Make a Difference Donation | American Cancer Society

Venue | Meson Sabika

Ring Designer | M. Martin + Co

Florist | Floral Expressions

Caterer | Meson Sabika

Bakery | Nicole Snider

Harpist | Annette Bjorling

It’s hard to imagine that at one point, Melissa and Jason weren’t together; that they were only brushing paths on an annual basis, but had yet to officially collide.  Perhaps deep down, the both of them knew the reality of it all.  That serendipity would take its course, and fate would push them together. Lives intertwined, fingers interlocked. 

When I first met Melissa and Jason, I was in love with their dynamic.  They play so lovingly off of one another’s words, each never missing a beat. A natural flow that can only be discribed an intimate understanding as to who is sitting beside them.  We began diving into the details of their day, when they said something to me a little out of the ordinary. “The three of us will be getting married.”  You see, Melissa has a daughter, Gianna, who is in the undeniably sweet toddler era (seriously though, this little girl is unbelievable.) I’m immediately in awe of how both of their faces light up the moment her name hits the air.  Jason radiates at the idea of being in Gianna’s life forever; Melissa beams at the fact that she’s found someone who loves her baby just as much as she does. Not once was the day ever just about Melissa and Jason.  It was always about the foundation of bringing three lives together.  It was about uniting a family.

So I move on to ask my favorite question, “Well… how did you do it?! How did you propose?”  She looks at him with a face that reads, “you tell her… so that I can relive it when you do.” 

He begins to unravel some of their best kept secrets – their favorite spot to take long walks, the time when they both got each other the exact same gift (a framed photo of aforementioned favorite spot – also when they both agreed they knew they had found the one… swoon.) So it felt only natural that this be the place he ask Melissa to be his wife.  A set up lunch. A long walk.  And a man, so sure of his decision to marry the love of his life and become a father, was down on his knee, praying for a “yes…”

Prayers were answered, and one of the most perfectly thought out weddings came and went far too quickly, as they always do.  It was a whirlwind of emotion, laughter and perfect doses of sunshine; Melissa looks at me during the cocktail hour, Jason in her peripheral vision, and says, “I am so in love.”  Jason later gushes to a friend that he just married the most amazing woman on Earth… and that life couldn’t get any better.

I, would have to agree. 

Congratulations Mr. + Mrs. Turner… xoxo

The necklace ceremony where Jason pledges his love and commitment to his new daughter, Gianna. (not a dry eye in the garden)

The uniting of three lives..

 

Make a Difference Donation | Naperville Humane Society

Venue | Danada House in Wheaton, IL

Wedding Coordinator | Cindy Shanholtz of Effortless Events

Bridal Designer | Christina Rossi

Shoe Designer | Grace 

Bridesmaids Dresses | Alexia Designs

Hair Stylist | Nicole Peterson of Hair Expressions

Make-Up Artist | Wendy Woodside of Wendy City Faces

Tuxes | Jos A Bank

Florist | Virginia Wolff, Inc.

Caterer | Angeli’s 

Bakery | Allegretti’s Bakery + Portillo’s

Custom Cake Topper | Monster Hollow Studios

Videographer | Cameron Yergler

DJ | Music Mania

I’ve had so much trouble even knowing how to begin this post, because in all honesty, my words escape me. That never happens. 

Chris and Lisa are the true definition of a power couple.  Eager to effect positive change, ready to live, grounded in each other, always in love.  Most of the time during my couple’s ceremonies, I’ll take a moment away from the bride and groom up at the altar. I’ll wander my lens around to the guests and family members, curious to see what soft child-like expressions will come over even the sternness of faces.  But with these two, I couldn’t take my eyes off of them.  His eyes welting with tears with each glance. Her gaze so steady on her man. Not only did I fear I would miss a moment of magic, I feared that if I moved even just a little bit, the guests would see that I had mascara running down my face.

They’re also two of the most loyal people that I’ve ever met; To those around them, to their animals, and to each other.  I remember when I first sat down with them to discuss all the details of their wedding day, and I started enthusiastically shouting out ideas about what we could do for our engagement shoot.  I immediately thought of their dogs  (both Chris and Lisa have rescued Pitbulls).  She said with utter calmness (and a little bit of sadness) that that wouldn’t be possible, because they don’t get along.  They can’t be in the same room with eachother.  My response immediately followed with, “But, what do you do on a daily basis then? How do they live in the same house?”  She said, without hestiation, “We give them each large doses of attention throughout the day and night.  One sits in the room while the other gets love, and then they switch.  We could have given them back, but we made a commitment to them.”

It was right in that moment that I knew they were rare.  Their love for each other is much like their love for their dogs; They’re committed and they’re hopeful. They live within a place that only the two of them truly understand. A place that stands firm. Steady. Unwavering. 

She calls him her everything. 

He calls her his one true love.

I call them, Mr. and Mrs. Lough….

First look…. ;)