Nicole & Brian’s Stunning District Wedding
Nicole and Brian first met working at Hollister at Woodfield Mall back in the day... they didn't talk much at that time and reconnected a couple of years later through mutual friends. Nicole mentioned how she was going to Lollapalooza that year . . .
Nicole and Brian first met working at Hollister at Woodfield Mall back in the day... they didn't talk much at that time and reconnected a couple of years later through mutual friends. Nicole mentioned how she was going to Lollapalooza that year and Brian had never been but wanted to go. When Lolla came around a few weeks later, Brian met up with Nicole there and they ended up spending the entire weekend there together – and they have been with each other now for over a decade. Nicole and Brian truly are best friends and have spent the last 10 years going on adventures together and trying new restaurants. Brian proposed while they were hiking at Rock Island State Park in Tennessee in front of a beautiful waterfall.
Conrad, Lindsay and Marcella were all really excited to head to The District in Richmond for Nicole and Brian’s wedding. It was a gorgeous Fall day and everything just felt perfect. Nicole and Brian had opted for a smaller, more intimate wedding and did not have a wedding party, which meant that they had lots of time for pictures of just the two of them together. Honestly, while we love a big wedding party it was SO nice to just have that time with the bride and groom! And as a result Nicole and Brian ended up with SO many gorgeous photos of just the two of them, and isn’t that what matters most?! Nicole and Brian are so classy and looked like models; she looked extra glamorous thanks to our wildly talented friend Tricia Clarke who not only did Tricia do Nicole’s hair and makeup but she came along for photos and helped with the dress and keeping Nicole looking perfect all day. Nicole and Brian had their model faces on but also spent plenty of time making each other laugh, it was just such a joy to be alongside these two on their wedding day!
Nicole and Brian were interested in capturing some of their wedding day memories on classic film cameras. so Conrad brought along his 35mm film camera and also shot Polaroids on his Mamiya 67. We just LOVE being able to shoot film on a wedding day! Scroll to the bottom of this post to see all of the gorgeous film scans that Conrad created, it was just magical to be able to photograph Nicole and Brian and be a part of their unforgettable wedding day!
Congratulations, Nicole and Brian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Nicole and Brian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & DAY-OF COORDINATION
Something Blue
VENUE
The District
FLORIST
Lake Zurich Florist
HAIR + MAKEUP
Tricia Clarke Beauty
WEDDING RINGS
Cottage Hill Diamonds
WEDDING DESSERTS
Deerfield's Bakery
BRIDAL SHOES
Betsey Johnson
MENSWEAR
Indochino
Elise & Trev’s Dreamy Brix on the Fox Wedding
Elise and Trev are two of the warmest, kindest and most loving people we have had the honor of photographing. Being a part of their wedding truly felt like a dream – after first meeting Elise at her sister’s gorgeous Glen Club wedding . . .
Elise and Trev are two of the warmest, kindest and most loving people we have had the honor of photographing. Being a part of their wedding truly felt like a dream – after first meeting Elise at her sister’s gorgeous Glen Club wedding in 2023 we were beyond excited to reconnect with this amazing family and celebrate Elise and Trev’s wedding this Fall at The Brix on The Fox.
Elise and Trev first met as undergrads at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While they both majored in psychology and lived just 6 floors apart their Freshman year, they did not meet until they both worked as medical scribes at UW Health. Elise quickly fell for Trev’s sense of humor and his enthusiasm for sports and statistics. Trev was won over by Elise’s bubbly personality, laughter, and competitive side. Trev made the first move and slid into Elise's Facebook messages that Fall where he invited her to watch the Bears game with him. That first date turned in to a 9-hour marathon, the first of many memorable days between these two.
Elise and Trev have spent the past 6 years writing an epic love story that includes surviving a 4-month quarantine at the McCune's house, graduating from medical and PA school, building new friendships, watching/attending as many sporting events as possible, and traveling both near and far. The best of their travels took them to the beautiful country of Iceland where they spent 16 days traveling around the Ring Road, car-camping in a Subaru. It was on this ring road that Trev knelt down on one knee, underneath the mist of the Gljufrafoss waterfall and proposed to Elise. She had the biggest smile on her face and screamed yes!
I was beyond excited when Elise reached out to tell me she was engaged to Trev and wanted to use Something Blue to capture all of their wedding memories. I had the best time getting to know these two at their engagement session in Lincoln Park last Fall. When the time came for Elise and Trev’s wedding at The Brix we were all really excited, it was a gorgeous early Fall day and every detail came together so beautifully. Christy loved snapping some fun shots of the bridesmaids in their matching jumpsuits with Elise while I took pictures of all of Elise’s pretty details, I could hear the girls’ laughter all the way down the hall at the hotel. Once Elise was dressed she did the sweetest reveal with her bridesmaids, our friend Grace is expecting and was especially emotional seeing her gorgeous sister as a bride!
From the hotel we made our way to The Brix where we met up with Trev. He was nervous but looked so handsome in his light suit, those nerves melted away the moment he saw his beautiful bride. After Elise and Trev’s first look we had a lot of fun photographing their wonderful wedding party before taking some romantic pictures of Elise and Trev together before their ceremony. Trev shed a few tears as he watched Elise walk down the aisle, it was all so sweet and just perfect. We found the prettiest golden light just before sunset and then settled in for a delicious dinner and rollicking celebration during their reception. This was truly the most perfect day and we were so grateful to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, Elise and Trev, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Elise and Trev’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
The Brix on the Fox
WEDDING COORDINATOR
BW Studio + Events
FLORIST
Bright + Bloom Floral Design
HAIR & MAKEUP
Pin Me Up Chicago
DJ
DJUj
WEDDING CAKE
Herb's Bakery
WEDDING RINGS
Kesslers Diamonds
BRIDAL GOWN
Essence Bridal Collection
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Diana’s Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Men's Wearhouse
Michelle & Matt’s Unforgettable Fishermen’s Inn Wedding
Michelle and Matt met online where they matched on not one but two different dating apps. Michelle liked that he had pictures of himself dressed in a Star Wars costume because she had a picture of herself dressed in . . .
Michelle and Matt met online where they matched on not one but two different dating apps. Michelle liked that he had pictures of himself dressed in a Star Wars costume because she had a picture of herself dressed in her Ren-Faire garb. They bonded over ramen, nerdy figurines and a love for adventure. She loves his quick wit and silly Dad jokes, he loves her cute distractibility and love of nature (Michelle is an amazing nature photographer!) The signs all pointed towards these two being absolutely made for one another, and we feel just so lucky that we were able to be a part of their unforgettable wedding.
The weather was really steamy when Conrad and I arrived at Fishermen’s Inn for Michelle and Matt’s wedding. We were delighted to find Michelle and her girls in great spirits, it was so much fun snapping some “getting ready” pics with these girls and then watching Michelle transform into a woodland fairy princess once she stepped into her gorgeous Demetrios gown from Reddington Bridal. Michelle and Matt had their first look outside and exchanged their private vows (handwritten in leather-bound Hogwarts journals, of course!) Conrad and I were absolutely dripping sweat after being outside for only a few minutes, we had a feeling that the weather couldn’t hold and that a storm might be coming. Sure enough, after we finished pictures with Michelle and Matt’s wedding party the sky turned incredibly dark and it felt like someone turned on the air conditioning. We took a few last pictures of Michelle and Matt by the water wheel before the heavens completely opened up and a monster storms rolled in!
Michelle and Matt barely batted an eye as the weather raged outside, it got so crazy that at one point the venue lost power! It was only for a moment, and soon we were celebrating Michelle and Matt’s wedding ceremony downstairs. After they officially became husband and wife we took a few more photos outside (once the rain stopped!) and then enjoyed an amazing evening of good food, laughter, thoughtful toasts and epic music – we loved being a part of this amazing day!!
Congratulations, Michelle and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Michelle and Matt’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Fishermen’s Inn
FLORIST
Purple Rose Floral
HAIR & MAKEUP
Hairs 2 The Bride
WEDDING GOWN
Demetrios
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Reddington Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Men's Wearhouse
Jeanne and Kevin’s Emotional DiNolfo’s Wedding
Jeanne and Kevin’s love story may well be one of the most romantic we have ever had the honor of witnessing. With over sixteen years of friendship as their foundation, being alongside Jeanne and Kevin as they made things official and became husband and wife was an absolute joy. . .
Jeanne and Kevin’s love story may well be one of the most romantic we have ever had the honor of witnessing. With over sixteen years of friendship as their foundation, being alongside Jeanne and Kevin as they made things official and became husband and wife was an absolute joy.
Jeanne’s first memories of Kevin go back to their Sunday morning CCD class at St. Christina’s (the same church where they would get married 16+ years later!) where she said he was “one of the only well-behaved and respectful kids”. Kevin remembers meeting Jeanne in high school through mutual friends and valuing their friendship from the very beginning. Though they always shared affection with one another, Jeanne and Kevin’s friendship really solidified when she became pregnant with Thomas. Kevin left the door open and Jeanne felt comfortable enough to turn to him to be her sounding board. Where the father of Jeanne’s baby was absent, Kevin stepped in and was a friend to her through thick and thin. Kevin took Jeanne on her maternity ward tour, took her out for ice cream and to their senior prom. From the beginning, Jeanne would describe Kevin as “one of the best men” she knew, while Kevin knew from those early days that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jeanne.
Jeanne and Kevin found themselves bonding more and more every day through laughs and tears. As years passed, they watched each other go in and out of relationships with others while secretly rooting for those other relationships would end so they could have a chance to be together. Kevin loved Jeanne and her son Tommy from the start, while Jeanne and Tommy always sensed that love from Kevin and felt at home with him. It was only a matter of time before Jeanne and Kevin ended up together, and their marriage officially made the three of them a family. As Kevin said, “Jeanne is my better half, Tommy my son, these things have always been in my heart.”
Conrad, Ashley and I were all so happy to come along for Jeanne and Kevin’s wedding. There were so many emotional moments throughout the day, but those moments with Tommy will stand out as our favorites to witness. Tommy’s reaction to seeing his Mom as a bride. Tommy’s pride as he stood alongside his Mom at the altar, his smile when taking pictures with the wedding party. His laugh when Jeanne picked up her teenage son “just to prove she can”. But perhaps our favorite moment of the day was when Tommy gave the most eloquent and heartfelt toast during their celebratory dinner at DiNolfo’s Banquets – there was not a dry eye in the room as Tommy confidently delivered THE best toast we have ever heard. It was truly a magical day filled with so much beauty and love, we will always cherish the memories of this perfect wedding.
Congratulations, Jeanne and Kevin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jeanne and Kevin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
DiNolfo’s Banquets
FLORIST
Fun At Parties Florals
MAKEUP
Denise Ferguson
RECEPTION BAND
Raise Your Glass
WEDDING GOWN
Sophia Tolli
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Eva's Bridal International
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
Bianca & John
Bianca and John met through one of her cousins. They were going through the nursing program together at Loyola. John was the cute guy in her class that had no social media forcing Bianca and John to get to know each other the old-fashioned way. . .
Bianca and John met through one of her cousins. They were going through the nursing program together at Loyola. John was the cute guy in her class that had no social media forcing Bianca and John to get to know each other the old-fashioned way. The first time they hung out in a social setting was at her cousin’s birthday party. Bianca’s heel broke and John got a bloody nose that night proving they were both unable to play it cool.
From their first date Bianca thought the connection with John felt too good to be true. He was charming, sweet, and swept her off her feet from the very beginning. They disagreed on so many things and somehow it made her fall even more for him. Bianca and John dated for about 2 years before moving in together. John surprised Bianca with a romantic proposal in Las Vegas when they were there celebrating his 30th birthday. He set up a picture-perfect moment in front of the beautiful fountain at the Bellagio (and had all of their parents there as a surprise to celebrate with them!)
I had the best time getting to know Bianca and John at their engagement session in downtown Geneva last Fall. These two were truly made for one another, they complement each other perfectly and are just the loveliest couple. I was so happy for Christy to have the opportunity to photograph their wedding with me, it was a perfect day spent celebrating their love. There were so many unforgettable moments throughout the day, but you HAVE to scroll to the end of their gallery to see highlights from John and his Mom’s epic karaoke throw-down in lieu of a mother-son dance! It was beyond amazing, the perfect way to kick off the perfect party!!
Congratulations, Bianca and John, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Bianca and John’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens
HAIR & MAKEUP
One Salon & Bridal Company
BB Artistry
DAY-OF COORDINATION
Margaux from I Do Weddings
VIDEOGRAPHY
Ruben Ramos
WEDDING BAND
Bluewater Kings Band\
DESSERTS
Sweet Temptations
WEDDING DRESS
Veiled by Cha Cha
MENSWEAR
The Modern Groom
Vicki & Brien’s Intimate Wednesday Wedding
We met Vicki years ago when she married her first husband, for all the love stories we share here sadly not all of them end in happily ever after. As we heard about the trauma that Vicki endured in that relationship . . .
We met Vicki years ago when she married her first husband, for all the love stories we share here sadly not all of them end in happily ever after. As we heard about the trauma that Vicki endured in that relationship we longed for her to find love again. We were overjoyed to hear that she found her soulmate in Brien and would be getting married again. When Vicki asked me and Conrad to come out on a Wednesday evening to photograph their traditional wedding ceremony at the beautiful Church of St. Patrick in Wadsworth we were honored to be there. It was the most peaceful and love-filled evening, the perfect start to new love and a lifetime of happiness together.
Congratulations, Vicki and Brien, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Vicki and Brien’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
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
Krista & Blake’s Romantic Arrowhead Golf Club Wedding
We first met Blake as he was preparing to propose to Krista. He planned the perfect moment for when he got down on one knee at the Naperville Riverwalk. Of course she said yes. . .
We first met Blake as he was preparing to propose to Krista. He planned the perfect moment for when he got down on one knee at the Naperville Riverwalk. Of course she said yes, it was so incredibly sweet to be there celebrating their proposal along with the people who love Krista and Blake the most!
Conrad shot Krista and Blake’s proposal and was so excited to see them again for their Busse Woods engagement session. They happened to be there as a big bouncy house event was going on and Conrad took some super fun pictures of them bouncing together to finish their shoot! We loved seeing that some of those happy bouncing pictures ended up on Krista and Blake’s Change the Date card, talk about making the best of a difficult situation!
When their wedding day finally arrived, Krista looked radiant in her beautiful gown from Here Comes the Bride. She did the sweetest first look with her grandfather before heading out to see Blake before their ceremony. After their first look, Krista and Blake’s Australian Shepherds Odin and Wally arrived in their coordinating doggy tuxes, they were totally the highlight of the day! Odin and Wally were such good boys in their little tuxedos, posing and smiling and having the best time celebrating their Mom and Dad’s wedding. It was the perfect day for the perfect couple, we were so happy to be there!
Congratulations, Krista and Blake, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Krista and Blake’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
Here Comes the Bride
Wedding Shoes
Steve Madden