Alli & Joe’s Chicago wedding at Salvatore’s Restaurant in Lincoln Park.
“My wedding details are simple with minimal decor. I am all about just enjoying the moment and making sure everyone is having a good time. I really wanted to get a unique and ethereal vibe, especially through my dress and Joe’s suit (floral dress and light blue suit).”
When I read this wedding day vision I couldn’t wait to see her dress. These two were the epitome of what it means to be super chill on your wedding day. We met right outside the Lincoln Park Conservatory for photos. Alli walked up with her floral dress flowing in the wind looking like an actual princess out of a Disney movie. Joe’s light blue suit was a perfect contrast. They first saw each other in a big open field and made it seem like no one else was around. Their wedding party consisted of some of the sweetest and most attentive friends. After a few photos in the park, we made our way – literally walking – to their venue a few blocks North.
When I asked them about their venue, they told me the food was what convinced them to book there. The classic Chicago Italian restaurant and impeccable staff only solidified their choice.
From heartfelt speeches to the most vibrant dance floor, these two celebrate a perfect day as husband and wife.
Their Wedding Creative Team :
Venue: @salvatoreschicago
DJ: @djchicagogram
Hair/Makeup: @alyssalynnmakeup
Cake: @ecbg_studio
Dress: @bhldn
Suit: @suitsupply
Florist: Primrose
Ryan and Travis’s Chicago wedding at South Branch was colorful, detailed, personal, and fun! Just like so many others, these grooms had to make the decision to push their nuptials back 1 year due to COVID. I truly think it all worked out how it was meant to, though, as we had the most beautiful day on the lake for their engagement photos, and their wedding day could not have been prettier. They described their decision to push back the wedding when I sent over my wedding blog survey :
“Pushing it out to summer 2022 was our best option. We gave ourselves time to enjoy the engagement and started planning pretty quickly into the new year. We did our venue first to nail down a date and then moved to the other two major pieces: photos and music. We knew Liz was a great fit for us because of the referrals from friends, but also our zoom meeting that seemed like we were talking to a friend. It started with us and not our wedding. Liz then was very helpful and we found our DJ through the recommendation list she provided.” – The sweetest! We really did talk for quite a while on that Zoom call and it truly felt like I was chatting with old friends. 🙂
The weather was perfect! And that is especially needed when you plan lots of photos outside (which we did!) AND an outdoor ceremony. After a few photos of each groom getting ready at the W Chicago, Ryan and I jumped in an Uber to meet Travis at the south garden by the Art Institute. I had Ryan wait behind the gate entrance and made my way towards Travis to turn him around and get ready for their first look.
When you are ready, turn around Travis. 🙂 They both looked so amazing in their suits and immediately rushed to each other for a big hug and kiss. The rest of the afternoon was filled with the most joyous wedding party, walking all around Millennium Park, and ending at the iconic Buckingham Fountain, where I don’t know how it was possible on such a gorgeous day in June, but we had or photo spot all to ourselves!
Off to South Branch for family photos and lots of water before the guests began to arrive. Then, as the sun peeked through the surrounding buildings, Ryan and Travis made their way down the aisle surrounded by all their family and friends to officially say I DO. The ceremony was short, sweet, and emotional, officiated by close friends, and before we knew it, it was time to party!
Ryan & Travis’s Wedding Creative Team :
Wedding Venue : @southbranchchi
Florist : @catherinesgardens
DJ : @toastandjamdjs
Hair/Makeup : @blushandbraidsbeautybar
Suits : @suitsupply
The best day! Love ya’ll! 😉
A little more about Ryan & Travis :
When did you meet? Where?
A. We are one of the Tinder success stories. We were talking for a bit before agreeing to meet up in person. We had our first date at a bar in Lakeview and it’s been great ever since.
When did you get engaged? Where? How did the proposal happen?
A. We got engaged in October of 2020. We had just closed on our first place together and Travis made an off the cuff comment to Ryan about how getting out of a mortgage was harder than getting out of a marriage. A day later, Ryan proposed as Travis “unpacked” a very important box.
What was the most important aspect for you two when planning your wedding?
A. For us, we wanted our guests to have a great time. We had a lot of friends from out of town come in and we wanted to not only showcase the city of Chicago, but also our life there. Our rehearsal dinner was at our local bar (shout out to Toons!) and then opened it up to everyone to just enjoy time together. We really enjoyed this extra time to be with our guests. After that, our venue being on the river and outside for most of it really helped sell the case of why we live in Chicago. The food/drink/music combo was also excellent, so that helped our guests have a good time.
How did you choose your wedding venue(s)? (Price/location/availability/etc.?)
A. We got married at South Branch Grille and Tavern and we really enjoyed the option to be outdoors for most of it while being surrounded by the downtown buildings.They were great to work with and we enjoyed everything about the venue. Being a restaurant, it’s our plan to go there for dinner on our anniversaries.
What was your favorite thing about your wedding day?
A. We loved how our worlds collided and everyone matched so well. This was a time where two families (and yes, our friends are included in that) really became one.
What were the first dance songs?
A. We danced to “Take the World” by JOHNNYSWIM. The song doesn’t hold anything particular meaning, but does have some beautiful lyrics.
Where did you (or plan to) go for your honeymoon?
A. We were fortunate enough to spend a good amount of time away because of Ryan’s teaching schedule and Travis holding onto some vacation time. We spent about 16 days in France and Morocco. It was such a great time to be together and experience new parts of the world.
What is one thing about your spouse that many people might not know? Any funny, sweet, silly stories?
A. Ryan – There’s a lot of great things about Travis, but one of the things I love the most is how great of a friend he is to everyone. He is great at keeping in contact with people and keeping up with them. He truly feels honored to have these people as his friends and works hard to keep them in his life.Travis –
– Ryan can anticipate (and prevent!) problems better than anyone I know. He has like a sixth sense for being able to think things out fully and completely and is always prepared. All weather, all scenarios, all contingencies – he’s undeterred.
Can you give any advice for future couples planning a wedding?
A. Something will go wrong and no one will notice. Don’t stress about the day being “perfect.” There were things at our wedding that didn’t go as planned and no one noticed until we brought it up to them. People will remember the great memories, not the tiny mishaps. And make sure to eat!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Hannah & Ricky’s wedding at the Morton Arboretum
“For both of us, the most important aspect of our wedding planning was finding a great photographer so that we could remember our special day forever!“
When I first met Hannah and Ricky, the detail in which they planned their day was impressive to say the least. I was so happy to be a part of it all. Talking over their day, I could immediately tell how perfect they were together. They both were involved with every step of the process, including taking photo suggestions from me and giving their input in return. I loved listening to them talk about how they envisioned their day.
When Hannah and Ricky told me they were getting married at the Morton Arboretum, my only reaction was excitement. The grounds are gorgeous there, especially in the Summer, and I knew so many of the spots we chose would be a stunning backdrop with this sweet duo.
As soon as I walked into Hannah’s hotel room on the wedding day, I was met with the biggest smile. Everyone was so happy and excited. They even hung a ‘Future Mrs. Huddleston’ banner for her to celebrate. After they both got dressed and put on their final touches, we were driven to the first look spot. Hannah’s dad drove us around the park for photos. It was the absolute sweetest!
Hannah slowly made her way down a quiet tree-lined pathway to where Ricky was waiting at the end of the bridge. After a little tap on the shoulder and a quick turn around, you could see the nerves melt away and the smiles widen. They were both so ready to see each other! We took some time for photos of just the two of them and then made our way to one of my favorite spots in the park to meet the entire wedding party, the Spruce Tree Lot. The light that day and the colors were out of this world. I was a happy photographer. 🙂
After lots of smiles, a lot of photos with their adorable dog Taz, even more family portraits, and a little time to freshen up, we made our way down the pathway from their venue to their outdoor ceremony on the water. The weather was perfect! Happy tears all around and shouts of joy as they said I DO and off we went to dance the night away.
These huge Star Wars fans paired just enough of their favorite details with the beautiful backdrop of the floor-to-ceiling windows facing out to the water. You could still see their ceremony chairs set up as the sun was starting to set.
Hannah and Ricky, your day was a beautiful walk in the park…quite literally! I loved every detail!
Venue : @mortonarb
Florist : @blushbloomsco
Dress : @adriannapapell @brilliantbridal
Suit : @josabank
Hair : @debrapetrielli.team
Makeup : @daniveneziamua
Get to know a little more about the couple :
- Q. When did you meet? Where?
A. Ricky and Hannah met in downtown Denver, in the summer of 2017. Hannah began as an intern at the company Ricky worked for and after about 4 months, near the end of her internship, Ricky finally asked Hannah out on a date! They walked along the 16th Street mall, had dinner together, and shared a piece of cheesecake! - Q. When did you get engaged? Where? How did the proposal happen?
A. Ricky proposed to Hannah while they were on vacation in Pensacola, Florida on New Year’s Day, 2021! Ricky had gone to walk on the beach early in the morning under the guise of searching for shells, but he was really scoping out a proposal spot to carve “Marry Me!” in the sand! When Hannah came looking for him, after sleeping in, he brought her up to his caving and before she knew it, Ricky was down on one knee with a spectacular diamond ring! - Q. How did you start your wedding planning process? Through referrals, planner, own research, etc.?
A. Our wedding planning started with a spreadsheet Hannah’s sister had put together for her wedding a few years prior. From that point on, there was a ton of Pinterest research and googling! We found a wedding venue and everything fell perfectly into place after that! - Q. How did you choose your wedding venue(s)?
A. When choosing our wedding venue, we prioritized the location. We fell in love with the ceremony spot and picked a wedding date based on the availability they had. - Q. What was your favorite thing about your wedding day?
A. For Hannah, her favorite part was dancing all night long with her friends and family.
For Ricky, his favorite part was the first look and seeing Hannah for the first time in her wedding dress, looking beautiful. - Q. What were the first dance songs?
A. Newlywed first song: Imperial March by Samuel Kim
Mother / Son: My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Father / Daughter: You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins + Crank That by Soulja Boy - Q. Where did you (or plan to) go for your honeymoon?
A. We went to Bali, Indonesia for a two-week honeymoon! We spent the first half on the north eastern coast in the town of Tulamben scuba diving and the second half exploring the jungle of Ubud. - Q. What is one thing about your spouse that many people might not know? Any funny, sweet, silly stories?
A. One thing many people might not know about Ricky is that he is an animal whisperer. At every gathering and get-together, every dog and cat wants to sit in his lap and be pet by him.
One thing many people might not know about Hannah is that she is not a very good cook. Before she met Ricky, she was a cereal and mac & cheese kinda girl, until he taught her the basics and now they make proper dinners together, almost every night! - Q. Can you give any advice for future couples planning a wedding?
A. Our advice for future couples planning a wedding is to plan together? Involve your partner in the wedding planning process. It should be a joint effort, and both of your preferences and ideas should be considered. Additionally, we would recommend doing thorough research on vendors, venues, and other services you’ll need for your wedding. Compare prices, read reviews, and ask for recommendations to make informed decisions and get the best value for your money.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
Michelle & Doug’s Chicago Wedding at The Rookery
“Food, music, and the venue.” These were the three most important aspects for Michelle and Doug when planning their wedding.
“We are huge foodies, so having delicious food was important. A unique venue made our special day stand out and it sure helped that Doug already had that one figured out prior to even getting engaged. The band we chose was sensational and truly made the night one to remember!“
Their April wedding day started with a room full of close friends and family all beyond excited to see Michelle in her dress. And let me tell you, after walking in and hanging it up for photos, I was too! The detail was amazing. And then add in the colorful bridesmaid dresses and gorgeous flowers from Steve’s Flower Market and I knew this day would be so fun to capture.
I had first met Michelle way back before I was even a full time photographer. We worked together in downtown Chicago off Michigan Ave in Grant Park. Little did we both know that one day she would be contacting me for engagement and wedding photos. And I’m so glad she did! After meeting Doug and seeing these two together, it was more than apparent that they were each other’s perfect person. Add in Winston, aka Sir Winston Meatball, and this adorable family of 3 made for some of my favorite city engagement photos.
After a lot of excitement and then dodging multiple wedding parties also taking photos on LaSalle, we lined up Michelle and Doug in front of the Rookery building, stood back, and watched them see each other for the first time all dressed up. Doug’s reaction was the cutest! Nerves were calmed, gifts were exchanged, and after a few photos of just them, their amazing wedding party joined in. We finally had the entire street to ourselves!
My favorite part was climbing the famous Rookery building winding stairs to catch some iconic photos inside. According to Michelle, “Doug was a guest at a wedding at The Rookery Building a few years prior and talked about how incredible it was for a few years. The moment we got engaged, Doug asked me to go see it. We saw one other venue and there was no competition. We did not even look at any others!”
I had to agree! Those stairs are so cool and the building is gorgeous. After many, MANY photos inside the Rookery, Michelle and Doug and their friends and family hid away as the final details were set up for the ceremony at the bottom of the grand staircase. A short and sweet ceremony and quick reception room change up later, and we were cheering Mr. & Mrs. Andrew in down those very stairs to dance the night away.
Here are the highlights from their unforgettable wedding day.
Wedding Coordinator : @bustleandlace
Florist : @stevesflowermarket
Band : @maggiespeaksband
Hair : @tamaraholdenhair
Makeup : @emilywolfmua
Caterer : @jewelleventscatering
Shoes : @loefflerrandall
Dress : @bellabiancabridalcouture
Suit : @stitchandheartchi
Lighting/Design : @art_imagination
A little more about Michelle & Doug :
1.When did you meet? Where?
We connected on the dating app Hinge in 2018. Our first date was shortly after at The Bad Apple in Lincoln Square. Michelle was late, per usual.
2. When did you get engaged? Where? How did the proposal happen?
We got engaged in 2021 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over Valentine’s Day weekend. Doug somehow made it through customs with the ring and surprised Michelle with a sweet proposal by the beach just a few short hours upon their arrival. We got to celebrate all weekend long and were just on cloud 9 the entire trip!
3. How did you start your wedding planning process? Through referrals, planner, own research, etc.?
Michelle is a planner at heart and took to her own research right away. Doug already had the venue picked out and the moment they saw it, they both knew it was perfect for them. As the date got closer, Michelle hired a day of planner, but she rocked out all of the details, big and small, on her own with a million spreadsheets and basically taking on a part time gig as wedding planner!
4. What was your favorite thing about your wedding day?
We both adored our first look and our first dance. These were two uniquely special and memorable moments we shared together that we will cherish forever. Having all of our family and friends in one space, celebrating our love, is also something we will never ever forget.
5. What were the first dance songs?
Michelle & Doug: “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds. This was also played with only instrumentals (violin and piano) during our ceremony as Michelle walked down the aisle and as well as post ceremony after we said our “I do’s!”
Michelle and her Dad, Allan: “My Girl” – The Temptations
Doug and his mom, Evelyn: “Close to You” – Carpenters
6. Where did you (or plan to) go for your honeymoon?
A few days after the wedding, we had the most breathtakingly beautiful honeymoon in Hawaii. We started off in Kauai and ended our trip in Maui. Our honeymoon was the perfect combination of adventure, activities, relaxation and romance and we loved every minute of it!
7. What is one thing about your spouse that many people might not know? Any funny, sweet, silly stories?
We are both are super goofy together and often break into song and dance over the most random things. Keeps us laughing and always entertained!
8. Can you give any advice for future couples planning a wedding?
Make a timeline and stick to it. It gets stressful as the date gets closer, so the more you can do spread out over time, the better. Also, enjoy every minute of your big day. The cliche “it goes by so fast” is SO true. Make sure you participate in your wedding- enjoy the band/DJ, dance your little face off, eat the food, enjoy your new wife/husband and make memories that will last a lifetime!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Kira & Tyler’s Chicago wedding at The Geraghty: Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s more! Walking into this beautifully decorated space at the Geraghty was something out of a dream. The colors alone were mesmerizing, but the DETAIL! The detail was out of this world.
There were unforgettable food displays including a custom sushi bar and tequila bar, and a life-size cut out of Kira’s late father that later made its way to the dance floor.
As you began your walk through the candle-lit entrance to the reception, you felt as though you were walking through an enchanted forest. As you turned the corner, you immediately saw the bride and groom’s sweetheart table, and the amazing band greeting you warmly with live music as you looked over the colorful details of each table placement.
I asked Kira to tell me what they envisioned their ideal wedding to be like. Here is what she said :
“This is our reception for last years’ ceremony (which we held at our home with our immediate family). All of the guests streamed our ceremony from the comfort of their own homes. The idea is to make it a big party to celebrate our marriage and all of our family and friends finally being able to be together. We are surprising our guests with an airbrush artist as a funny nod to the forgotten days of bar/bat mitzvahs and to add a memorable, fun, and unique flair to the event.
My husband and I developed a renewed appreciation and love for trees and florals during the pandemic on all of our walks around the neighborhood, so I wanted to bring that theme into the wedding decor. I told Mathew I want guests to feel as if they are walking into an enchanted forest when entering the reception room, and I am excited to see what he comes up with!
My mom’s must have is a tequila bar. We decided to give the tequila bar a dia de los muertos theme to honor the culture of the neighborhood our venue is in and to do something unique and special to honor our deceased loved ones. For all events, my dad was always big on honoring the memory of lost loved ones by creating beautiful memory tables. Since he unfortunately is now on that list of lost loved ones, I really wanted to make sure that we honored his memory by creating a really special memorial “table.” I am also showing a little photo montage of pictures of my dad and I during the first half of what would have been our father/daughter dance. The song I chose is Jackson Browne’s “For a Dancer,” which is one of my dad’s (and my) favorite songs and has a really beautiful message about loss, death, and life after death. I also have a life-size cut-out of my dad (which was also at the ceremony) because that was the type of humor my dad (and I) have. My mom thinks I should dance with it (our family has weird humor lol) but I think that will be a game-time decision.
My whole life I looked forward to the father-daughter dance and the speech my dad would give at my wedding (he is the king of funny speeches!), so it has been difficult imagining a wedding without him and those things…but to be honest all of the changes with the pandemic kind of make everything a little easier because nothing is what it should be.
The majority of the details of the event is a surprise to both guests and even my husband – from the cocktail hour (e.g. sushi bar), to the air brush, to the frozen lemon/lime cocktails, to the Lou Malnatis pizzas. The only things my husband knows about are the band (which he chose) and the air brush artist. Everything else is a surprise (even the decor!). It has been hard to keep everything a secret from him and my family/friends, but my mom and I are excited to see their faces when they see everything!
We told the band we wanted the party to be like a big concert, and gave them complete creative freedom to jam out on any and all songs they want, for as long as they want. So it should be a-rockin’ good time!
We just want everyone to have fun and be happy :-)”
And fun and happy it was!
Their wedding creative team:
Venue : @thegeraghty
Design/lighting/Florist : @kehoedesigns @mathew_lahey
Caterer : @entertaining_co
Band : @goldcoastallstars
Makeup : @toshiszpyra
Hair : @erinahernbeauty_salonbuzz
Dress : @ultimatebridechicago / Dresser: Gwendolyn
Suit : @suitsupply
Video : @mirarweddings
Planner : #RevaNathan
Photo Booth: Record-A-Hit
Air Brush: Record-A-Hit
Late-night snack: Lou Malnati’s Pizza
Rachel & Connor’s Cafe Brauer Wedding.
So many details! A warm August day, a larger than life wedding party, the sweetest duo, and one adorable dog. Rachel & Connor’s wedding day was unforgettable and one of my favorites of the year.
I first met these two a few months prior on a cold afternoon in the city for their engagement session. It didn’t take long before realizing just how fun these two would be to photograph. They were so engaging, trusting, and honestly so excited for any and all photos. They really did make my job more fun. Add in the most adorable dog, Dakota, and you’d never notice just how cold it was outside.
Flash forward to a few months later…
After a quick trip to say hello to the guys, I continued the afternoon running up and down the stairs with the ladies in Rachel’s mom’s gorgeous Lincoln Park home. I was obsessed with Rachel’s Mira Couture dress and absolutely loved the color! It was so unique and fit her like a glove. Add in that amazingly long veil, and she really was a. picture perfect bride.
We didn’t have to go far for their first look as we used the beautifully landscaped backyard that luckily provided some much needed shade cover. Those first moments when Connor turned and saw Rachel were so cute to watch. They were beyond giddy and just happy to finally see one another. The best part was their sweet gift exchange. Moments later, Dakota came running out and before we knew it we were rushing to get in as many wedding party photos as possible.
I had so much fun with their wedding party. You truly can see why certain people are picked to be a part of a couples special day. Each person in that group was helpful, sweet, never complained about the heat, and happy to smile in as many pictures as I asked. They were all truly a joy to be around.
After a quick 1st dance practice under the honeycomb, we made our way up the stairs of Cafe Brauer into the great hall where Rachel and Connor finally got to see in person what all those months of planning created. They were pleasantly shocked and we all couldn’t get over how amazing the creative team was putting together every last detail. The turnover to the reception was so much fun to watch and photograph!
The best part of the day was the dance floor. EVERYONE was out there and having a blast, lifting the newly Mr. and Mrs. up on the chairs during the Hora. The food, the sweet speeches, and the cutest story behind a family recipe for their cheese cake cutting made this night unforgettable.
Congratulations Rachel & Connor!
Venue : Cafe Brauer
Florist : @hmrdesigns
Dress : @mira_couture
Suit : @formallymodern
Band : @goldcoastallstars @goldcoastevents
Caterer : @entertaining_co
Summer rooftop wedding at Tanta Chicago
I love an intimate wedding day. Add in a Chicago rooftop view at a delicious Peruvian restaurant and you get the perfect reception.
We started the day at a downtown hotel where a quick first look indoors calmed nerves from all the unexpected rain in the morning. The best part was as soon as we finished and headed outside, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Perfect timing! I was so happy they were given a few moments in that unforgettable afternoon golden hour.
Soon after in a short and sweet wedding ceremony overlooking the city in the river-north area, Bari & Kyle said I do under a gorgeous chuppah decorated by Teshuva Fields Flower Farm. When Bari first contacted me, they had originally described a small backyard wedding, but this upstairs upgrade made for one unforgettable evening.
Along with their closest friends and family, they danced the night away with music provided by DJ @thatguyjawon immersed in the decadent smells of the Peruvian food cooking in the kitchen below. The sun slowly went down as they exchanged their vows and all of their friends and family were filled with emotions as they were finally announced husband and wife with the city night lights shining behind.
Unique wedding days like these are always such a joy to be a part of. You get to see a day planned specifically by the couple down to every little detail. One of their most important details was lots of group photos with friends and family that hadn’t seen one another in so long. Being able to provide those memories is what it’s all about.
The Creative Team :
Venue : @tantachicago
Planner : @snpproductions
Florist : @teshuvafields
Hair : @rhonakanehair
Makeup : @toshiszpyra
Dress @glamourclosetbride
Suit : @indochino
DJ : @thatguyjawon
Congratulations Bari & Kyle!
Hugs to you both!
“Just here to have a great time!”
Another wedding postponed during the pandemic, but celebrated like no other! Carly & Joe were officially married in an intimate ceremony at home the Fall before, but THIS July reception at Ravenswood Event Center was the party we were all waiting for.
They started the day getting ready at the gorgeous @hotelzachary in Wrigleyville.
When I walked in, I was both overly excited and honestly, more nervous than I think I’ve ever felt in 12 years. It was my first wedding back after the pandemic and just like every other wedding creative, I was anxious to get back to work! After a year of postponements and cancellations, I wasn’t sure when I would get back to any sort of ‘wedding normal’.
𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏.💙💙💙
I walked into the ladies hotel room and saw Carly with the biggest smile on her face, starting to get emotional. I grabbed my camera, took the first photo of the day, and before I knew it, every single nervous feeling I had immediately disappeared.
All day long, this group and their family & friends were so much fun and beyond kind. Everyone was just happy to be together and it showed. From start (Carly’s sweet welcoming smile) to finish (Joe’s never ending dance moves), this wedding was such a joy and the perfect way to get back into doing what I love.
One of the best surprises of the day, though, was when one of Carly’s bridesmaids was able to get their names and wedding date showcased up on the Cubs marquee while we took pictures. I was so happy she contacted me prior to the wedding to let me know so we could plan out exactly when we needed to be there. It was the coolest added detail of the day!
Also, how cool is their custom neon sign with their last name?!
The Creative Team :
Venue : @ravenswoodeventcenter
Florist : @ashlandaddison
Dress : @vierobridalchicago
Tux : @theblacktux
Congratulations Carly & Joe! I am beyond grateful to you both for letting me be a part of this unforgettable day!
Rainy day wedding portraits in the city :
When Crystal first contacted me for portraits in the city, we originally planned to meet at Buckingham Fountain for those unforgettable skyline views. Unfortunately, as we got closer to the actual day, the weather forecast got worse. And as with any other wedding day, we started to come up with back up plans.
One of my favorite covered spots is under the Civic Opera House pillars. It showcases the amazing architecture that Chicago offers and is the perfect spot to keep dry while being outside. We could have stayed in that one spot for their photos, but as I always say with my couples, if you are willing, so am I.
So, with everything covered, adorable jackets on, and umbrellas in hand, we ventured out for some of my favorite photos in the rain. These two were amazing and smiled through every moment. The best part? No one was around! Rainy days don’t bring a lot of tourists walking around so of course it’s the best time to go out for pictures, right?! HA! We may have gotten a little soaked, but it was all worth it after seeing what we captured.
Congratulations Crystal & Liz!
Bari + Colin : An intimate backyard ceremony at home.
Sometimes, getting married in the backyard surrounded only by immediately family is the perfect wedding day. At least this was the case for Bari & Colin during the pandemic. So many couples experienced their own form of ‘change of plans‘ during this time, but somehow, these two still managed to create the most wonderful celebration with a much smaller guest list and venue. Walking through the front door I met Bari in the dining room finishing up her makeup. On the table in front of me were pictures of family and the married couple to be along with their wedding rings and unique invitations. I made my way upstairs with Bari to take her getting ready photos. I loved her short form-fitting wedding gown. It was perfect for a Summer wedding at home.
Once Bari was dressed, I made my way out front to meet Colin to place him for their first look. I loved the idea of Bari opening the front door and walking down the front pathway to meet him. It was so intimate and beautiful and you could tell how excited they both were to finally see one another. As we made our way out back to make sure everything was set for the ceremony, my jaw dropped as I looked out and the unbelievably gorgeous setting that was the backyard transformed. The petals, the chuppa, the flowers, the everything!
Oh and don’t get me started on Maki in his doggie tux! He stole the show for their engagement session too, but this was by far the cutest! So excited for their BIG wedding finally in 2022!
Everything was perfect.
The Creative Team :
Planner : #RevaNathan
Photography : @elizabethgrevephoto
Florals : @fragrantdesign
Music : @kenarlenevolutionorchestra
Makeup : @kelly_makeupartist
Hair : @sammartiranosalon
Video : @xpressvideoproductions
A little about the lovely couple :
1. When did you meet? Where?
They met in October 2012 while working together at the same Engineering Company. At the time, Bari was in charge of the Marketing and HR departments, so it was she that sent Colin his formal offer letter!
It wasn’t until 2015 though that they went on their first date!
2. When did you get engaged? Where?
Colin asked Bari’s Dad for permission to marry her in January 2019 on the yearly family trip to Aruba. We then got engaged on May 11, 2019 in the Singer backyard in Long Grove, IL. We had planned to go there that day to celebrate Bari’s dad’s birthday, but little did she know, Colin (and the family) had other plans in mind! After Colin proposed, Colin had a few other surprises in store – Colin, Bari and her family went downtown to Gibson’s Italia for dinner followed by a surprise party at Sunda with all of their friends (because an engagement night without Sushi just doesn’t seem right when it comes to Bari and Colin).
3. How did the proposal happen?
We started our wedding process by hiring a wedding planner that came highly recommended by many friends and family friends (Reva Nathan). After that, we used her referrals and suggestions, as well as some others from our closest friends (hello – Liz!). Pre-covid, the process was fun and easy going! We enjoyed it a lot!
4. What was the most important aspect for you two when planning?
One of the most important aspects was creating/having an event that was fun for and included all of our friends and family. Next up was food! Both of us consider ourselves foodies, so having sushi for Bari and fried chicken sandwiches that resembled Doc B’s for Colin were a must!
5. What was your favorite thing about your wedding day?
Our mini wedding day was intimate. We felt we could really soak up the moments and spend quality time with our immediate families. We are still looking forward to a big party in 2021 though! (now 2022!)
6. What is one thing about your spouse that many people might not know? Any funny, sweet, silly stories?
During the beginning of the quarantine not only did we work in the same room, but at the same desk. While that would be a recipe for disaster for some couples, it actually worked in our favor, and when we moved to a bigger space, we still share the same room. Not the same desk though!
Bari prides herself on being a foodie, yet is actually very picky.
Colin is actually the romantic one in the relationship.
7. Any advice for future couples?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be flexible and open minded. At the end of the day, this is supposed to be about love and fun!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
