Summer wedding at Newberry Library :
It’s rare that I get to spend more than 1 day photographing a couple if they choose not to take engagement photos, but Melissa & Joe switched it up. Instead of engagement photos, they had me take photos of their rehearsal day. This was so fun to be a part of because I got to watch the wedding party practice what they would do the next day and see exactly where everyone would be standing. Of course all of this information can be discussed with planners and/or the church the day of as well. However, covering these moments the day before the wedding made me feel even more included and helped prepare me even more so for the wedding day.
I really do think it helped to alleviate some last minute nerves for the these two as well. Getting used to the camera watching your every move can be unsettling, but with practice and the right direction (from yours truly), you soon learn to relax, let go, and really enjoy your day to the fullest.
I started with Melissa & Joe both getting ready on different levels of the coolest boutique hotel in Lincoln Park, the Villa D’ Citta. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, we were able to not only do their first look right on location, but we didn’t have to travel far for photos in the park.
From here we hopped on a Chicago Trolley and made our way to the gorgeous Newberry Library to celebrate the night away. I love the architecture in this building and the vaulted ceilings make the reception room stand out so perfectly.
But to start, check out the gorgeous St. Alphonsus Church in Lakeview.
Beautiful speeches, first dances, and an amazing dance floor. Melissa and Joe created such an unforgettable Chicago wedding day.
A little about the lovely couple :
1. When did you meet? Where? January 10th, 2009 at McFaddens Bar. Yes, seriously!
2. When did you get engaged? Where? June 24th, 2012, at our condo
3. How did the proposal happen? After a long, stressful day (for many reasons) Joe made a nice romantic dinner and proposed shortly after. It was very sweet.
4. Wedding Ceremony & Venue location – St Alphonsas Church in Lakeview and the Newberry Library in downtown Chicago
5. Honeymoon? Where to? We left shortly after our wedding for a honeymoon along the coast of Croatia and capped off the trip with a few days in Italy.
6. What was your favorite thing about your wedding day? Seeing each other for the first time- Joe seeing Melissa surrounded by sunlight as the church doors opened and Melissa finally getting to see Joe and hold his had at the alter after the long walk down the aisle.
7. If you could do it all over again, what would you change, if anything? Eat more hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour. They were amazing!
8. What was your first dance song? Crazy Love – cover by Audra Mae
9. Any advice for future couples? Enjoy the wedding process even when it seems stressful because it really is a special time that will come and go much more quickly than you think.
10. 3 words to describe your husband/wife Melissa – beautiful, loving, intelligent; Joe – generous, loving, chivalrous.
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