Carlee & David’s Beautiful Independence Grove Wedding
Carlee and David met at work and connected through their shared appreciation for gaming. They hit it off and started seeing each other and fell in love with each other’s quirks and mutual loyalty to one another. . .
Carlee and David met at work and connected through their shared appreciation for gaming. They hit it off and started seeing each other and fell in love with each other’s quirks and mutual loyalty to one another. Carlee loves all things Disney and David chose to propose to her in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disney World, and their fairytale love story truly began.
Conrad loved getting to know Carlee and David at their beautiful Starved Rock engagement session last winter. They explored the gorgeous state park together with with their sweet dog Copper. Conrad, Lindsay and I were all excited to be part of Carlee and David’s winter wedding at Independence Grove! Carlee had created a lot of sweet thoughtful details that we loved discovering throughout the day, but the thing we were all most impressed by was the amazing programs she made inspired by a Disney park map. Carlee is thoughtful and a caring friend, we saw that in the way she considered her bridesmaids and family throughout the day.
The weather was particularly brisk when the time came for Carlee and David to do their first look near the water at Independence Grove. Carlee looked beautiful in her gown and fur stole and once she saw David the cold winter wind felt like it was replaced by the warmth of their love. We quickly took photos outside with their amazing wedding party before heading inside so that Carlee and David could exchange private vows before their ceremony. Following their emotional ceremony Carlee and David entered their reception in Mickey ears and dashed around the room to get photos with all of their guests. We then enjoyed a delicious meal before the dance floor opened, it was a perfect day!! We were honored to be there to celebrate these newlyweds!
Congratulations, Carlee and David, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Carlee and David’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Independence Grove
FLORIST
Locker’s Flowers
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Marien Mae
MENSWEAR
Men’s Warehouse
Sarah & Jarrod’s Perfect Gaelic Park Wedding
Sarah and Jarrod first met at a bar downtown after she attended a Shania Twain concert. They didn't hit it off right away, but separately told their mutual friend Kathryn that they thought the other was cute. From then on Kathryn did what she could to invite Sarah and Jarrod to the same events. . .
Sarah and Jarrod first met at a bar downtown after she attended a Shania Twain concert. They didn't hit it off right away, but separately told their mutual friend Kathryn that they thought the other was cute. From then on Kathryn did what she could to invite Sarah and Jarrod to the same events. After a handful of events these two were talking non-stop. Sarah and Jarrod did everything to keep their long-distance relationship going – whether it was Jarrod spending every weekend in Chicago or Sarah making the trip to Detroit. The rest is history.
Sarah and Jarrod got engaged near Saint Germain, Wisconsin. After a trip to a local brewery they went to Sarah's family cabin down the road. When they got to the cabin they went out onto the lake and looked back at the cabin. The next thing you know, Jarrod was down on one knee in the middle of the lake proposing. It was the perfect moment for this perfect couple!!
I loved getting to know Sarah and Jarrod at their engagement session last Summer. Sarah and Jarrod are both kind, laid-back and up for anything, they make doing this job SO easy. It was exciting to shoot their wedding with Conrad, we love when we have the opportunity to take pictures together on a wedding day! When we arrived at Sarah and Jarrod’s new home for “getting ready” photos with the girls everyone was in great spirits, especially Sarah, who looked radiant and was so welcoming to us. Once Sarah was dressed she shared a sweet moment with her Dad before we left for Lake Katherine for pictures. It was unseasonably warm for early November, we were so thankful for the sunshine while we spent time near the lake! Jarrod was sweetly emotional during their First Look, and from that moment on these two were smiley and inseparable for the rest of the day.
After pictures at Lake Katherine we made our way to Church of the Transfiguration for Sarah and Jarrod’s wedding ceremony. The sun streamed in through the overhead windows and beautifully lit the altar while Sarah and Jarrod exchanged their vows. Once they were officially married we made a quick stop at Plush Horse ice cream shop just down the road for a sweet treat to celebrate before landing at Gaelic Park for the reception. It truly was a perfect day, what an honor and joy it was to celebrate Sarah and Jarrod’s love and new life together!
Congratulations, Sarah and Jarrod, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sarah and Jarrod’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
RECEPTION VENUE
Gaelic Park
RECEPTION BAND
Felix and Fingers
HAIR & MAKEUP
Robert Kendal Salon
WEDDING CAKE
Trefzger's Bakery
WEDDING RINGS
Noral Jewelers
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Menguin
Madeline & Kevin’s Joyful Westin Chicago Northwest Wedding
Madeline and Kevin met their first week of college at the University of Illinois. They joined the same business club and quickly became friends. About two years later, it became clear they both had feelings for each other and Kevin worked up the courage . . .
Madeline and Kevin met their first week of college at the University of Illinois. They joined the same business club and quickly became friends. About two years later, it became clear they both had feelings for each other and Kevin worked up the courage to ask Madeline on a date over winter break of their junior year. Since then, Madeline and Kevin have been together – they graduated college, Kevin moved to San Francisco (and they did two years of long-distance) and they then moved into their first place together in Chicago in 2020. In April 2022, Kevin said they were going to dinner in Lincoln Park, where he dropped down to one knee and asked Madeline to marry him. They had a great celebration with close family that night and quickly set out to plan our wedding!
I first got to know Madeline and Kevin at their beautiful Fall engagement session in Lincoln Park last year. I was struck by how perfect Madeline and Kevin are for each other that lovely evening, and I was so excited to celebrate their wedding along with Conrad this Summer! When we arrive at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca the mood was amazing in Madeline’s room, her bridesmaids and Mom were all so welcoming and sweet to us. Madeline looked SO. GOOD. in her sleek Caroline Herrera gown (she bought it off the rack at Second City Bride!) Once Madeline and Kevin did their first look the whole day just went so smoothly, these two made our jobs so easy!! The sunshine was bouncing between the buildings surrounding the Westin and gave us so many beautiful spots for photos, it was such a perfect day!!
Congratulations, Madeline and Kevin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Madeline and Kevin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Floral Expressions & Gifts
HAIR & MAKEUP
Zano’s Hair Salon
WEDDING CAKE
The Baking Institute
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Second City Bride
WEDDING RINGS
Ethan Lord
MENSWEAR
The Black Tux
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
David's Bridal
Caroline & Drew’s Amazing Artifact Events Wedding
Caroline and Drew met the summer of 2016 at a nightclub in Chicago – they were reluctantly dragged there by their respective friends and started talking as it was clear . . .
Caroline and Drew met the summer of 2016 at a nightclub in Chicago – they were reluctantly dragged there by their respective friends and started talking as it was clear that neither of them wanted to be there. That night sparked a relationship that would forever change both of their lives. Caroline and Drew quickly engrained themselves in each other's lives – they met each other's friends right away, met each other's families within 6 months and were basically inseparable. They adopted a puppy named Penny in Fall of 2019 who very quickly became the center of their universe. They got engaged in November of 2020, they would say it was the only bright spot of the whole year. During the pandemic they would take long walks along the lake a couple times a week, both for their benefit and for Penny's. Drew picked out one of the best overlook spots along the lake and got down on one knee with Penny in one hand and the ring in the other and asked "will you marry us?"
I was lucky enough to visit Caroline and Drew (and Penny!) at home for the first part of their engagement session last summer. Caroline and Drew share such a natural love, it was plain to see from the moment I met them that they were made for each other. When it came time to celebrate their wedding this Fall we were all so happy to be a part of this beautiful day in our beloved hometown. Chicago has never looked better than it did for Caroline and Drew’s wedding day. We met at the gorgeous Hotel Zachary where Caroline got ready with an amazing view of Wrigley Field. Caroline looked INSANE in her sleek and modern Vagabond gown – judging from the reactions of both her bridesmaids and groom everyone agreed that she made an absolutely stunning bride. We traveled to Olive Park for wedding party photos and had so much fun with Caroline and Drew’s sweet and supportive friends.
When we arrived at Artifact Events everything was perfectly set for an unforgettable night. Caroline and Drew stole away some quiet moments together before their emotional ceremony, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Caroline walked down the stairs to meet Drew at the altar. As Drew smashed the glass and they were pronounced husband and wife the crowd went wild and we didn’t look back for the rest of the night. It was the best party, a celebration worthy of this amazing couple.
Congratulations, Caroline and Drew, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Caroline and Drew’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Artifact Events
DAY-OF COORDINATION
Cheers Chicago Events
FLORIST
Lyssco Designs
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Rare Bird Beauties
WEDDING DRESS
Vagabond Bridal
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Dear Cleo
WEDDING RINGS
Ethan Lord
WEDDING DJ
Toast & Jam
WEDDING CAKE
ECBG
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
Kaylee & Michael’s Beautiful Makray Golf Club Wedding
Kaylee and Michael met at Purdue University during band camp auditions for the All-American Marching Band – by the second home game they were officially together. After dating all during college . . .
Kaylee and Michael met at Purdue University during band camp auditions for the All-American Marching Band – by the second home game they were officially together. After dating all during college their first jobs separated them – Kaylee went to Chicago and Michael ended up in Bloomington, Indiana. Kaylee relocated to Bloomington after 1 year of distance and they were finally living together. During the pandemic Kaylee worked for Indiana University from their apartment while Michael was instrumental in the production of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.
After nearly nine years together Kaylee and Michael were so excited to finally celebrate their wedding at Makray Memorial Golf Club. Kaylee and her bridesmaids had such positive energy when we arrived for their “getting ready” photos – we love a good champagne pop to start the party!! Kaylee looked gorgeous in her Essense of Australia gown, and her bridesmaids’ reaction to seeing her as a bride was just the sweetest. After a goofy fake First Look with Kaylee and Michael’s shared bestie and officiant Eric, Kaylee and Michael shared the sweetest and most romantic First Look outside at Makray. Michael’s emotional reaction to seeing Kaylee in her wedding dress was just the best.
We had a lot of fun taking pictures with this wedding party on the course at Makray before heading back toward the building for their ceremony. There were many more tears to come during Kaylee and Michael’s beautiful ceremony, their hand-written vows seemed to make just about everyone cry. After the ceremony we moved upstairs for the perfect party, it was an unforgettable day.
Congratulations, Kaylee and Michael, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Kaylee and Michael’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Makray Memorial Golf Club
FLORIST
Fabbrini Flowers
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Patty Maguire Hair and Makeup
WEDDING RINGS
Blue Nile
WEDDING DRESS
Brides by Young
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
David’s Bridal
MENSWEAR
Jos A Bank
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
Margret & Kyle’s Salvage One Wedding Anniversary Celebration
In August 2021 Margaret and Kyle hosted an intimate backyard wedding for their immediate families and closest friends. It was such a great night, a highlight for us amongst the small weddings we photographed . . .
In August 2021 Margaret and Kyle hosted an intimate backyard wedding for their immediate families and closest friends. It was such a great night, a highlight for us amongst the small weddings we photographed throughout the pandemic. Margaret and Kyle have a unique connection and an incredible support squad. That beautiful but unassuming summer night showed us that their friends and family mean the world to them.
We were truly excited to reconnect with these two for their anniversary celebration exactly one year later. When Margaret and Kyle came to our Studio to talk through the details for their big day we laughed so much and had the best time talking together (in fact, they helped us hatch a super fun idea for a Something Blue “wedding reunion” party bus tour next year!) Their long-awaited Salvage One wedding was absolutely perfect, we loved every moment spent celebrating this couple. From their sweet "First Look” in the south garden at The Art Institute (she surprised him by wearing a new dress, while his tux changed from green to burgundy) to their late-night twirls in front of Salvage One’s “CHICAGO” sign this was a day we will always remember. Now if only we could do it again to celebrate their second anniversary!!
Congratulations, Margaret and Kyle, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Margaret and Kyle’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Salvage One
MENSWEAR
Black Tux
WEDDING RINGS
Ethan Lord
Lisa & Gavin’s Joyous Ravinia Green Country Club Wedding
Lisa and Gavin met through mutual friends who told them both over text that the knew someone for the other. Lisa wrote this sweet account of their relationship: “Gavin was described as being . . .
Lisa and Gavin met through mutual friends who told them both over text that the knew someone for the other. Lisa wrote this sweet account of their relationship:
“Gavin was described as being a sports fan (Reds, Colts, Pacers, Purdue), liking music, going to concerts, rescuing a golden mix doggie, being an actuary but fun, tall, and loving to play board games. Lisa replied she could handle a Reds fan even though the Cubs are better, he should be okay with her singing in the car even if the words are wrong the notes are always in tune, she can handle walking a dog, she prefers the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Illini but will be polite to other teams, has a big family and will likely choose fun over an extra shift as a Rush ICU nurse. Gavin promised he was only 80% as charming on the phone compared to text messages and so they met. Over the next 3 years they enjoyed meeting each other’s family and friends, going to games, concerts, botanic gardens, and adventures with Luke Pup. Dating through a pandemic added a new challenge to the 137 mile commute between Bloomington Illinois and Wrigleyville Chicago Illinois. In January 2021 Gavin took a new job with CNA after 21 years at State Farm and they bought a house they love in Palatine, Illinois. Gavin had a great plan for a proposal, but due to an accident the day before, Lisa was not going to be able to trek Starved Rock with a straight leg brace and crutches, even though she still wanted to go. Gavin turned out to be a great home nurse and once Lisa was up and walking he took her back to her beloved Wrigleyville for dinner. They went to the first place they went to for dinner in the city, Uncommon Ground, on a Saturday night. Gavin asked her if she could walk to Wrigley Field and Lisa took off on her crutches. It was a beautiful night out, no game; which made for a private proposal, and thankfully no names on the giant scoreboard!”
Conrad loved getting to know Lisa and Gavin at their engagement session last winter and was excited to photograph their wedding with Christy. They both have connections to Lisa and Gavin’s friends and family – Christy’s Dad sings in their church choir with Lisa while Conrad has connections from his childhood youth group. Once Lisa and Gavin’s wedding was over it was clear from seeing their pictures and hearing Conrad and Christy talk that this was a joyous day. After their beautiful and traditional ceremony at St. Edna Catholic Church Lisa and Gavin were showered in dried flowers as their happily exited the church (Gavin’s facial expression was hilarious!) Lisa then sweetly pinned a grape soda bottle cap onto Gavin’s lapel to reference “Up,” one of their favorite movies.
When they arrived at Ravinia Green Country Club everything was set for a perfect evening. The reception room looked so pretty and they were treated to the most amazing sunset, it was the perfect happy day!
Congratulations, Lisa and Gavin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Lisa and Gavin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
RECEPTION VENUE
Ravinia Green Country Club
FLOWERS
Joseph’s Florist
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven Cakery
Bianca & Jacob’s Glamorous Belvedere Events Wedding
Bianca and Jacob met during their freshman year at the University of Iowa where they became friends. Throughout the years they lost contact and reconnected during senior year when Jacob sent Bianca a picture of Lou Malnati’s pizza . . .
Bianca and Jacob met during their freshman year at the University of Iowa where they became friends. Throughout the years they lost contact and reconnected during senior year when Jacob sent Bianca a picture of pizza. Who would have thought that a picture of Lou Malnati’s pizza would have brought these two together? From that moment on Jacob and Bianca formed an instant connection. Soon after graduation, Jacob moved to Denver, Colorado for work and Bianca began graduate school in Charleson, Illinois. However, the distance did not stop them from pursuing their relationship. The long distance helped them grow stronger individually and together. They talked daily and were each other's support system throughout difficult and stressful times.
Jacob decided to move home to be closer to Bianca and the chemistry they established while being long distance would continue to flourish being closer together. At this point Bianca and Jacob were able to see how seamlessly they fit into each other's lives. The only downside was that they lived an hour away from each other and he would be called “the weekend boyfriend” to her family. As COVID began Bianca and Jacob were able to spend more time together and started to discuss and visualize a future together. COVID was an extremely difficult time for everyone, however, it helped to accelerate Bianca and Jacob’s relationship. From going on walks, exploring hobbies together, experiencing new things, and learning Italian they both recognized that their love was one that would last a lifetime. After three and a half years of dating, Jacob gathered their families on the beach in Miami and proposed. Bianca said yes even before Jacob asked to marry her.
I loved getting to know Bianca and Jacob at their engagement session last year. They are down to earth and fun to be around, and their love for one another is palpable. When their wedding day arrived we met Bianca’s family and friends at her parents’ beautiful home before heading to the gorgeous Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. Jacob was so sweetly emotional when he read a letter from Bianca before their ceremony, and he cried when his stunning bride walked down the aisle. We loved spending time with these two throughout their wedding day, they are so kind and easy to be with. It was the perfect day and one that we wish we could relive over and over again.
Congratulations, Bianca and Jacob, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Bianca and Jacob’s wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
CHURCH
St. Raymond Nonnatus
RECEPTION VENUE
Belvedere Events & Banquets
FLOWERS
Blooming Flowers
MAKEUP
Makeup by Jaycie
Haley & Dominic’s Fairytale Meridian Wedding
On May 3rd, 1997, Haley and Dominic stood up in a wedding as ring bearer and flower girl. The bride was Dominic’s cousin and Haley’s godmother. They walked down the aisle, danced, and played together the entire night . . .
In 1997, Haley and Dominic stood up in a wedding as ring bearer and flower girl. The bride was Dominic’s cousin and Haley’s godmother. They walked down the aisle, danced, and played together the entire night. After the wedding, Haley and Dominic never heard from one another again.
Fifteen years later, they both moved to the University of Illinois – they had opposite majors, lived in different dorms, and had no mutual friends. However, one month later, they met by happenstance at a bus stop outside of the dining hall. Immediately, Haley knew this boy looked familiar, while Dominic was clueless. As they rode the bus, they talked non-stop, but there was no mention of that wedding from their childhood until it dawned on Haley. She eagerly pulled out her phone and showed Dominic a picture of two adorable kids at the wedding. Dominic was amazed that the ring bearer “looked just like him”. While laughing hysterically, Haley explained that the kids in the picture were them, hence the uncanny resemblance. With his thoughts racing, Dominic did what any red-blooded 18-year-old college boy would do and frantically called his father to confirm that they were “definitely NOT related”. They talked into the night and before Dominic left, they exchanged numbers and promised to see each other again soon. After that night, Haley and Dominic were together constantly, and finally just before Thanksgiving 2012, they officially started dating.
Fast forward a decade and it was finally time for Haley and Dominic to celebrate their own wedding. We had the absolute best time with these two – from their pre-wedding meeting throughout their entire wedding day they kept us laughing, we love spending time with these two!! Dominic is hilarious, he would say “Burt Reynolds” when it was time to pose for a picture. And Haley is one of those uniquely beautiful people who is just bursting with joy. After their traditional wedding ceremony at St. Zachary (the same church where they met as children!) we recreated some of the hilariously awkward pictures from that wedding in 1997. Then we headed to Meridian Banquets for a beautiful reception, it was all just a perfect fairytale!!
Congratulations, Haley and Dominic, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Haley and Dominic’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
RECEPTION VENUE
Meridian Banquets
WEDDING DRESS
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture
MENSWEAR
Vera Wang
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Hairs 2 the Bride
FLOWERS
Albert Belmonte
Megan & Matt’s Gorgeous Cantigny Wedding
Megan and Matt met in high school worked together at a restaurant. They reconnected their junior year of college and loved going to visit each other at their separate schools. Once they graduated they decided to move in together . . .
Megan and Matt met in high school worked together at a restaurant. They reconnected their junior year of college and loved going to visit each other at their separate schools. Once they graduated they decided to move in together and a couple of years later Matt proposed to Megan after a fun day of golfing on the 18th hole at Klein Creek.
Megan was carefree and joyful on their wedding day. She spent the day laughing, and after finishing photos she took her shoes off and went barefoot for the rest of the evening! It was so sweet watching Megan and Matt snuggle and smile with each other after their ceremony, they clearly love each other very much and had such a great time being together. When Conrad and Lindsay finished with their posed photos Matt yelled “LET’S GOOOOO” – he was so excited to go celebrate with his family and friends!
Megan surrounded herself with the best bridesmaids, the girls spent a lot of the day singing and celebrating. During their reception at the beautiful Cantigny Park, Megan’s sister gave a touching speech before the dance floor opened. It was the perfect night, we were so happy to have been a part of it!
Congratulations, Megan and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Megan and Matt’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Cantigny
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Sarah Tjaden
WEDDING BOUTIQUE
Gilded Rose Atelier
DESSERT
DeEtta's Bakery
Caroline & Hunter’s Elegant Kenilworth Assembly Hall Wedding
Caroline and Hunter met right before freshman year of college at an ice cream social hosted by the college football and volleyball teams. Little did they know then that their lives would be forever intertwined . . .
Caroline and Hunter met right before their freshman year of college at an ice cream social. The event was hosted by their college football and volleyball teams. Little did they know then that their lives would be forever intertwined.
After dating through college Caroline and Hunter got engaged in Lake Geneva, a place close to her heart as her grandparents lived there when she was growing up. They have since moved away from the Midwest but with family and friends here chose to get married in the Chicago area. We met Caroline and Hunter for the first time over Zoom and were so happy to meet them in person at their wedding at the beautiful Kenilworth Assembly Hall. Caroline looked amazing in her gorgeous Lee-Ann Belter gown, I think her wedding dress was my favorite one from this busy wedding season! Once Caroline and Hunter saw each other at their quietly emotional First Look we strolled the streets of Kenilworth for photos with their kind and supportive wedding party.
Once we finished photos at the Kenilworth train station we headed to the beautiful Kenilworth Union Church for their wedding ceremony. While it threatened to rain all day it held off and we snuck down to the lakefront for some pretty pictures of Caroline and Hunter alone. After their traditional ceremony we walked back to the assembly hall for their reception – it was a treat to hear so many thoughtful toasts and dance the night away with the newlyweds! We loved being part of this perfect day!
Congratulations, Caroline and Hunter, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Caroline and Hunter’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
CHURCH
Kenilworth Union Church
FLOWERS
Simply Flowers - Toni Lenzi
CAKE
Deerfield Bakery
Samantha & Brandon’s Romantic Independence Grove Wedding
Samantha and Brandon met when they were both attending Buffalo Grove High School. They both tried out for cheerleading and were put into the same group together. After a year of being friends, he asked her to go to homecoming with him . . .
Samantha and Brandon met when they were both attending Buffalo Grove High School (Conrad and Christy’s alma mater!) They both tried out for cheerleading and were put into the same group together. After a year of being friends, he asked her to go to homecoming with him. In 2019 they went on a trip together to Florida. Brandon planned a day spent doing their favorite things and at the end of the day before dinner he proposed!
On their wedding day, Christy and I had so much fun hanging out with Samantha and Brandon and their incredible friends. The guys had stocked up on little Nerf guns and were having tons of fun using them at the hotel before the ceremony. After a little bit of rain we drove to St. Mary’s church in Buffalo Grove, Samantha’s church since childhood. Samantha did a quick and adorable reveal with the groomsmen before the ceremony, it was so sweet to see how happy the guys all were to see her as a bride. When it was time for Samantha to walk down the aisle, Brandon wiped tears away as the “flower guys” preceded his beautiful bride.
It was a beautiful and emotional ceremony with two beautiful songs sung by Samantha’s Dad and her twin brother. After the ceremony we left for Independence Grove. The Nerf guns came back out when we explored the gorgeous grounds of Independence Grove taking photos of the wedding party. We were all laughing and laughing together, it was just the best being with this crew!! When the time came to settle into the beautiful Audubon Hall for dinner and dancing Samantha was excited for her kids’ meal, some delicious looking chicken tenders and fries!! The food at Independence Grove is always amazing BUT we have to admit those chicken tenders looked SOO good! We were treated to a stunning sunset over the water before the guests danced the night away, it was truly the perfect day!
Congratulations, Samantha and Brandon, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Samantha and Brandon’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLOWERS
Town and Country Gardens
DJ
Sounds Abound- Gary Hipperson
MAKE-UP
Hairs 2 the Bride
Liz & Mike’s Glamorous Morgan’s On Fulton Wedding
For Liz and Mike, Orlando is the spot where their friendship grew into a romance. In Orlando Liz and Mike developed a group of close-knit friends, but the two of them, using the guise of researching the local bar/cocktail scene . . .
For Liz and Mike, Orlando is the spot where their friendship grew into a romance. In Orlando Liz and Mike developed a group of close-knit friends, but the two of them, using the guise of researching the local bar/cocktail scene, began a series of informal meetings that soon morphed into dates. The relationship magically continued to grow when just after 3 months of dating, Liz moved to Seattle and a distance of 3,000 miles separated them.
For the next year Mike and Liz managed to spend one weekend per month together. They enjoyed hiking through the northwest woods and exploring the cuisine (oysters) of Seattle. Liz would fly to Orlando for some needed sunshine and a chance to kayak and explore the beaches with Mike. After the year of red-eye flights, Liz moved to Chicago where Mike and she reveled in the one hour time difference.
After almost two years of a long-distance relationship, Mike moved to Chicago, purchased a down coat, and began to fall in love with the city and life as a Midwesterner again. Long-distance became a thing of the past and the two couldn't be happier to share time together again. Mike and Liz found endless adventure in the many neighborhoods of Chicago and can often be found biking to a new spot for a bite to eat or a sight to see.
On a snowy day in Humboldt Park, just two blocks from their condo, Liz and Mike affirmed their compatibility by becoming engaged in January 2021.
Then this is where we come in – I first met Liz and Mike in Humboldt Park for their engagement session last fall. We explored the area where Mike proposed before ending up at Parson’s for some adorable photos AND a delicious chicken dinner. I remember talking to Conrad afterwards trying to explain just how much I LOVED spending that time with Liz and Mike – they are down to earth, relatable, fun, and just SO in love, I was truly so excited to celebrate their wedding with them.
When the day finally arrived for Liz and Mike’s wedding, Conrad and I were so happy to be there alongside Liz and Mike’s closest friends and families to celebrate their love. Liz looked absolutely STUNNING in her chic Alice and Ivory gown. After she finished getting ready at the Emily Hotel, we met with Mike in the gorgeous alleyway behind Trivoli Tavern. Liz and Mike’s First Look was one for the ages – they both wiped away happy tears when they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. From there their wedding day was a big happy blur – we did photos in the alleyway with their favorite people before heading to the river for some beautiful shots near the Wrigley Building.
After we finished with photos we settled in at Morgan’s on Fulton for the most beautiful and moving candlelit ceremony. Liz’s sister-in-law officiated the ceremony which ended with a joyful pop of champagne. At last Liz and Mike were husband and wife and danced the night away on the rooftop to the sounds of the Bluewater Kings Band. It was one of our favorite weddings ever, our only hope is that these photographs fully convey just how beautiful this day truly was.
Congratulations, Liz and Mike, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Liz and Mike’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Morgan’s On Fulton
DAY-OF COORDINATION
Wedicity
FLORIST
Hedonia Flowers
CAKE
Vanille
MENSWEAR
Knots Standard
WEDDING DRESS
Alice in Ivory
MAKE-UP
Rare Bird Beauties
BAND
Blue Water Kings
Susan and Zach’s Love is Essential Wedding
In the Spring of 2020 our world came crashing to a halt when the threat of Covid-19 forced us to shelter in place. As wedding vendors, we watched helplessly as countless couples rescheduled their weddings . . .
In the Spring of 2020 our world came crashing to a halt when the threat of Covid-19 forced us to shelter in place. As wedding vendors, we watched helplessly as countless couples rescheduled their weddings and wondered when we would get back to doing what we love. A wave of support for essential workers took hold of us and we desperately wanted to do SOMETHING to give back to those who were selflessly giving of themselves to our community.
Inspired by the Gratitude Project, Conrad and I had the idea to give a FREE wedding to two deserving essential workers. Knowing this idea would be an enormous undertaking we enlisted the help of some of our favorite “friendors” and called Jenny of JPB Designs Wedding & Event Planning and Ken of Amp Event Professionals. Jenny and Ken’s enthusiastic response to Love is Essential laid the groundwork for what would become an 18+ month project to plan the perfect wedding for two deserving essential workers.
We met every week over Zoom to plan this wedding, and as our vendor team grew so did the love and excitement we all shared. After an extensive search and application process we chose Susan and Zach to be our Love is Essential couple. Susan and Zach both work at James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center where they serve our veteran population. They were forced to reschedule their wedding twice because of Covid and had all but given up hope that they would ever have the wedding they dreamed of having.
As we got to know Susan and Zach we fell in love with their humility and loving kindness. We could not have possibly found a more deserving and wonderful couple to gift this wedding to. It was such a joy to plan their dream wedding with our incredibly talented and generous vendor team at the absolutely gorgeous Old Post Office. For all of the hard work and investment of time and resources we would do it all over again in a heartbeat. We only hope that our photos and videos do justice to the beautiful scope of Love is Essential.
Love is Essential was featured on WGN, click here to watch the segment!
Congratulations, Susan and Zach (and Shiloh!), we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
And to every single individual who worked to make this unforgettable wedding possible. thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are in awe of your talent and generosity and so grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside you on this project.
To see all of Susan and Zach’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
PLANNING + COORDINATION
JPB Designs
VENUE
The Old Post Office
FLORALS
Vale of Enna
CATERING
Blue Plate Chicago
CEREMONY BAND
J Livi & The Party
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Tricia Clarke
EVENT DECOR
Yanni Design Studio
LINENS
BBJ La Tavola
RENTALS
Tablescapes Chicago
INVITATIONS
Ink Love and Paper
STATIONERY
Simply Scripted Ink
CAKE
Defloured
DESSERTS
Vanille
BRIDAL DRESSER
The Wedding Dresser
BRIDES DRESS
The Altar
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Anthropologie
MENSWEAR
Emanuele Tuxedo