Michelle and Eric grew up on the same street in Lake Zurich, their lives separated by only few houses and years in school. Their paths didn’t cross until they happened to both attend the same wedding in November 2017. Eric was a groomsman while Michelle was invited as a last-minute guest. When Michelle arrived alone at the wedding Eric’s parents kindly invited her to sit with them. And the rest, as they say, is history.

As their relationship and their love grew, Michelle and Eric developed a strong foundation and knew they were soulmates. Through their shared qualities of faith, balance, and support they had for one another, they knew they could be together forever. Two years after they first met Eric proposed to Michelle (while they were out with their friends celebrating their anniversary!) and together they began planning their future.

I was struck by how relatable and kind Michelle and Eric both are when we first met. Their shared love for each other and their families is something that has left an indelible mark on me. We started Michelle and Eric’s engagement session in their parents’ neighborhood, taking pictures to mark their paths finally crossing. I met their parents that night and could feel the powerful love they have for their children.

When Michelle and Eric’s wedding finally arrived, every detail had been carefully considered. As Michelle finished her hair and makeup I took photos of her beautiful mother helping her gorgeous gown from Bon Bon Belle. Little did any of us know that the next night Michelle’s Mom would tragically pass away.

The day was perfect; Michelle was whisked away to their ceremony at St. Francis de Sales in a Rolls Royce with her Dad, just like he had done with her Mom on their wedding day. After an emotional ceremony and beautiful bubble exit. Michelle and Eric returned in the Rolls to the Marriott Lincolnshire for an unforgettable celebration. We loved every minute of this beautiful wedding, but were especially happy to see Michelle and Eric’s adorable dogs show up outside the Lakeside Pavilion for some photos before the reception!

Just 36 hours after Michelle and Eric’s wedding I got an unbelievable phone call from Michelle – her Mom had passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday night. Michelle and Eric had flown to Hawaii for their honeymoon only to turn back around to start making preparations for her mother’s funeral. They said their goodbyes to her in the same church they were married in just one week earlier. Three months later I’m still in shock. Michelle’s beautiful Mom was fully present at her daughter’s wedding, earnestly working to make sure every detail was perfect. And on the dance floor she let loose and was having the best time celebrating with their family and friends. Her tragic passing is such a powerful reminder that life is precious, and the everlasting memories of the people we love most can best be preserved in photos and videos. How humbling to know that we took the last photographs and videos of Michelle’s mother. It’s an honor to know you and your families and to make these images for you.