Valerie Cook

I am a happily married mother of two. I have been interested in photography on and off for most of my life. When digital cameras started improving - I realized I could combine my love of taking photographs and my working knowledge of computers to do something special. As my children have gotten older, I have been able to devote more time to my hobby which has slowly been turning into a business. I spend lots of time communicating with other photographers online and have taken several photography classes and keep learning all of the time!
Please view my wedding reviews here:
http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewRating

Weddings to me are: Scary, Great Fun, Hectic, Exciting, Nerve Racking, and Amazing
All of this, to me = A Very Rewarding Experience!!!
I look forward to each wedding day with both excitement and nervousness - just ask my family - I drive them crazy with all of my wedding talk!  By the end of the wedding day, I am utterly exhausted, but CAN'T WAIT to get home to check out the images!!!!  Where else can you get such a wide range of emotions in one day - from tears to laughter (even sometimes at the same time!!!)
It makes me feel humbled to have been a part of something so life altering and to get the chance to preserve it!!
I am learning more and more with every wedding that I do.  A lot of documenting the special day is simply being in the right place at the right time.  It's difficult to so this and also stay out of the way.  However, it's the bride and groom's big day, so it's important to me to not cause them any more stress.  I am always happy to take suggestions and I do ask for a list of the "Must Have" shots so there is a less of a chance of forgetting an important portrait.
While I work on my own, I do my best to document the day.  This ranges from the little details like the brides'pedicure, the formal family shots, as well as the fun of the reception. 
I was married 13 years ago to my husband and I have great formal shots of our families that I treasure.  I really wish though, that I had photographs of my hair style, manicure, etc. and all of the great decorations that our families worked so hard on.  The most important images that I wish I had are of the guests that attended.  It's hard to believe how many things can change in 13 years.
Please be assured that even though I do work by myself, I have backups of all of my equipment. I either carry it with me, or have close by at all times in case I need it.
Feel free to contact me via email at:  valles@njoycom.net or call me at (217) 454-0692  - I  am located in central Illinois, but would be glad to travel with special arrangements.