photography
- Decor, flowers, dessert and charcuterie: the bride, Meredith
- Dress: Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
- DJ: Sound & Light Creations
- Catering: Poe’s Catering on the Hill
- Cake: Emmy Cakes
A special thank you to my wife, Jessica Withers, for always being at my side, and to my assistant, Tara Houle, for helping us capture this day.
Planning a Wedding at Walnut Hall Estate?
Walnut Hall Estate is one of my favorite places to photograph a wedding in central Illinois. Also, there are no added travel fees for weddings within 125 miles of my Springfield studio. If you’re planning a wedding in Carrollton or anywhere nearby, come see how we approach wedding photography, take a peek at the Cinderella royal ball styled shoot at Chapter II in Jacksonville, and then reach out. I’d love to hear your story.
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