Perhaps you’ve planned a family vacay, a solo trip or you’re here for a wedding. But if you have made to Springfield, then welcome! Springfield, Illinois may be small, but it’s packed with history, charm, and great food! Here’s how to make the most of a short visit (2–3 days) in the city. Keep in mind though, before making the trip for any of the Lincoln sites, to call and make sure they are open! Government shut down is a real thing.

Use your venue’s natural backdrop for stunning seasonal photos. Cornfields, pumpkin patches like Bomke’s, Pumpkin Creek Farms or our favorite the Authur Il Great Pumpkin Patch, and tree-lined drives all make perfect photo spots. You can also create a rustic photo booth with vintage props—like an old pickup truck, sunflowers, and hay bales.

The Beauty of Fresh Flowers
Nothing compares to the scent, texture, and natural beauty of fresh blooms. Their organic, delicate quality adds a sense of romance and luxury to your day. Whether you’re walking down the aisle holding a bouquet of garden roses or your reception tables are lined with lush peonies, fresh flowers bring a timeless elegance that photographs beautifully.

It’s great living in the Midwest!
We can literally drive any direction and get “pretty close” to just about anywhere, far enough away from here, yet still far away from the coasts. Lots of people love a good road trip. Whether this is for your honeymoon or a weekend getaway, they’re worth looking into for a great time with beautiful phots!
But if you are more like me, you want that road trip to be packed with a few things. Headphones, snacks and pretty colors. The fall foliage is picture perfect for a short window. Take advantage of it while you can!

Your wedding day will fly by in a blur of happy tears, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Once the music fades and the flowers dry, your photos will be the lasting reminder of your day. That’s why choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your planning journey. Here’s how to find the photographer you’ll truly love and trust to capture your story.

One of the most heartwarming parts of your wedding day is being surrounded by friends and family who have come to celebrate your love. At the same time, it can feel daunting to think about personally greeting every single guest while juggling the ceremony, photos, and the reception schedule. The good news? With a little planning, you can connect meaningfully with your guests without exhausting yourself.

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most significant decisions in the planning process. The right space sets the tone for your celebration, while the wrong one can bring unnecessary stress. As you tour locations and review contracts, it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs that a venue may not be the best fit. Below are key red flags that every couple should consider before signing on the dotted line and what the protocol is at the PBC Venue.

If you have read this far and it almost feels mammoth to you…if your head is already spinning at the thought of all of this, then please, let me offer you a small bit of advice. At the end of the day, it’s just you and your fiancé that are getting married. Please, let me tell you that not all couples have bridal parties. We have hosted several weddings that have only one person on each side, or no one at all. Lots of couples (about a 50/50 split at our venue) have gotten married and chose not to have anyone stand up with them. And that is also a very rational and fair choice. I almost feel as though it may be the newest trend, at least around this area. Either way, do what sits well with you.

Trust me when I tell you, a good venue owner that is involved (more than just unlocking the doors) really does want their couples happy. They want the couple to remember the night fondly. And I’m not just talking about the music that was played OR the food that was served. Most venue owners that I know genuinely want the couple to have the best night of their lives – and will try to do anything to achieve it.

First off, being realistic, your entire wedding could be done under $50, down at the courthouse or city hall.

Now, if you don’t want that option and you’re looking for a more traditional style, then there are lots of places to turn.
But, before you do that, you need to really decide a few things. And these “few” things, could be saving you a “few” thousand dollars when done correctly.

It honestly is the most amazing and wonderful feeling to make people happy –and everyone shows it differently. Some people show financial gratitude; some people show it through their handwritten letters, and some people love to give gifts.  

Photo areas you can choose from on our property to include the sunset are a stone wall, fields of corn and/or beans, and a beautiful fence line.
But the sun goes down just as fast as it comes up, so make sure your photographer is quick and organized.

Be flexible with the rest—guests will remember the overall vibe, not every tiny detail.

 Venue & Decor

Choose an off-peak date or day At the PBC Venue, our peak price day is on Saturday. Both Friday and Sunday are more affordable, along with the months Jan-March.

Opt for naturally beautiful spaces (gardens, parks, lofts) that need minimal décor.

Repurpose décor—ceremony flowers can become reception centerpieces! We always recommend using the bridesmaid’s flowers as centerpieces!

DIY touches like signage, table numbers, or photo displays add personality and save money. Plus, at our venue, we have mirrors that you can Cricut your name right onto and save money!

The emergency bag. The one you make, hoping to never use.
The emergency list essentials are all here, organized, for you. Trust me when I tell you there is always a reason for everything. I remember being so baffled about crochet hooks being on the list. I remember thinking “Why would anyone ever need those?”. So, I googled it and understood it right away.

This is the second of a 3 part series regarding wineries and vineyards in Northern, Illinois.
The featured image of todays article is from a wedding that was at one of the featured wineries, DC Estate Winery.
And bonus: One winery is dog friendly!

Preparing for your wedding day isn’t always about makeup, play lists and pretty dresses.
You must take the weather into account at all time.
Fans, umbrellas, sunscreen, blankets…………
And don’t forget the dreaded humidity!

How do you know what package would be best for you and your fiancé to get?
This blog will help you streamline what is really important for you and your visions.
Let your day be well ran and put together with the help of our staff or let it be a self ran wedding with just as many great memories — the choices are yours!

Who said you had to fly to a tropical destination for a honeymoon? Get your kicks on route 66 by driving from spot to spot! See attractions and make memories — but remember to take those pictures!

Road Trip Time! Unique Midwest Roadside Attractions

Are you trying to come up with a spot for a nice dinner but don’t want to keep going to your same places? Maybe you are visiting from out of town and you’re looking for suggestions.

Here are 5 ideas that I am sure will please everyone!