I have a confession: I’m a tad bit obsessed with Matt and Nikki. It’s true! They’re two of the coolest people that I’ve ever met. The type of people that have such an awesome energy that you can’t help but be affected, you can’t help but smile. I told the other vendors (my second shooter and the videographer) that they were most likely going to be blown away by their wit, humor and warmth.. and throughout the night I’d get looks from both of them reassuring me that I was right on. From the moment we walked into Nikki’s hotel suite and heard the yoga music in the background and spotted the masseuse in the corner that she had brought on not only for her… but for her entire bridal party and basically anyone who walked through the bridal suite door (me included), I immediately remembered why I was so drawn to her. That word I mentioned above: warmth.

Matt and Nikki’s ceremony was held at the jaw dropping Room 1520 over in the west loop, and I could not wait to check this space out. One of my best friends is actaully getting married there next summer, so it was cool for me to be able to witness a wedding prior to hers. The interior was stark white with lit up chandeliers, flickering candles, and bright yellow accents (Nikki’s favorite color, and a color we both agreed radiated happiness – the mood I continue to associate with this wedding). It was perfect, and it was so very Mr and Mrs Kelly ;)

I don’t want to spoil all of the goodness that my eye caught on this day, so rather than trying to put it into words, I’ll let you see for yourself. It was magical, and I feel so insanely lucky to have been chosen by these two to document the beginning of their new life together as husband and wife. There wasn’t a dry eye, whether it was from crying becaue of the sweetness, or crying because you were laughing so hard. Both two very stellar emotions, if you ask me.

Katie and Rick were two of the most relaxed couples that I had ever worked with. That’s just a true statement. From the moment I walked into the Dairy Cottage on the Cantigny Park grounds, she was relaxed, lounged back in a wooden chair having her make up done, looking ravishing and glowing from the inside out. The day was here, her timeline was in place, all of the women closest to her under one roof, and in a matter of hours, she would be face to face with not only the man who was about to be her husband, but the man who had been her solid friend for ten years.

I was over the top excited for today, because in my opinion, few things are sweeter than a friendship that turns into an undeniable connection. Isn’t that usually the dream? We all want so desperately for the person we choose and who chooses us to be someone we can trust, someone who has given us hope and proof that although things can get rough, together.. things just get better. Katie and Rick have a familiarity that feels comfortable, but an excitement that feels like something brand new. The best of both worlds.

Their wedding went off without a hitch. Everything from the scheduling to the celebration at hand was perfect. One of my favorite moments (okay, fine, I’ll list two of my favorite moments) was when Katie and Rick had a little beer ceremony during their reception. Rick brews his own, and it’s become a bit of a passion of his.. and Katie being the cool girl she is, tries it all. So what better way to showcase love and support on a personal level, than to have Rick bring one of his very own brews, and have the two of them taste it, together. The second, was the ceremony kiss. I don’t need to explain the photo to you, because when you see it, you’ll know. All I will say, is that it embodies Rick’s playful personality to a T. It was a good catch on my part, and these two gave me so many amazing moments to document. I won’t keep them from you any longer!

Katie and Rick, congratulations on your new journey together as you now can call each other not only best friends, but husband and wife ;) I couldn’t be happier for you!

Meet, Mr and Mrs Velasco….

Vendor Love….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue
CEP Give Back Donation: UNICEF & The Gentle Barn
Venue: Cantigny Park
Bridal Gown Designer: Allure Bridals
Make-Up Artist: Stephanie Brandys
Hair Stylist: Jean Krystofiak
Tux Rentals: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff
Bridal Jewelry: Creme de Luxe by Amy Zumwalt
Garter: Virginia Geiger Jewels on Etsy
Bridemaids Gifts: Necklaces by Just Made Jewelry on Etsy | Spa Wraps by Shop Memento on Etsy
Florist: Laura Ambrose of Gardeenia
Cake Designer: Cocoa Bean Fine Desserts and Bakery
DJ Entertainment: Essence Entertainment
Photo Booth: Photo Booth of the Stars
Harpist: Harp Melodies by Nichole Luchs
Reverend: Reverend Tom Perrucci

I am so beyond excited to share Tessa and Mike’s wedding with all of you :) This was one of those days that would have been completely acceptable for them to feel defeated, maybe even a little irritated. A day that was supposed to bring clear skies and sun, instead brought heavy down pour and lightning. But when you looked at Tessa’s face, all you saw was radiating light. She was flawless.. and the rain? It was just a part of the journey.

Inside the charming barn where Tessa was getting dressed upstairs and her soon to be husband was relaxing downstairs, held a sign that read “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Coincidence? I think not :) The rain was romantic, and it brought forth one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve yet to see. By the time the ceremony had come to a finish, once the vows were exchanged and promises were made, the rain had stopped… and the timeless images of Tessa and Mike’s love were documented, accompanied by endless laughter and so much love.

The white tent that held every single person that has an adoration for Tessa and Mike (so of course you know it was packed!) hosted warm white lights from the ceiling, tiny little mason jars filled with bright yellow and red flowers, charming little chalkboards displaying the letters of the alphabet, and desserts that made your mouth water just by looking in that direction. It was perfect – not a single thing out of place, and hardly one person sitting still. By the end of the evening, this, my friends was a dance party. A full on celebration reflecting over two people who were without a doubt, meant to be together. Thanks to both of their mothers and their spot-on intuition, and a couple of introductions later… a dream of happily ever after become reality.

T & M, I am so thrilled for you and your new journey.. and I can’t thank you enough for choosing me to be a part of it all. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds for you! You deaesrve nothing but the best.

Meet, Mr and Mrs Lee….

Before the rain storm was about to roll through, I ran outside to take some photos of the adorable little cocktail hour set up that they had worked so hard on.. it was supposed to take place outside of the Oak Hill School House, which also hosted all of the guest’s place cards and advice book. So charming! Nevertheless, it still looked just as amazing when it was re-set up in the reception tent.

Vendor Love….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue
CEP Give Back Donation: Autism Speaks
Venue: Oak Hill Farm
Hair Stylist: John Christian Salon
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung
Bridesmaid Gifts: Cowgirl Boots from Shelpers
Florist: Jean Carlson of Galena, IL
Caterer: Fried Green Tomatoes
Cake Designer: Main Street Cheesecakes
DJ: Music With Styles
Videography: Robert Cawthorne

Liz and Seth had one of the most perfect summer days. The weather was beautiful, the atmosphere was completely relaxing, and joy was radiating throughout. We met up with Liz and her bridesmaids early that afternoon at the church where they were tucked away in a corner room, sitting around a large round table eating lunch as if it were just any other Saturday… ah, but it wasn’t ;) This was the Saturday that Liz would be marrying her best friend. Her glow said it all.

After what was a super intimate ceremony filled with so much love for these two, we headed over to what is by far one of my favorite venues to photograph at. Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom goes above and beyond to combine the comfort and the pretty, and things were no different this time around. Liz and Seth had the perfect set up; from their beautifully lit barn to the hand crafted Happy Trails Trail Mix Bar, and all of the lovely little details in between (can we talk about the burlap pillows and the lace wrapped mason jars? Oh! What about the photo mural held up by clothes pins? Maybe I can mention the adorable cupcake liner garland?) The moment I walked into the space, I was blown away. Mind you, this is a space I have seen time and time again.. but the little details that snugged every little corner were breath taking. So very Liz and Seth… both warm and inviting. And as the sun set with its perfect pink and orange hues, the night unraveled into a swarm of loving memories, created by everyone that has a major love for the new Mr and Mrs Woodward.

I feel so lucky to have been part of such an amazing day surrounded by the sweetest people. Liz and Seth, thank you for bringing me along on this journey! It was absolutely perfect – and you deserve nothing less in your new life together.

Meet, Mr and Mrs Woodward….

Vendor Love….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue
Reception Venue: Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom
Make Up: Odalisque Beauty Apothecary
Hair Stylist: Bonnie LaRusso
Bridal Gown Designer: Amy Kuschel
Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie
Bridesmaid Earrings: The Little Traveler
Florist: Walden Floral Deisgn, Co.
Caterer: My Chef
Cake Designer: Sweet P Sweets
Live Band: Dangeroux Mike