European Villa Inspired Wedding in Illinois

September 21st, 2024

A hidden gem wedding venue nestled in the small town of Bloomington in Central Illinois, Ewing Manor is by far one of my favorite wedding venues I have ever photographed.

This manor was built in 1928 after Davis and Hazle Ewing returned home from a trip around the world that left them inspired for many of the architectural decisions within the manor. It has since been a place to celebrate the area's culture, landscape, and nature nestled on 6.5 acres of wooded landscape in Bloomington, Illinois. If you’re hoping to get married in Illinois with a romantic, European Villa inspired aesthetic, I couldn’t think of a better location than Ewing Manor.

While in the midst of planning their wedding, Brie & Grant had a specific vision when choosing a venue for their day —

“Although we both have lived in Chicago for a long time, it was important for us to plan our wedding close to our family. As we both LOVE traveling, we wanted the European feel that inspires us so much. Ewing Manor checked so many boxes, it was outside, had a beautiful aesthetic, but it was also lovely supporting a cultural center that is so prominent in my hometown and Grant's alma mater. It's difficult to find a location that matches both the feeling of a garden backyard intimate wedding with the aesthetics of a villa and Ewing blended those two feelings perfectly.”

One of my favorite details of this wedding was Brie’s attention to detail and DIY-ing so many elements to her and Grant’s day. There are so many ways you can add special, niche touches to your wedding day, but Brie & Grant truly knocked my socks off! From painting so much decor herself, to thrifting their dishware and tablecloths, all the way to building their own bar; it was something so special to experience in person.

“I loved creating little details that were really special to us. Crafting our own flower arrangements, memorializing our love on a tablecloth, creating a mural, my mom embroidering her old wedding dress as my second look, hand designing all of the details including matchbooks and sticker. I love authenticity and originality and because I paint so much about the female experience and not much about love... it was incredible to use Grant as a muse for a collection and be creative in that way.”

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As a wedding photographer in Wisconsin, I know of a few wedding venues that give off that romantic European Villa aesthetic like the Villa Terrace in Milwaukee or the Villa Bellezza in Pepin, but coming across Ewing Manor in Central Illinois was so refreshing. From the moment I stepped on the property to photograph Brie & Grant’s wedding, I truly felt like I transported to Europe on a private estate; From their lawn ceremony courtyard with an elegant & sophisticated feel, to the indoors of the manor that was so intentionally thought out with stylish architectural touches, I almost forgot I was in Illinois!

Booking Ewing Manor as your wedding venue might come to a surprise with the rental cost; $4,000 from Noon until 11:30pm. I almost couldn’t believe it! The Manor is so budget friendly for what they offer and is such a breathtaking venue to get married at in Illinois.

I asked Brie a few questions about her and Grant’s wedding day and was just about in tears reliving the day as I read what she shared. A few of her favorite moments from their day —

“One of Grant's groomsmen had us paint portraits of each other for his speech. He blew up the paintings into large posters and held them up during the reception. They later brought them on the dance floor (bar service style) and it was such a funny, personal touch.

We really loved the smaller moments we had with each other that day. Sitting on the steps during the cocktail hour to share tortilla chips.

One of my personal favorite moments (Brie) was getting to dance with almost every single person who attended. I love dancing and it made me so happy to see everyone on the floor all night.

[At the end of the night] We felt relieved and buzzing with energy. Our bodies were exhausted but we had so much adrenaline. We stayed up most of the night sharing anecdotes and snacks. I think we rode this joyful high for about a week straight.”

Planning a wedding with a DIY touch can add so much uniqueness & thoughtfulness to your day. Plant your own flowers! Thrift, thrift, thrift! PAINT YOUR DECOR! Brie & Grant’s wedding day is one I never stop thinking about and I’m so happy & honored to photograph their memories and to share a little look into their wonderful day.

One last piece of advice from Brie to future couples planning their weddings —

“Don't forget about the engagement part. Celebrate that! It's easy to get caught up in the stress of planning and perfecting your day but take moments during the year to celebrate each other & the life you're building.

Everyone’s wedding is different. Make it yours.”

VENDORS

Photographer: Kelsie Herzog Photography
Venue: Ewing Manor
Newlywed Attire: Hall Madden
Cake: Pollen and Pastry
Catering: Ancho & Agave