Esther Bloom Photography

06/11/2026

This Sunrise elopement at the Shawnee Forest Cabins and Shawnee National Forest — Garden of the Gods was too sweet for words. If you want a park to yourselves and the prettiest sunrise let’s get you in the books! Check out Shawn & Graces big day!

💐 Noon + Moon Bloom Co.

There’s something magical about starting your wedding day before the rest of the world wakes up. This intimate sunrise elopement at the Shawnee Treehouse Cabin near Garden of the Gods began at 6 a.m. with a heartfelt vow and ring exchange on the suspension bridge. With the groom’s daughter wit

06/09/2026

There are so many places to stay in the Shawnee but I will say the Shawnee Forest Cabins are some of my very favorite for couples wanting to elope at Garden of the Gods. Check out Ashlynn & Nates beautiful ceremony!

There’s something magical about saying “I do” at Garden of the Gods. This sweet couple chose an intimate micro wedding in the heart of Southern Illinois, surrounded by the breathtaking sandstone bluffs and stunning views of the Shawnee National Forest. I met Ashlynn & Nate at their cozy S

06/08/2026

Congratulations Fati & Thay! The most beautiful morning at Ferne Clyffe.

06/08/2026

Check out one of my all time favorite locations in Southern Illinois. My favorite memories as a child were in this very spot learning to skip rocks with my cousins. Congratulations Tyler & Katelyn!

Growing up, some of my favorite memories were made right here at Devil’s Backbone in Bell Smith Springs, one of the most beautiful areas of the Shawnee National Forest. I learned how to skip rocks in this very spot, and countless weekends were spent camping, hiking, and exploring these trails with...

06/07/2026

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Bundren! What a gorgeous summer wedding at the Havisham House!

💐Park Avenue Blooms by Susie

06/02/2026

A few of our favorites from our very rainy day wedding at the beautiful The Historic Rose Hotel & Cave in Rock.

06/02/2026

Axel & I loved shooting this morning elopement on Memorial Day! Fatima & Thay came down from Chicago to spend the weekend and explore the Shawnee while saying I DO! Check out their gorgeous morning!

Officiant: Lindsay Bussick

Thay and Fatima traveled from Chicago to Southern Illinois for a Memorial Day weekend filled with adventure, relaxation, and the start of their marriage. They stayed in a cozy nearby cabin, explored the beauty of the Shawnee region, and exchanged vows on a quiet Memorial Day morning at Ferne Clyffe

05/28/2026

What a pleasure it was working with Andrei & Taler! The sweetest Nashville couple came & embraced the rain on their elopement day!

Andrei and Taler traveled from Nashville, Tennessee to experience an intimate Midwest getaway and elope in the breathtaking Shawnee National Forest region. Their rainy day elopement at the Historic Rose Hotel overlooking the Ohio River bluffs was filled with romance, moody skies, and unforgettable v

05/24/2026

It’s so easy to do this job when the couple is so in love. So honored to get to shoot Kendall & Austins wedding! I have loved her since before she was born & loved watching her grown into the most amazing woman. & I love the way Austin looks at her with adoration...

05/20/2026

Sunrise elopement's are wonderful because you usually get the park to yourself! Check out this gorgeous morning at Ferne Clyffe State Park

An early sunrise elopement at Ferne Clyffe State Park means having the park entirely to yourselves. Andrew & Gillian escaped the hustle of Chicago and traveled down to the heart of the Shawnee National Forest for a slow and meaningful elopement surrounded by nature (& their friend Ja