Thanks to Karen Ackerman Witter of Springfield, who assembled and edited this year’s wedding guide, while writing many of the articles. Karen helped plan her daughter’s wedding, which took place on July 9, 2016, at the Washington Park Rose Garden with a reception afterwards at Illini Country Club. She saw firsthand the many details involved and importance of good planning. She had the pleasure of working with many outstanding local providers of wedding related services. From this experience, Karen wanted to share information to help others plan their special day.

Also thanks to Illinois Times staff Michelle Ownbey, Beth Irwin, Yolanda Bell, Jeff Elliott, Ann Farrar, Dave Hine, Brandon Turley and Joe Copley. Thanks to the local wedding photographers who granted us use of their photos. And to the many generous advertisers, who make our business possible. –Fletcher Farrar, editor and CEO