Liz Schrenk 6/6/25 Liz Schrenk 6/6/25

Olivia & Dan’s Sweet Spring Georgio's Banquets Wedding

Olivia and Dan both grew up on the South side and knew each other’s families for years, but they didn’t meet until July 2020 at a block party. That night they stayed out together until 5am and then started hanging out every weekend after that. Olivia said that they just “always loved each other and knew they were going to get married.” And that’s really the way it feels to be around Olivia and Dan – their love is so natural and perfect it just feels like they were made for each other. They got engaged at their favorite restaurant on their 3 year anniversary and celebrated with friends and family at a party afterwards.

I loved getting to know Olivia and Dan while taking their engagement photos last Summer at the Indiana Dunes. Olivia looked SO good in her white engagement dress and I couldn’t get over how striking Dan’s eyes are, but the real beauty of this couple is in the connection they share with one another. It was just so easy to be with them and to take their photos, I was beyond excited to see them again this Spring for their wedding!

Conrad, Lindsay and I made the trip to the South side of Chicago on a sunny Spring day for “getting ready” photos at Olivia’s childhood home. Their family’s adorable husky was there watching over the controlled chaos and was happy to get pets from the bridesmaids and us whenever possible! Olivia’s textured ponytail by Marlo Salon was the perfect fit for her sleek gown from Eva’s International, and her makeup was on-point thanks to the talented Caroline Olenick. Once Olivia was dressed and ready we did a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids and Dad before heading to Water’s Edge for the “first look” and pictures with the wedding party.

Olivia rode separately to Water’s Edge but stopped in with her girls on the trolley for a fun quick dance party before heading out to see Dan. Dan looked a little bit nervous when we met up with him, but those nerves quickly went away as soon as he saw his gorgeous bride. His expression after seeing Olivia was priceless!! After their first look Olivia and Dan were inseparable for the rest of the day.

Once we finished with wedding party and family photos at Water’s Edge we made the trip to St. Christina’s for Olivia and Dan’s ceremony. This was our fourth wedding at St. Christina’s and we just LOVE shooting at this gorgeous church – the light inside of the sanctuary is always stunning thanks to the abundant stained glass and reflective marble surfaces. Olivia and Dan chose to celebrate with a short ceremony, and once they were pronounced husband and wife we made time to take some beautiful photographs of them with that striking prismatic light.

After finishing with pictures at St. Christina’s we made our way to Georgios Banquets to celebrate the newlyweds. The party was packed and the reception hall was bursting with love – Olivia and Dan gave the sweetest welcome speech and remarked on just how amazing it was for so many of their friends and family to be gathered together to celebrate their love. It was truly just the perfect day, we were so honored to be there in honor of Olivia and Dan!

Congratulations, Olivia and Dan, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Olivia and Dan’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Georgios Banquets

FLORIST
Redberry Floral

HAIR
Marlo Salon

MAKEUP
Caroline Olenick

DJ
Signature Entertainment

WEDDING GOWN
Eva’s Bridal International

BRIDAL SHOES
Elegant Park

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie

MENSWEAR
Boss Formal Wear

WEDDING RINGS
Martin & Martin

WEDDING CAKE
Nova’s Bakery

Liz Schrenk 12/3/21 Liz Schrenk 12/3/21

April & Chris’ Beautiful Beverly Country Club Wedding

April and Chris met in 2014 through mutual friends and immediately hit it off. They say “opposites attract” and that is true for these two, but they are perfect for each other. She fell in love with his selflessness and loving personality . . .

Last year I met April and Chris at Graue Mill for the perfect Fall engagement session. I had so much fun with these two and was really excited to celebrate their wedding this year! Ashley, Conrad and I all first went to April’s parents’ house for getting ready photos and thought that April looked absolutely stunning in her Essense of Australia wedding gown. After a sweet “first look” with her Dad we made the short trip to her childhood church for their wedding ceremony.

April and Chris were married at St. Christina Parish where many couples from April’s family have also celebrated their weddings, including her parents. In fact, April’s Uncle presided over their beautiful traditional ceremony! After they became husband and wife we were treated to THE most organized extended family photos ever, they had point-people ready with lists to make sure everyone knew just where to be! They made our jobs so easy!! But our favorite moment at the church was catching some photos of April and Chris in the beautiful glow of St. Christina’s stained glass windows, the rainbow light playing off of April’s veil was so incredibly beautiful.

After the ceremony we traveled to Lake Catherine for wedding party photos, what an amazing location! We would love to go back to Lake Catherine again, it really was the perfect backdrop for all of our group photos along with some quiet and beautiful moments with the newlyweds. From there we settled in at the Beverly Country Club for an unforgettable celebration.

Chris and April spent time mingling with their guests during cocktail hour, but we had to sneak them out onto the course for THE most gorgeous sunset we have ever seen. Conrad got some hilarious video footage of Chris’ famous “Lieutenant Dan” wave while we were on the course, April always cracks up when he does that!

The reception room at the Beverly smelled SO good thanks to the amazing donut wall created by Donut Dudes Chicago. Honestly I have never been so tempted by a dessert at a wedding! Once April and Chris were introduced they were treated to several emotional and hilarious toasts before settling into a delicious dinner. As the party continued guests were treated to a surprise performance by the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society of the Chicago Police Department. Everyone loved hearing their celebratory performance, it was the perfect ending to the perfect night!