Molly & Austin’s Romantic Royal Melbourne Wedding
Molly and Austin’s love story began with a simple message online, but from the moment they started talking, it was clear that they had something special. They quickly discovered they had so much in common—both of them grew up . . .
Molly and Austin’s love story began with a simple message online, but from the moment they started talking, it was clear that they had something special. They quickly discovered they had so much in common—both of them grew up in the Chicago suburbs, both went to Iowa State University, and now they call Des Moines home. Over time, Molly and Austin realized their shared passions for travel, sports, and the outdoors only brought them closer. From weekend adventures to quiet nights at home, Molly and Austin have built a life filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. Their journey together has been one of fate, friendship, and fun, and being part of their wedding day was an incredible honor!
Molly and Austin describe themselves as reserved and soft-spoken best friends – they have a gentleness together that puts everyone in their presence at ease. The weather could not have been more perfect for Molly and Austin’s wedding, when we arrived at Royal Melbourne everyone was in great spirits and so pumped for an amazing day! Molly and her bridesmaids were being so sweet and fun, they were loudly singing together while they all finished getting ready and it set such an awesome tone for the rest of the day.
After Molly and Austin shared their sweet first look in front of Royal Melbourne they chose to exchange private vows with one another. From that heartfelt moment they didn’t take their eyes off each other for the rest of the day, it was just so lovely to be alongside Molly and Austin and their closest friends and family as they began their new lives together! We loved being a part of this beautiful day and wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness together!
Congratulations, Molly and Austin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Molly and Austin’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & DAY-OF COORDINATION
Something Blue
VENUE
Royal Melbourne
FLORIST
Blooming Flowers
MAKEUP
Joanna B Artistry
WEDDING CAKE
The Baking Institute
WEDDING RINGS
Josephs Jewelers
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Birdy Grey
MENSWEAR
Halberstadt's
Claire & Mike’s Emotional Concorde Banquets Wedding
Clare and Mike first met 20 years ago at church. Sadly, Mike's wife died of cancer in February 2023. After not having seen each other for about a year, Mike asked Claire out in May 2025 and it was an easy "yes" for Claire . . .
Clare and Mike first met 20 years ago at church. Sadly, Mike's wife died of cancer in February 2023. After not having seen each other for about a year, Mike asked Claire out in May 2025 and it was an easy "yes" for Claire. Their dating quickly grew to include Mike's 3 boys (15, 13, 11). Mike proposed to Claire in October at Cooper's Hawk, a place that held special meaning for them while they were dating.
Conrad and Christy were honored to be a part of Claire and Mike’s wedding day and had a wonderful time photographing this beautiful day. Claire and Mike are so sweet together, and the love they share with Mike’s sons is just so special . Claire loves all of them so much and the boys all adore her!
Mike’s boys helped him get ready at The Orchard (where Claire works!) before the ceremony. Their guests were very present and engaged throughout their emotional ceremony, it was an honor to watch them all become a family in the presence of the Lord!
After the ceremony Claire and Mike were surprised with bag pipers who also then stayed for their introductions into their reception at Concorde Banquets. It was a beautiful day and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to be a part of it!
Congratulations, Claire and Mike, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Claire and Mike’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Concorde Banquets
FLORIST
Annie Occasion
HAIR & MAKEUP
Every Kind of Beautiful
WEDDING CAKE
The Baking Institute
WEDDING RINGS
Persin & Robbin
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
The Altar
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Vera Wang from Mens Wearhouse
Annie & Erick’s Sweet Royal Melbourne Wedding
Annie and Erick were made for each other. They first connected through their shared passion for championing immigration issues and as their love grew it became clear that they were meant to be together. . .
Annie and Erick were made for each other. They first connected through their shared passion for championing immigration issues and as their love grew it became clear that they were meant to be together. We met Annie and Erick through our good friend Father Corey of Viator House and he had shared about how deep the love was between this amazing couple. Erick would do anything for Annie, and on their wedding day he couldn’t keep his eyes off his beautiful bride.
Their wedding day was early in November and the Chicago weather was not cooperating. It was VERY windy for Annie and Erick’s celebration, but that didn’t stop everyone from having an amazing day. After their emotional ceremony (officiated by Father Corey!) Annie and Erick joyfully walked down the aisle as husband and wife. They sweetly waved to the camera to connect with Erick’s family who was watching the ceremony remotely – even after years of Covid ceremony broadcasts it still amazes us that technology enables that kind of connection for friends and family who can’t physically attend a wedding. The joy emanating from Annie and Erick was palpable, it was one of our favorite moments of the day.
When we arrived at the Royal Melbourne, pictures with the wedding party were a bit dicey because of the wind. At one point Annie’s veil flew off her head and Erick dove to retrieve it, executing a perfect barrel-roll into the grass to save it!
During the reception Erick’s best man gave a sweet speech about how Annie’s family readily accepts Erick as part of their family. Annie’s talented sister sang during their first dance (she had also shared her talented voice during the ceremony). It was a day filled with beautiful moments and one we are so thankful to have been present for.
Congratulations, Annie and Erick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Annie and Erick’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Royal Melbourne Country Club
FLORIST
Purple Rose Floral
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Louis Anthony Salon
Meghan & Brian’s Beautiful Grove Country Club Wedding
Meghan and Brian became best friends and fell in love with a little help from their shared appreciation for wine, friends and family. When I met them at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove . . .
Meghan and Brian became best friends and fell in love with a little help from their shared appreciation for wine, friends and family. When I met Meghan and Brian at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove for their engagement session it was immediately clear that these two share a special bond. After being generously treated to a glass of wine at Broken Earth we ventured out to explore beautiful Long Grove, ending their session at the famous covered bridge.
When Meghan and Brian’s wedding day arrived we were blessed by amazing fall weather. We started our day with “getting ready” photos at Meghan’s parents’ gorgeous home on the water. From there we made our way to Holy Family in Inverness for a traditional and emotional ceremony. Brian was so sweet as he watched Meghan walk down the aisle! After family and wedding party photos at Holy Family we settled in at The Grove Country Club for a perfect celebration. We were thankful for a beautiful golden hour to take photos of the newlyweds amongst the fall colors, it was truly a perfect day!!
Congratulations, Meghan and Brian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Meghan and Brian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Lake Zurich Florist
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Volle’s Bridal
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Every Kind of Beauty
WEDDING RINGS
Timothy Grant Jewelry
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
Sarah & Paul’s Intimate Backyard Wedding
The pandemic shifted the wedding industry in many ways, and while the last two years have been incredibly difficult there are beautiful things that came out of the trials we all faced together. We have truly loved the recent shift towards smaller, more intimate weddings . . .
The pandemic shifted the wedding industry in many ways, and while the last two years have been incredibly difficult there are beautiful things that came out of the trials we all faced together. We have truly loved the recent shift towards smaller, more intimate wedding celebrations. While a big party has its place, we love the quiet and joyful energy of a backyard wedding.
Christy met Sarah and Paul’ beautiful family at their Fall Mini Session last year. Sarah and Paul are deeply in love and are the best parents to Paul’s adorable son’s Greyson and Lincoln. I was so thankful and honored that they invited me to photograph their backyard wedding. Paul met me in Long Grove with his boys and we took some fun photos together while we waited for Sarah to arrive. Sarah looked so beautiful; after their sweet first look on the historic covered bridge the five of us had the best time exploring Long Grove and enjoying a lovely afternoon before their wedding ceremony.
Once we got back to Sarah and Paul’s house their closest friends and family were excitedly waiting for the wedding to begin. Their backyard looked so pretty set up with the white tent and thoughtful details, including a place set at the table for Sarah’s parents who had passed. Greyson carefully carried the rings into the ceremony while Lincoln sweetly walked Sarah down the aisle. After the emotional ceremony Sarah and Paul cut their cake and shared their first dance with the boys, it was just the perfect evening.
Congratulations, Sarah and Paul, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sarah and Paul’s beautiful backyard wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Lake Zurich Florist
CAKE
Blawesome Cakes