Kate & Evan’s Elegant Country Club Wedding at Illini Country Club in Springfield, Illinois

Real Weddings

Apr 3

Written By Jennifer Gilman

A Modern Love Story That Began “At a Bar”

Every unforgettable wedding begins with a story—and for Kate and Evan, theirs started in 2020 at a local bar. What began as a chance meeting quickly turned into something lasting. At the time, Evan was playing baseball at the University of Illinois Springfield, and Kate had just stepped into her full-time role at Giganti Jewelry.

From that first connection, their relationship unfolded naturally—moving in together, building a life they loved, and eventually purchasing their forever home in 2024. Just a few months later, Evan proposed in their backyard, making their engagement deeply personal and meaningful.

They set their date for September—a day that would become the perfect celebration of everything they had built together.

A Sentimental Venue: Illini Country Club Wedding in Springfield, IL

Choosing Illini Country Club was an easy decision for Kate. Having grown up at the club, it already held a special place in her heart. With sweeping golf course views and timeless charm, it provided the perfect backdrop for a wedding that blended elegance with personal history.

Planning a wedding in Springfield while sourcing top-tier vendors from St. Louis and Chicago required intention—but with the help of an incredible vendor team, every detail came together seamlessly.

Curating a Dream Vendor Team Across the Midwest

Kate credits much of the wedding’s success to her planner, Kasey Schaffer of Kasey Schaffer Events, who curated a powerhouse team of creative partners.

From the beginning, Kate knew she wanted a large-scale floral presence—and thanks to a recommendation from her aunt (a fellow wedding florist), Belli Fiori quickly rose to the top. After reviewing portfolios and connecting with the team, it was clear they were the perfect fit to bring her vision to life.

Collaborating with innovative partners like TPI added another layer of creativity, resulting in a wedding design that felt truly one-of-a-kind.

Wedding Design Inspiration: Classic, Clean & Sparkling

Kate’s vision was rooted in a balance of timeless elegance and glamorous detail. Inspired by Pinterest and Instagram, her aesthetic centered around a crisp white and green palette layered with intentional sparkle.

The goal? A wedding that felt:

Classic and clean
Luxurious, yet inviting
Glamorous with a touch of personality

Every design choice supported that vision—creating a cohesive and elevated atmosphere from ceremony to reception.

A Floral-Focused Ceremony with a Luxurious Aisle Design

From a floral design perspective, the ceremony set the tone for the entire day. One of the most impactful elements was the beautifully lined aisle, where abundant florals created a romantic pathway leading to “I do.”

This intentional use of flowers didn’t just decorate the space—it transformed it, immersing guests in a moment that felt both intimate and grand.

A Cocktail Hour Experience That Felt Like the Main Event

Kate and Evan reimagined cocktail hour as more than just a transition—it was a celebration in its own right. Guests were welcomed with stunning wreaths adorned with monogrammed ribbons and a champagne wall that immediately set a festive tone.

Personal touches like curated cocktails and custom signage nodding to their “we met at a bar” story made the experience feel uniquely theirs. A show-stopping escort card display featuring floating candles captured attention, while floral arrangements on cocktail tables and bars infused the space with energy and elegance.

As the hour unfolded, strolling violinists began to play, creating a sense of anticipation and seamlessly guiding guests into the ballroom for a truly magical room reveal.

Transforming the Ballroom: A Floral Statement at Every Turn

When guests entered the reception, they were met with a breathtaking reveal—one that even exceeded Kate’s already high expectations.

A Stage Designed as a Floral Focal Point

With entertainment as a top priority, Belli Fiori ensured the stage became a true centerpiece of the room. Lush floral installations framed the band, drawing attention to the energy of the celebration and anchoring the entire space visually.

Layering Light with Crystal & Reflection

Because sparkle was essential to Kate’s vision, every detail was thoughtfully selected to enhance light and movement throughout the room.

Crystal vases and candlesticks were chosen specifically for their ability to refract light
Mirrored votive holders amplified candle glow
Layered lighting created depth, warmth, and ambiance

The result was a space that shimmered in the most sophisticated way—elevated, luminous, and unforgettable.

A Show-Stopping Head Table with Cascading Florals

One of the most memorable floral moments of the day was the caterpillar-style head table, adorned with cascading arrangements of white and green blooms.

This statement installation brought softness and movement to the space while creating a stunning focal point for the couple and their wedding party. For Kate, it was a dream realized—one she had envisioned for months and brought to life flawlessly.

When Vision Becomes Reality (and Then Some)

Even with months of planning and a clear vision, nothing could have prepared Kate for the moment she walked into the finished ballroom.

Before guests entered, Kate and Evan shared a private room reveal alongside their parents—an incredibly special moment where they could fully take in every detail they had worked so hard to bring to life. From the florals to the candlelight, the draping to the overall ambiance, it was a pause in the day to soak it all in together—one they will never forget.

The design came together in a way that completely exceeded expectations—proving just how powerful it is when a cohesive creative team brings a vision to life.

Video: Lacey Graham Photography

Designing an Experience Guests Will Never Forget

While the design was undeniably stunning, the heart of Kate and Evan’s wedding was always about their guests.

They wanted every person in attendance to feel:

Welcomed
Celebrated
Deeply appreciated

From handwritten notes to meaningful gifts, every touchpoint reflected their gratitude. Combined with an incredible performance by The Downtown Band, the night turned into an unforgettable celebration filled with energy, joy, and connection.

Some of our favorite touches that not only delighted their guests, but also added some of Kate and Evan’s story and personality into their day were the festive signature cocktails (they met at a bar), baseball hats (Evan played baseball in college, and ending the night with Taco Bell…a late night snack for many after a fun night out!

Advice from the Bride: Trust Your Floral Team

Kate’s biggest piece of advice to future couples?

“Invest in a florist who truly understands your vision and is excited about it. Belli Fiori didn't just provide flowers, they brought the entire atmosphere to life. Every detail they created was intentional, elevated and catered to us. Share your whole vision and Belli will work their magic!”

At Belli Fiori, that philosophy is at the core of everything we do. This wedding was a perfect example of how intentional floral design goes beyond décor—it shapes the entire atmosphere of the day.

Her final reminder is just as important: “Don't forget to soak up every moment of your wedding day and remember there will be a time where all the planning will be done and over with. When things feel stressful, remind yourself that when it's all said and done you will want to relive your wedding day100,000 times over. I was wishing for all the time back just to be able to do it all over again. Enjoy every moment of the day with your people, it truly is the best day of your life!”

Planning Your Own Luxury Wedding Flowers in St. Louis & Beyond

Whether your celebration is in St. Louis, Springfield, or anywhere your story takes you, Belli Fiori specializes in creating immersive floral experiences tailored to your vision.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels as incredible as it looks, we’d love to bring it to life.

Start your floral journey at BelliFioriSTL.com

Meet Kate and Evan’s Amazing Vendor Team:

Planning: @kaseyschafferevents

Venue: @illinicountryclub

Rentals: @tpistl

Floral: @bellifioristl

Images: @kissandcapture

Rentals: @seated.stl

Gown: @blondiesbridal

Makeup: @makeupbyrhonna

Cake: @cakehousedesign