You’re as sweet as strawberry wine” Chris Stapleton, “Tennessee Whiskey”
A bond that started with a meeting on the Hinge app during the Pandemic culminated in a Memorial Day weekend wedding of two Disney-loving lovebirds at Starved Rock. Nick and Lili’s day was genuine, joyful, and full of quiet, meaningful moments not soon forgotten.
Their venue, Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center in Oglesby, IL, is known for its rugged charm and quiet beauty. But on May 25, 2025, it played host to a love story that was anything but quiet. Nick and Lili brought heart, history, and a little Disney magic to the Illinois woods.
Getting Ready: Two Perspectives, One Story
The day began with Lili and her girls getting ready in the cozy Hennepin Room. Between the laughter, hair touch-ups, and the quiet moments where it all started to feel real, there was this steady hum of joy.
Meanwhile, just outside near the rustic Pioneer Cabins, my second photographer, Ania, was with the guys. Nick was relaxed, surrounded by his closest friends, sharing stories and lighthearted moments before the ceremony. Their dog Piper—who proudly doubled as the flower girl—made an early appearance for some portraits with both Lili and Nick, individually, so the magic of their first touch could be saved for later.
A “First Touch” Full of Emotion
Instead of a first look, Nick and Lili chose a “first touch.” Just out of sight from one another, hands held around a corner near the cabins, they took a quiet moment together. No eyes met, but their hearts were wide open.
They spoke softly about the journey that brought them here, the overwhelming joy of the day, and their excitement for what was just around the corner. It was easily one of the most emotionally powerful parts of the day. A real reminder that this wedding wasn’t just an event, it was a the opening to the next chapter in a love that’s deep and enduring.
Ceremony at the Canyonside Courtyard
Surrounded by trees and tucked near the trails of Fox Canyon, the Canyonside Courtyard gave their ceremony a peaceful, natural backdrop. Piper, looking proud with her floral collar, led the way down the aisle before Lili appeared, radiant and teary-eyed.
Their vows were full of promise and personality, and if you didn’t know they were Disney fans, you might’ve guessed it from the warmth and wonder in the way they looked at each other. Nick once said his favorite thing about Lili is that she never gives up. Watching them promise forever, you believed it.
Portraits by the Courtyard, Bridge & Street
While guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the Starved Rock Room, we took portraits with Lili and Nick closer to the ceremony site, near the bridge over Fox Canyon and along the nearby street. It wasn’t about finding the most “Instagrammable” spot. It was about giving them space to breathe, to be together, and to let the just-married glow settle in.
We were joined by Bella Tiamo Photo & Video, who helped capture some truly cinematic moments of the couple together. And as the light filtered through the trees and danced on Lili’s dress, the joy between them was unmistakable.
A Reception Game (and a First Dance Worth Swooning Over)
The reception took place in the Great Hall and adjacent Starved Rock Room. Kicking off with a high-energy grand entrance, Lili and Nick added their own twist: racing the clock to get a photo with every table within the length of just one song. The energy was high, the laughs were louder, and the photos? Totally worth it!
Their first dance to “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton was equal parts sultry and sweet. It felt like no one else was in the room. Just the two of them, swaying in time, letting the day catch up with them.
A Love Rooted in Adventure
This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a celebration of a relationship rooted in growth, resilience, and a shared sense of adventure. From Lili’s words about Nick—“his willingness to help me be a better person”— to Nick’s admiration for her strength and refusal to give up, you can tell these two are building something beautiful.
Their love story includes a Disney proposal, a dog who doubles as flower girl, and now, a day at Starved Rock where every every tear shed was a happy memory and every moment was lived fully.
“But when you poured out your heart, I didn’t waste it, ‘Cause there’s nothin’ like your love to get me high” — Chris Stapleton, “Tennessee Whiskey”
WEDDING GALLERY
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Hi there, I’m Ken Dillard, the heart and soul behind the lens at AwestrucKen Photography. Capturing the sheer beauty and raw emotions of your unforgettable moments is what I live for. If my portfolio on this blog resonates with you, let’s join forces to immortalize your special day. Let’s make magic together.
