Stacey & Brendan’s Beautiful Old Orchard Country Club Wedding
Stacey and Brendan met in the Summer of 2018 while both working at the Wrigley Rooftops. They had an instant connection and grew closer, when Covid hit they essentially moved in together and cemented their bond. They created so many memories . . .
Stacey and Brendan met in the Summer of 2018 while both working at the Wrigley Rooftops. They had an instant connection and grew closer, when Covid hit they essentially moved in together and cemented their bond. They created so many memories together in the Lincoln Square area when Brendan lived – when the time came he chose to propose to Stacey there and the next chapter in their love story began!
Brendan is a police officer in Chattanooga, so Stacey worked to plan their wedding remotely. Conrad and Lindsay first met Stacey and Brendan in person on their wedding day after talking with them over the phone and on Zoom leading up to their big day. Friends and family came from all over the world to celebrate Stacey and Brendan – her best friend flew in from New York and her Dad’s cousin came all the way from Germany to help with the centerpieces and other wedding details.
Throughout their wedding we were struck by how loyal and loving Stacey and Brendan are. They created hand-written notes for each of their guests and had the best time celebrating along with their friends and family. It was an honor for us to be alongside this loving couple as they started their lives together!
Congratulations, Stacey and Brendan, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Stacey and Brendan’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VIDEOGRAPHY
DS Wedding Studio
FLORIST
Accents by Jenny
BRIDAL HAIR
Corey Flood
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Glam and Glow by Mel
WEDDING CAKE
Central Continental Bakery
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
All About the Bride
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Azazie
WEDDING RINGS
Jared
MENSWEAR
Formally Modern Tuxedo
BRIDAL SHOES
Nina Shoes
Stephanie & Will’s Sweet Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Stephanie and Will met through mutual friends – her good friend from college is his good friend from high school. A few years after graduating college, Will moved to Chicago for work and they connected for their first date at Corridor Brewery. . .
Stephanie and Will met through mutual friends – her good friend from college is his good friend from high school. A few years after graduating college, Will moved to Chicago for work and they connected for their first date at Corridor Brewery.
As they grew closer Stephanie and Will soon moved in together, and Will proposed in their first apartment after coming home from landing his dream job. We first connected with Stephanie and Will during the pandemic, and got to know them better at their pretty engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature Walk downtown. Stephanie’s sweetness and Will’s dry sense of humor made an impression on me, and we were really excited to celebrate their wedding at the Metropolis Ballroom in June!
Looking back, Stephanie and Will’s wedding day was truly perfect – but just as Stephanie was about to put on her gorgeous wedding gown she was told that their florist had flaked and they didn’t have wedding flowers. No bouquets, no boutonnieres, no centerpieces. In the ten years we have been shooting weddings we have NEVER experienced anything like this! We kept our composure and quietly worked with the amazing Metropolis team to mobilize a local florist to pull off something last-minute. But in the meantime, we really had to start taking wedding party photos before we ran out of time before the ceremony. Stephanie took all of the chaos in stride, it was amazing. She took a sip of champagne and pulled her shoulders back before striding outside for photos. Stephanie rocked her dress pockets and high leg slit and made the best of things, nothing was going to stop her from enjoying her wedding day! It was one of the most bad-ass things we have ever seen from a bride!
By the time we had finished with photos around downtown Arlington Heights there were bouquets and boutonnieres ready thanks to the amazing and kind team at Purple Rose Floral in Mount Prospect. Those personal floral items really do make a difference and it was amazing how beautiful everything looked from Purple Rose even though they had absolutely zero advanced warning, we were SO grateful that they stepped in to help out!!
At the start of their reception Stephanie and Will gave a speech to thank their guests, and Stephanie had already planned to talk about how all of the details that go into a wedding day don’t really matter. Her words hit even harder after what had transpired during their wedding day – but in the end, all that mattered was that Stephanie and Will said “I do” and became husband and wife. It was a beautiful and perfect celebration of their love, we were truly honored to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, Stephanie and Will, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Stephanie and Will’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom
HAIR AND MAKEUP
The Bridal Beauty Team
FLORIST
Purple Rose Floral
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture
WEDDING RINGS
Stanley Brown Jewelist
McKenna & Kyle’s Memorable Metropolis Ballroom Spring Wedding
We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit . . .
We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit, we knew then that we could expect plenty of personalized and creative details at her wedding this Spring.
When the time came for us to meet McKenna and Kyle at the Metropolis Ballroom for their wedding we were so happy to be surrounded by a big wedding party again!! McKenna and Kyle first met in 2015 when they were both working for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. After a year of being friends and going back and forth on Facebook messenger, McKenna made the move and told Kyle how she felt. They eventually went on their official first date in August 2016 and have been inseparable ever since. Kyle proposed to McKenna in the kitchen of their old apartment on their 5th year anniversary. Their wedding day was truly perfect – McKenna had thought of every beautiful detail! After McKenna got dressed in the beautiful Harmony Suite she had the sweetest “first look” with her bridesmaids and her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Kyle and exchange private vows. We truly love when couples exchange private vows, those quiet intimate moments are the heart and soul of a big joyful wedding day!
The sun came out just in time for us to head outside to the fountain for some wedding party and couples’ photos. It was a brisk but beautiful day!! We made time for a few epic veil shots before the chilly March wind got the better of us, but McKenna looked truly gorgeous even while braving the elements!
After the ceremony we were all ready to party to celebrate the newlyweds! We enjoyed a delicious meal and some heartfelt toasts to McKenna and Kyle before Tim from Ready Set Dance filled the dance floor and kept everyone going all night long! McKenna and Kyle surprised their guests with a t-shirt toss to honor their time with the Fire (with shirts that McKenna created, obvs) and McKenna showed off her splits just in time for us to say goodnight. It was an amazing day, we were so thankful to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, McKenna and Kyle, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of McKenna and Kyle’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Belles & Thistles
BRIDAL HAIR
Pin Me Up Chicago
MAKEUP
Denise Ferguson
WEDDING GOWN
Martina Liana
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Bella Bianca
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie
WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery
Jackie & Brian’s Beautiful Rolling Green Country Club Wedding
Jackie and Brian were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. They met for drinks and bonded over Aurelio’s pizza and things just kept going from there! When . . .
Jackie and Brian were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. They met for drinks and bonded over Aurelio’s pizza and things just kept going from there! When Conrad met Jackie and Brian at the museum campus downtown for their engagement session they made sure to bring along an Aurelio’s pizza to share! We just love when couples include those personal details in their engagement sessions!
Jackie and Brian are so cute together, he is totally smitten with her. Their wedding day was so beautiful and perfect – from the moment that Conrad and Lindsay arrived everything ran smoothly and everyone had such great energy. The bridesmaids looked SO good thanks to the talented Rosie Hunter Artistry, these girls rocked their rust colored bridesmaid dresses and were so supportive throughout the day. The florals by Blue Daisy Floral Design were stunning, absolutely perfect for this early-fall wedding. Our great friend Ken of Amp Event Professionals had the dance floor packed for the perfect party at the end of the night. It was such a great day, we are thankful to have been a part of it.
Congratulations, Jackie and Brian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jackie and Brian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Rolling Green Country Club
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Rosie Hunter Artistry
FLORIST
Blue Floral Daisy
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
Jackie & Ian’s Adorable Arlington Heights Wedding
We love our hometown of Arlington Heights. Every time with get to shoot a wedding here we feel comfortable and joyful, celebrating at home is one of our favorite things. Jackie grew up in Arlington Heights . . .
We love our hometown of Arlington Heights. Every time with get to shoot a wedding here we feel comfortable and joyful, celebrating at home is one of our favorite things. Jackie grew up in Arlington Heights and her family loves it here, too.
Jackie met Ian in nursing school, and as they fell in love and it came time for Ian to propose he chose to do it right in downtown Arlington Heights on her family’s special bench in North School Park. When it came time to take Jackie and Ian’s engagement photos we stayed close to our homes and hearts and took their pictures in North School Park.
When Jackie and Ian’s wedding day finally arrived the sun was shining and there was so much excitement in the air. Christy and I had so much fun photographing this beautiful day! Jackie’s bridesmaids and Mom made her parents’ house extra pretty for their getting ready photos. We saw a number of fun paintings and art from New Orleans hanging in the house, we have SO much love for New Orleans (we could spend all of our time there, and were lucky enough to shoot a beautiful wedding in NOLA in the Spring!) Well, Jackie’s parents planned a SECOND LINE to walk her from their house to St. James, and can I just say this was one of the absolute highlights of our 2022 wedding season??! This brass band parade through my neighborhood was just the best thing, waving at neighbors while walking backwards taking pictures will be a memory I will always cherish. I already told my kids that we are doing a second line for their wedding when that day comes!!
Jackie looked so pretty in her grandma Pearl’s pearl tiara, what a sweet way to honor family with your “something old”! When she walked down the aisle to meet Ian at the alter he was visibly moved, it was such a perfect moment. After the ceremony we went back to North School Park for some photos, it was fun to be there and see friends taking pictures of their kids for homecoming!
When we arrived at The Metropolis Ballroom the space looked more gorgeous than ever thanks to the talented team at Eiffel Flowers. After some moving toasts we danced the night away to the AMAZING sounds of Standing Room Only, this band absolutely ROCKED! It was a day we will never forget.
Congratulations, Jackie and Ian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jackie and Ian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
The Eiffel Flower
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Birdy Grey
WEDDING BAND
Standing Room Only
WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery
WEDDING RINGS
Mitchell’s Jewelers
Sharon & Ed’s Timeless Venuti’s Wedding
Sharon and Ed met the old fashioned way – over the internet – in an age when online dating has become the norm. I feel old saying that when we first started photographing . . .
Sharon and Ed met the old fashioned way – over the internet – in an age when online dating has become the norm. I feel old saying that when we first started photographing weddings it was unusual for our couples to have met online. But now, after shooting for over ten years, it’s more often than not that we learn our couples met through an online dating service. Life has a funny way of working itself out in ways you would never expect.
Sharon and Ed are absolutely perfect for each other. Their love is inspiring, being with them on their wedding day was such a joy. They love each other madly and deeply and with abandon. It was a joy for us to be a part of this timeless celebration.
Congratulations, Sharon and Ed, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sharon and Ed’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Venuti’s Banquets
DJ
The Total Package - Parker Greenlund
CAKE
Baking Institute
RINGS
Exquisite Jewelers
Jess & Brad’s Perfect Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been . . .
Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been on a Tinder date, but since they had already met, she figured why not give it a shot? They went on our first date at the Arlington Ale House (one of our favorite bars in Arlington Heights) and the rest is history!
After a couple years together Jess and Brad moved in together and welcomed their dog Leeroy to their family. Brad nervously worked up the courage to propose to Jess at the gorgeous LondonHouse in Chicago. While they both say they sort of blacked out, Jess ended up with a ring on her finger so he must have asked and she must have said yes!!
Talking with Jess and Brad leading up to their wedding day was always so relaxing and fun, we truly love this couple. They made our jobs easy by being consistently kind and down-to-earth. Jess looked radiant on her wedding day – her Essense of Australia gown fit her perfectly, it looked like it was made just for her. After some sweet getting ready moments with her girls in the Harmony Suite at the Metropolis, Jess shared an adorable first look with her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Brad for the first time on their wedding day. From that moment on the two of them were inseparable – each moment we spent together was filled with joy and laughter, it was truly the perfect wedding.
Congratulations, Jess and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jess and Brad’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom
FLOWERS
Busy B's Floral
CAKE
Lauras Kakes
Emily & Mark’s Perfect Rolling Green Country Club Wedding
Emily and Mark met at a wedding in 2016 (on the shuttle to the after party to be more precise). The bus driver wouldn't move because Mark was standing in the aisle so Emily offered her lap for him to sit. They then talked the rest of the night . . .
Emily and Mark met at a wedding in 2016 (on the shuttle to the after party to be more precise). The bus driver wouldn't move because Mark was standing in the aisle so Emily offered her lap for him to sit. They then talked the rest of the night and the rest is history.
When we met up with Emily and her bridesmaids at the hotel for getting ready photos, we knew we were in for a treat. The girls were all SO laid back and fun, we laughed and laughed as Emily put on her gorgeous Jenny Yoo gown. Emily rocked a pair of white Birks on her wedding day and gifted her groom with his own new pair, one of the many things these two share in common!
Emily arrived at Rolling Green Country Club and saw Mark right away, their First Look was so sweet. As we explored the grounds throughout the day it was clear how much Mark loves Emily, he honestly couldn’t take his eyes off her. After their emotional ceremony we settled in for a beautiful reception inside the club. And then Emily and Mark treated their guest so THE most delicious tacos ever for a late-night snack, it was the perfect ending to the perfect day!
Congratulations, Emily and Mark, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Emily and Mark’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
SomethingSomething Blue PhotographyBlue Photography
Wedding Dress
Jenny Yoo from BHLDN
Hair
Emily Lauf
Makeup
Alyssa Lynn
Bridesmaid Dresses
Azazie
Wedding Shoes
Birkenstock
Menswear
Suit Shop
Florist
Joanna From Donna’’s Garden Flower Shop
Desserts
Lovin Oven
DJ
T&R ProductT&R Productionsons
Wedding Coordinator
Nicki Padilla-Mack
Videographer
Something Blue Photography
Cassidy & Brad’s Wedding Reception
Cassidy and Brad met online and went on their first date at Arlington Ale House. Last summer Cassidy and Brad got married in front of their closest family and friends at St. James in Arlington Heights. Conrad was there…
Cassidy and Brad met online and went on their first date at Arlington Ale House. Last summer Cassidy and Brad got married in front of their closest family and friends at St. James in Arlington Heights. Conrad was there to photograph their sweet backyard celebration in 2020 and was happy to see them again this year to be a part of their long-awaited celebration!
Cassidy wanted their 2021 event to be a relaxing celebration, they had patiently waited so long for the chance to party with their family and friends! After she got ready at home with Brad sweetly helping her, they loaded up onto a gorgeous white trolley with their wedding party and headed back to St. James. Cassidy and Brad renewed their vows and were able to take some mask-free photos at St. James before heading out to Recreation Park to capture pics of their wedding party in downtown Arlington Heights. Finally everyone made their way to The Metropolis Ballroom for a perfect wedding reception – it was the best day, a great reminder that good things come to those who wait!
Congratulations, Cassidy and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Cassidy and Brad’s vow renewal pictures, click here
VENDOR DETAILS:
Photography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
Bri’Zan Couture
Hair
Kimberly May
Makeup
Autumn Gammel
Bridesmaid Dresses
Azazie
Wedding Shoes
Kelly & Kate
Menswear
Mens Warehouse
Florist
Soukal Floral
Wedding Rings
Mike Gale, Gale Jewelers
Desserts
Oak Mill Bakery
Venue Coordinator
Shawna McGarry
Videographer
Bella Tiamo
Val and Brad’s Hotel Baker Family Affair
Val and Brad have been friends for a long time, and they found their friendship grew after they each navigated divorce after kids. They bonded and soon fell in love, but their amazing children also developed a beautiful connection with each other. As this family relationship grew stronger…
Val and Brad have been friends for a long time, and they found their friendship grew after they each navigated divorce after kids. They bonded and soon fell in love, but their amazing children also developed a beautiful connection with each other. As this family relationship grew stronger, Val’s daughters and Brad’s son REALLY wanted them to get married. Val and Brad’s kids were the driving force behind them deciding to get married, and they were SO excited when that day finally arrived.
Set against the charming backdrop of the Hotel Baker in St. Charles along the Fox River, Val and Brad’s wedding day was nothing short of perfect. Our friend Elyse of Two Sisters Events served as day-of coordinator to make sure everything went smoothly and created the most GORGEOUS bouquets and arrangements for the wedding. Val looked absolutely STUNNING in her form-fitting gown from Crystal Bride. It was such a sweet moment when her daughters helped her into her wedding dress!
Congratulations, Val and Brad, we wish you and your beautiful family a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Val and Brad’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
VENUE
Hotel Baker
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORALS & DAY-OF COORDINATION
Two Sisters Events
Amanda and Zach’s Intimate Backyard Wedding
Amanda and Zach always wanted to have a small, intimate backyard wedding. When so many couples were forced to go in that direction because of Covid, these two embraced the opportunity to plan the wedding of their dreams…
Amanda and Zach always wanted to have a small, intimate backyard wedding. When so many couples were forced to go in that direction because of Covid, these two embraced the opportunity to plan the wedding of their dreams. Zach is a firefighter and Amanda is a nurse, celebrating these two essential workers like this was so perfect. They invited only their closest family and friends, and Conrad got to go along to photograph this beautiful day (his friend’s Mom is the groom’s Aunt and officiated the ceremony).
Zach’s Mom helped pull together all of the pretty details to transform Zach and Amanda’s backyard for their wedding day. Their yard was the perfect backdrop for their joyful ceremony, once Amanda and Zach were declared husband and wife there was a lot of clapping and hugging to go around!
After some photos and a champagne toast, Zach pulled his motorcycle into the backyard for photos (another perk of getting married at home!) From their yard Conrad took them to downtown Bloomingdale for some golden-hour portraits against the town’s quaint backdrop before they headed back for a relaxing dinner. It was the perfect day for this amazing couple!
Congratulations, Amanda and Zach, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Amanda and Zach’s beautiful backyard wedding photos, click here
Liz and Erik’s Emotional Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Liz and Erik live in Kansas but made plans to get married at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights so that they could accommodate Liz’s Mom who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The pandemic forced Liz and Erik to change and rearrange their plans…
Liz and Erik live in Kansas but made plans to get married at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights so that they could accommodate Liz’s Mom who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The pandemic forced Liz and Erik to change and rearrange their plans, moving their wedding date from May 1, 2020 to July 10, 2020 before finally landing on May 1, 2021. Sadly, Liz’s mom passed away from complications due to her MS last fall, but her presence was powerfully felt throughout this emotional wedding day.
When we arrived at the Metropolis, Liz was finishing hair and makeup as her sisters and future sister in law looked on. Conrad and I took photos of her dress and invitation but paused to ask about the yarn wrapped around her bouquet and Erik’s boutonnière. That pretty blue yarn was from Liz’s mom’s collection, and it was wrapped tightly around Liz and Erik’s personal flowers as a reminder that she was there with them on their wedding day. There were SO many tears on this beautiful day, tears of joy mixed with grief as we celebrated this wonderful couple.
Congratulations, Liz and Erik, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Liz and Erik’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Apple Creek Flowers
WEDDING CAKE
Oak Mill Bakery
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar
WEDDING GOWN
Stephanie’s Bridal Boutique
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
David’s Bridal
GROOMS’ SUIT
Joseph Abboud
WEDDING RINGS
Valina
Danielle and Eddie’s High School Romance Engagement Session
Danielle and Eddie met at Hersey High School – granted, she was older – but as their paths continued to cross through athletics and mutual friends they grew closer together. They started dating in college and the rest is history, now they are excitedly planning to get married in May of 2022.
Danielle and Eddie met at Hersey High School – granted, she was older – but as their paths continued to cross through athletics and mutual friends they grew closer together. They started dating in college and the rest is history, now they are excitedly planning to get married in May of 2022. They both ran track (and Eddie played football) and thought it would be sweet to do some of their engagement session at the field at Hersey. We met their former coach there who hugged them before unlocking the gates for us so that we could explore together. From the very first photo Danielle and Eddie had each other laughing (and me too!), these two are absolutely perfect together! Scroll through these cute shots to find my favorite – I told them to walk and act like they were helping each other home after a night at the bars and Eddie got REAL dramatic on me!! I am laughing still looking back on this sweet session!
After wrapping at Hersey we drove south to Busse Woods where Danielle and Eddie (very quickly!) changed outfits before we did some more romantic photos near the water. Honestly, by the end of this session my face hurt from smiling so much, I absolutely LOVE these two and can’t wait to celebrate their wedding next year!!
Thank you, Danielle and Eddie, for being such great sports and keeping me laughing throughout your entire engagement session. I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding with you next year!!
To see all of Danielle and Eddie’s sweet engagement photos, click here
Heather and Daniel’s Covid-Style Anniversary Session
Conrad and I were super bummed when we realized that we weren’t going to be shooting a wedding this New Year’s Eve. We have two weddings to look forward to on New Year’s Eve in 2021, but thought it would be really nice to end 2020 on a positive note by hanging out with one of our favorite couples. Heather and Daniel agreed to do a sweet New Year’s Eve anniversary session with us; we started by photographing a slice of life inside their beautiful home and ended with a quiet celebration at their wedding venue.
On New Year’s Eve 2019 we celebrated Heather and Daniel’s elegant wedding at The Metropolis Ballroom in downtown Arlington Heights. We had the most amazing time at their wedding, and as we rang in 2020 with confetti and sparklers we had NO idea what the coming year would look like.
As 2020 unfolded and Heather and Daniel enjoyed their first year of marriage together, life wasn’t quite what any of us expected it to look like. But watching Heather from afar on social media showed that her and Daniel still found ways to find fun even in quarantine. They went to outdoor restaurants, took a little trip or two, and always managed to look VERY in love along the way.
Conrad and I were super bummed when we realized that we weren’t going to be shooting a wedding this New Year’s Eve. We have two weddings to look forward to on New Year’s Eve in 2021, but thought it would be really nice to end 2020 on a positive note by hanging out with one of our favorite couples. Heather and Daniel agreed to do a sweet New Year’s Eve anniversary session with us; we started by photographing a slice of life inside their beautiful home and ended with a quiet celebration at their wedding venue. While it wasn’t the epic New Year’s celebration we are used to, it was still a perfect way to quietly celebrate the love these two share.
After some Netflix and snuggles, Heather and Daniel tucked into an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza before a quick game of cards together (the deck has one of their favorite wedding photos on it!!)
The amazing team at Two Sisters Events created the florals for Heather and Daniel’s wedding last year, and they generously gifted them a fresh new bouquet and boutonnière for their anniversary session. We loved the dark and moody vibe of the flowers for this session, it perfectly fit the atmosphere of finding quiet ways to celebrate in the midst of a pandemic.
After playing dress-up in their wedding clothes at home, Heather changed into her sister’s beautiful Maid of Honor dress and we ventured outside for our NYE celebration. We played with sparklers and confetti (Daniel is president of their homeowner’s association so we had the green light!) before heading to The Metropolis Ballroom for our nightcap. Shawna, the amazing Director of Weddings at the Metropolis, kindly came and let us in, it was so great to see her and to be back at one of our favorite venues!!
Thank you for ringing in the New Year with us, Heather and Daniel!! Here’s hoping that 2021 brings you much love and many more adventures together!
To see Heather and Daniel’s New Year’s Eve wedding photos, click here
Stefanie and Paul’s Elegant Micro Wedding Ceremony
I have so much love for the Madison family, my dear friend Catherine is one of TWELVE siblings and it’s been an honor to get to know them over the years. Conrad and I loved being part of her sister Mary Jo’s wedding a couple years ago, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph another Madison wedding this October when Stefanie married her little brother Paul in an intimate ceremony at St. James in Arlington Heights.
I have so much love for the Madison family, my dear friend Catherine is one of TWELVE siblings and it’s been an honor to get to know them over the years. Conrad and I loved being part of her sister Mary Jo’s wedding a couple years ago, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph another Madison wedding this October when Stefanie married her little brother Paul in an intimate ceremony at St. James in Arlington Heights. Stefanie was the kindest and most beautiful bride, her laid-back demeanor perfectly suited the quiet and unassuming vibe of their micro wedding. I met her at her childhood home in Arlington Heights, took a few pictures while she finished getting ready before she slipped into her awesome Michael Kors white wedding jumpsuit. I secretly hope that jumpsuits become more of a thing for our 2021 brides!!
After Stefanie was ready we stepped outside for a few quick family photos. Stefanie’s childhood friend and neighbor was also planning her own pandemic micro wedding, and she stepped in for a quick hug and a couple pictures before we left for St. James. It was THE sweetest moment!!
When we arrived at St. James I loved catching up with some of the Madisons, with twelve children and many grandchildren their family made this micro wedding ceremony feel pretty big!! Paul had tears in his eyes as Stefanie walked down the aisle, and after they were pronounced husband and wife these two were beaming from ear to ear. After a few more pictures at the church we went to my neighbors stunning backyard to take advantage of the fall colors and a cozy bonfire, it was the perfect day!
Congratulations, Stefanie and Paul, thank you for inviting me to share in this beautiful day! I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Stefanie and Paul’s gorgeous micro wedding photos, click here
Cassidy + Brad’s Romantic Backyard Wedding
Cassidy and Brad planned a big wedding celebration with 300 guests at The Metropolis Ballroom of Arlington Heights. When Covid-19 forced them to reconsider their original plans, they decided to still exchange their vows in front of about half of their guest list in the beautiful sanctuary of St. James, one of our favorite local churches. They live-streamed the ceremony for the guests who couldn’t attend, and after they were pronounced husband and wife they hopped into a pretty black Corvette to celebrate. When we arrived with the newlyweds in downtown Arlington Heights at the Arlington Alfresco we were greeted by plenty of excited cheers from the community. It was truly beautiful to see the joy that this sweet couple gave to so many of our neighbors; just by walking through the downtown hand in hand, happily newly married, Cassidy and Brad brought so much hope to everyone who saw them that day. After making a few stops downtown for photos we went back to for a sweet and simple backyard barbecue to celebrate, and while it wasn’t the grand party they originally envisioned it was still the perfect party for this couple. We were so thankful to be along for the ride, watching these two get married gave us hope when we needed it, too.
Congratulations, Cassidy and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Cassidy and Brad’s romantic wedding photos, click here
Marissa + Nick’s Intimate Backyard Wedding
Marissa and Nick’s wedding plans took a dramatic turn when Covid-19 hit. Like so many of our Something Blue couples, they were forced to replan their wedding and chose to scale back in light of everything happening in the world around them. For these two, they didn’t want to wait another year to be married, and they planned an intimate ceremony at their church followed by a small celebration in her parents’ backyard.
Conrad arrived at St. James Parish just before the small ceremony began, and while everyone wore masks for safety there was a buzz of anticipation and celebration in the air. Nick held back tears as we watched Marissa float down the aisle in her pretty Lulu’s dress. Marissa carried a stunning bouquet made by her neighbor Mari, the artist behind Floral Harmonies in Arlington Heights. After they exchanged vows, Marissa and Nick took pictures together in our neighbor’s beautiful backyard before heading back for the socially distant party. It was the perfect day for the perfect couple, quiet and joyful and marked by the love they have for one another.
Congratulations, Marissa and Nick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together! And we can’t wait for your BIG celebration in 2021!!
To see all of Marissa and Nick’s beautiful micro wedding photos, click here
Jenna and AJ’s Pretty Micro Wedding
Jenna and AJ met through mutual friends and time spent together at The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. They fell in love over a shared passion for performing and grew to become each other’s biggest cheerleaders. When they decided to get married in 2020 they envisioned a big celebration with their friends and family, but of course the pandemic had different plans for all of our Something Blue couples. So Jenna and AJ scrambled to rearrange their wedding plans and pushed their big celebration to 2021. But in rescheduling they realized that being married couldn’t wait, and they chose to celebrate with an intimate micro wedding on their original wedding date.
I can honestly say, this tiny wedding with only a handful of guests in masks carried bigger emotions than we are accustomed to witnessing on most wedding days. Jenna surprised everyone by wearing her wedding gown, a sparkly confection that made her look like a Disney princess. Her best friend and new mother in law’s reactions to seeing Jenna in her gown when they were expecting a simple modest dress were some of my favorite moments on this sweet and magical day.
When Jenna walked down the short aisle at Hey Nonny, AJ held back tears seeing his best friend as a beautiful bride. They exchanged hand-written vows in front of their parents, siblings, and just a couple friends before joyfully exchanging rings and sharing their first kiss as husband and wife. It was simple and perfect.
After some celebratory pictures we went outside onto the Arlington Alfresco where Jenna and AJ’s wedding party surprised them with homemade signs, balloons and plenty of love. The newlyweds’ shock and joy at seeing their wedding party there waiting for them was beyond emotional, I was definitely wiping tears away from behind the camera. That show of support was so beautiful, and I truly cannot wait to get to know this amazing group better as we all celebrate together in 2021.
Congratulations, Jenna and AJ, we can’t wait to celebrate with you next year!
To see all of Jenna and AJ’s sweet micro wedding photos, click here