Angela & Anthony’s Beautiful Venuti’s Wedding
Angela and Anthony’s journey began in the hallways of high school, where a simple "hello" turned into a friendship that neither of them could have anticipated. As they navigated through their late teenage years, Angela and Anthony learned a lot . . .
Angela and Anthony’s journey began in the hallways of high school, where a simple "hello" turned into a friendship that neither of them could have anticipated. As they navigated through their late teenage years, Angela and Anthony learned a lot about each other and began to grow closer and closer. When college came around, their love blossomed in ways they couldn't have imagined. They faced new challenges and adventures together at Dominican University. It was during these years that Angela and Anthony truly realized we were meant for each other.
Angela and Anthony spent their college days cooking together, having cozy movie nights, and exploring new restaurant spots. After 7 years together, Anthony proposed on a vacation in Puerto Rico in 2023 – he had roses scattered across the floor, champagne and charcuterie (one of Angela’s favorite things!) Now, as we look forward to our future as husband and wife, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. We are grateful for the journey that has brought us to this moment and are eager to create new memories together in this next chapter of our lives.
I loved getting to know Angela and Anthony during their engagement session last Fall, it was such fun to explore the beautiful campus of Dominican University with them! Being on-site where they fell in love was truly special, as we strolled through campus we even ran into one of their favorite teachers! This sweet evening really showed me the depth of Angela and Anthony’s love and I was truly excited to celebrate their wedding with them this September!
When Christy, Ryan and I arrived at Angela’s Mom’s house there was a palpable buzz of excitement as she got ready with her closest girls. Angela looked STUNNING even before she slid into her gorgeous Martina Liana gown – once she was dressed and ready we moved into the living room for her to see her bridesmaids and Dad for the first time as a bride. Angela’s Mom was so sweet and emotional all day, honestly one of my favorite parts of this beautiful wedding day was watching her Mom enjoy each special moment, her love for her daughter was really something special.
We met up with Anthony (AJ) at the majestic St. Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park before the ceremony, he was clearly a bit nervous but looked great. AJ had a super sweet reaction to seeing Angela for the first time in her wedding dress as she walked down the aisle. After their traditional ceremony Angela and AJ exchanged private vows in the church courtyard, a tender moment that we loved observing from afar.
After we finished at St. Giles we made our way to Cantigny for photographs with Angela and AJ’s wedding party. We had the most beautiful weather that day and loved strolling the grounds at Cantigny with Angela and AJ’s closest friends! From there we moved to Venuti’s for an unforgettable celebration – we cried together during their heartfelt toasts and then had the best time dancing the night away! We loved being part of this perfect day!!
Congratulations, Angela and Anthony, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Angela and Anthony’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens
MAKEUP
Shimmer and Pout
WEDDING CAKE
The Baking Institute
WEDDING RINGS
DaValle Jewelers
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Heres Comes The Bride
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Vera Wang
Jessica & Josh’s Sweet Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Josh and Jessica met through his cousin Keith in a story that could really only be described as “meant to be.” Jessica and Keith’s Moms were both pregnant together and met at Lutheran General Hospital – over the years . . .
Josh and Jessica met through his cousin Keith in a story that could really only be described as “meant to be.” Jessica and Keith’s Moms were both pregnant together and met at Lutheran General Hospital – over the years they maintained a friendship and Jessica and Keith stayed in contact. On New Year’s Eve 2010 Keith invited Jessica to a party that his wife’s Mom was hosting and of course his cousin Josh was also invited. Jessica and Josh met briefly that night and were snapped in a picture together. Several years went by before Jessica and Josh's paths crossed again.
During a text message conversation, Keith asked Jessica if she would like to be set up with Josh. At first, Jessica wasn't ready, because she had recently gone through a difficult breakup. However, after a couple of months, Jessica agreed. Jessica and Josh went to a birthday party at Keith and his wife Hannah's house. Jessica thought that Josh was in on the set-up and waited for him to make the first move. However, Josh didn't know the plan. No connection was made at the birthday party. But at another party three months later for The Fourth of July, Josh sat next to Jessica at dinner and struck up a conversation. They continued to enjoy talking throughout the evening. Josh and Jessica agree, in hindsight, that Keith not saying anything to Josh about the set up was a good idea because everything happened naturally. Josh friended Jessica on Facebook the next day, and they messaged back and forth for awhile. Being an English teacher, Jessica was impressed by Josh's thoughtful, detailed responses (and his proper use of grammar).
Their first date was eventful – they went to Elk Grove Bowl, had dinner at Mago Grill in Arlington Heights, walked through a street festival, and sat together at North School Park. Since then, they adopted the most adorable dog (Julie), developed a mutual friend group, traveled together, and survived the COVID-19 pandemic together. A few months after their fifth dating anniversary, Josh proposed to Jessica by the fountain at North School Park (accompanied by Julie) on a beautiful fall day in November.
When I first met Jessica and Josh I was struck by how connected they were and how easy it was to talk with them. They share a love of learning and appreciation for history and vintage aesthetics, and for me the real connection came in our shared fondness for our hometown of Arlington Heights! Jessica and Josh’s love of the local was very much a part of their wedding celebration at The Metropolis Ballroom, it was fun to be reminded of all the great aspects of Arlington Heights throughout the day (my favorite was the Arlington Club soda box they used for their wedding cards!)!
We planned Jessica and Josh’s first look at North School Park, the same place where they got engaged! It was really special to take pictures of the two of them near the fountain! After their first look we were able to connect with Josh’s uncle who had brought along his gorgeous custom restored “woody” wagon for pictures, this stunning vintage yellow car definitely set the scene for some unforgettable photographs! After positioning the car just so near the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and getting some great shots we went back downtown and met up with Jessica and Josh’s wedding party and family for photos. Their sweet dog Julie joined the fun for pictures and was such a good girl!!
It was soon time for Jessica and Josh to make things official and they did so upstairs in the ballroom with a traditional and emotional ceremony. Once they exchanged their vows and sealed their union with a kiss it was time to start celebrating!! We had a lot of fun with the {surprise!} Jack Sparrow impersonator that Jessica and Josh had hired to entertain their guests during cocktail hour. And then enjoyed listening to the thoughtful toasts given during dinner. After Jessica and Josh’s first dance together as husband and wife their guests danced the night away in honor of this wonderful couple. It was a perfect day and we were truly honored to be a part of it!
Congratulations, Jessica and Josh, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jessica and Josh’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens
HAIR
Kelly Alvarez
MAKEUP
Makeup by Elisa Inc.
WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery
WEDDING RINGS
Mitchell's Jewelers
WEDDING DRESS
Wolsfelts Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Birdy Grey
MENSWEAR
Essence Formal Wear
Laura & Zach’s Picture-Perfect Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Laura and Zach met while working at the same office in Atlanta in November 2018. They bonded over a shared love of the Chicago Bears (she is from Libertyville and he is from outside of Peoria . . .
Laura and Zach met while working at the same office in Atlanta in November 2018. They bonded over a shared love of the Chicago Bears (she is from Libertyville and he is from outside of Peoria) and started dating shortly thereafter but kept it secret from their coworkers for years! In November 2021, Zach was transferred to Charlotte while Laura was transferred back home to Chicago. After a year of dating long distance Laura finally wore Zach down enough and convinced him to move home as well. After living together in her condo in the West Loop for nine months Zach proposed over Labor Day weekend at Devil’s Lake State Park. Not long after that they moved into their first home together in our hometown of Arlington Heights and began earnestly planning the wedding of their dreams!
Laura carefully planned every detail for their perfect wedding at The Metropolis Ballroom. She had a sweet little brigade of flower girls and ring bearers because she told her friends and family that “if they wanted their kids to come to the wedding then their kids would be IN the wedding,” which led to some absolutely adorable moments throughout the day! When Conrad and I arrived everyone was in great spirits and the little girls were loving twirling in their fancy white dresses, it was so cute! After pampering by the talented team at Hairs 2 The Bride Laura slipped into her beautiful Maggie Sotero gown, she looked absolutely gorgeous. Then it was time for Laura and Zach to have their First Look on the Metropolis veranda, it was such a romantic moment. After spending a little time admiring one another and exchanging letters Laura and Zach took Polaroid photos of each other on the veranda to use later as their cake topper.
It was a pleasure getting to know their wedding planner Amber from Peony Events throughout the day, Amber helped to make sure every detail was executed to fit Laura’s vision for their perfect wedding day. Laura had printed a photograph of every married couple who was coming as a guest to the wedding and everyone received those pictures as their parting favor, it was SO thoughtful and sweet! Laura and Zach each had their own disposable cameras that they used throughout the day to snap pictures of each other, honestly we would LOVE to see those shots once the film gets developed! One last memorable detail was that Laura had hired a “live painter” to forever capture their ceremony in paint, Jennifer from Dihel Art did a wonderful job capturing the essence of this beautiful day! As the live band played to celebrate the newlyweds we snuck outside to the Arlington Alfresco for some epic paparazzi-style photos of Laura and Zach, it was awesome to hear the roaring crowd cheering for these two as we worked our way through the streets snapping pictures! It truly was a picture-perfect day that we will always be thankful to have been a part of!
Congratulations, Laura and Zach, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Laura and Zach’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
WEDDING VENUE
The Metropolis Ballroom
WEDDING PLANNER
Amber with Peony Events
FLORIST
Wild Haven Flower Farm
HAIR + MAKEUP
Hairs 2 The Bride
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Atelier Igar
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
Abercrombie
MENSWEAR
Men's Warehouse
ENGAGEMENT RING
Rolland's Jewelers
WEDDING BAND
Sorry for Partying
LIVE PAINTER
Dihel Art
Claire & Jesus’ Sweet Rolling Green Country Club Wedding
Claire and Jesus met in 2017 while working at the same restaurant downtown. They worked the same shifts and would go out after work, and the more they hung out and got to know each other they realized. . .
Claire and Jesus met in 2017 while working at the same restaurant downtown. They worked the same shifts and would go out after work, as they hung out more and got to know each other they realized how much they wanted to be together. In 2021 they welcomed their first baby, the sweetest little boy named Julian. In November 2022, Claire and Jesus got engaged at Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights and had a party right after at La Tasca with their friends and family. Then in 2023 Claire and Jesus welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Sophia – we were so excited to come alongside this beautiful family for their wedding celebration!
Conrad spent some time with Claire and Jesus and their kids at a pretty family / engagement session earlier this Summer. Claire’s amazing Mom came along to help with Julian and Sophia, it was wonderful to see them all again once Claire and Jesus’ wedding day rolled along! Due to a last-minute change of plans the celebration was moved to the gorgeous Rolling Green Country Club, but first we met with the girls for some “getting ready” photos at the hotel. Claire’s friends and close female relatives were gathered together to get ready and were SO supportive of the beautiful bride – their reaction to seeing Claire in her perfect dress from Vanessa’s Modern Bride was one of the best we have seen! The girls kept their hype-energy high throughout the day and it was just so much fun to be with them to celebrate!
Claire’s Mom lovingly served as her florist and created all of the centerpieces along with Claire’s bouquet and Jesus’ boutonniere. We always appreciate a DIY effort on a wedding day but this was particularly impressive! After Claire and Jesus’ emotional first look together we explored the course and took some photos out on the bridge, we could have spent all day photographing this sweet and loving couple together. Later Julian and Sophia arrived and looked absolutely adorable in their fancy wedding clothes! Julian is a man on the move and spent a lot of the day getting his little boy energy out, while sweet Sophia wanted to be close to her Momma.
After capturing some family photos it was time for the ceremony under the shade of the oaks near the clubhouse. Claire’s friend and maid of honor Maddy officiated their wedding, she said she was nervous but absolutely crushed it and the ceremony was filled with beautiful and emotional moments. Once Claire and Jesus exchanged vows and rings the party really began! Lively music played on the back porch during cocktail hour before guests were treated to a delicious dinner thanks to the wonderful staff at Rolling Green. During their first dance Claire and Jesus had their kids join them for the sweetest moment as a family, we can only imagine how special those photos will be to Julian and Sophia when they are older! We snuck outside during golden hour for some stunning sunset pictures of the newlyweds before dancing the night away. It was the most perfect day, we were truly thankful to be a part of Claire and Jesus’ wedding!
Congratulations, Claire and Jesus, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Claire and Jesus’ beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Rolling Green Country Club
HAIR + MAKEUP
Ivy & Opal Salon
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Vanessa’s Modern Bride
WEDDING RINGS
Mitchell’s Jewelers
WEDDING CAKE
Deerfields Bakery
Erin & Joe’s Perfect Victoria in the Park Wedding
Erin and Joe's love story began in college at the University of Illinois, where they were both involved in club sports — Erin in volleyball and Joey in soccer. Their paths crossed at a charity soccer game organized by Joey, and . . .
Erin and Joe's love story began in college at the University of Illinois, where they were both involved in club sports — Erin in volleyball and Joey in soccer. Their paths crossed at a charity soccer game organized by Joey, and they soon found themselves spending a lot of time together in group settings thanks to their shared circle of friends. As the spring semester of their junior year rolled around, Joey decided to take the next step and asked Erin out on a date. Their connection grew stronger over the months and soon they officially became a couple.
Fast forward six years – after a long day of teaching and coaching, Erin was looking forward to celebrating their 6th anniversary at one of their favorite restaurants. Little did she know that Joey had something extraordinary in store. He surprised her with six dozen roses to mark their six years together. And then, in a moment filled with happiness and tears (by Erin, of course), Joey got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Erin joyfully said yes!
Conrad loved getting to know Erin and Joe at their beautiful engagement session at The Botanic Garden last Fall. Erin and Joe share a sweet connection – he brings out her playful side and it was a joy to be in the presence of their love. When their wedding day arrived we were all so excited to celebrate with this wonderful couple! It was a HOT day in late June and we were thankful for the air conditioning and natural light from the big beautiful windows at Victoria in the Park, we had the opportunity to take most of our photos inside that day!!
When we arrived the girls were in great spirits as they were glammed up by Sophia DeFrancesco’s amazing hair and makeup team. Erin looked radiant and it was SO cute to see her bridesmaids reactions when she first put on her gorgeous wedding dress! Then Erin walked down Victoria in the Park’s beautiful curved staircase to see Joey for the first time as a bride, their first look was such a sweet and special moment. We took lots of fun photos of Erin and Joe and their friends and family on those stairs before sneaking outside for just a few (hot!) shots before their ceremony.
After Erin and Joe’s emotional wedding ceremony we were ready to start the celebration, it was great fun being a part of this big Italian family party! Once everyone took their seats we were treated to some heartfelt toasts and Erin and Joe’s adorable first dance. Looking out the windows we could see the light changing and took the newlyweds outside for some gorgeous sunset photos. From there the party amped up thanks to Okyne Medialab, be sure to scroll all the way through to see some hilarious shots that Christy got of the flower girl and ring bearer with “fat head” cutouts of Joey on the dance floor! We love this couple and had the most amazing time celebrating with them!!
Congratulations, Erin and Joe, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Erin and Joe’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Victoria in the Park
FLORIST
Carousel Flowers by Shamrock
HAIR + MAKEUP
Sophia DeFrancesco
WEDDING CAKE + DESSERTS
Central Continental Bakery
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Diana’s Bridal
WEDDING DRESS
Stella York
WEDDING RINGS
Luo M Jewelers
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Formally Modern Tuxedo
Sarah & Ed’s Romantic Rolling Green Country Club Wedding
Sarah and Ed met in graduate school when some of their classmates people got together for a Harry Potter trivia night and they ended up on the same team. That was the first time they had hung out with each other outside of class . . .
Sarah and Ed met in graduate school when some of their classmates people got together for a Harry Potter trivia night and they ended up on the same team. That was the first time they had hung out with each other outside of class, and they really hit it off. Unfortunately, that first connection happened right before COVID hit, so Sarah and Ed weren't able to see each other for a while, even in class. It wasn't until months later that Sarah worked up the nerve to get Ed's number from a mutual friend and text him.
Sarah and Ed started talking over winter break while he was in Lithuania visiting family, which wasn't easy with the time difference, but they made it work. Once Ed came back to the State they made plans right away and it wasn't long before they had fallen in love. Sarah and Ed got engaged just over two years later while at the same restaurant where they celebrated their first Valentine's Day together.
I loved getting to know Sarah and Ed at they engagement session last Fall. Sarah is gorgeous inside and out, and witnessing the love between Sarah and Ed is something that I really enjoyed being part of. When their wedding day arrived the weather was absolutely gorgeous for a perfect celebration at our hometown country club Rolling Green. Christy and I arrived and met Sarah and her besties in Rolling Green’s adorable new bridal suite, we loved photographing the girls in this fun space! Once Sarah was dressed she went outside for her first look with Ed, his reaction to seeing his bride was so incredibly sweet. We loved exploring the course at Rolling Green for photos with Sarah and Ed’s wedding party!
After a beautiful ceremony overlooking the pond and water wheel Ed’s family presented the newlyweds with a special gift to honor their Lithuanian tradition. We celebrated together with their friends and family and just had the best day with this wonderful couple!!
Congratulations, Sarah and Ed, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sarah and Ed’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Rolling Green Country Club
FLORIST
Connie Snyder
HAIR + MAKEUP
Hairs 2 The Bride
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Genevieve's Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Thread Bridesmaid
MENSWEAR
Calvin Klein
Stacey & Brendan’s Beautiful Old Orchard Country Club Wedding
Stacey and Brendan met in the Summer of 2018 while both working at the Wrigley Rooftops. They had an instant connection and grew closer, when Covid hit they essentially moved in together and cemented their bond. They created so many memories . . .
Stacey and Brendan met in the Summer of 2018 while both working at the Wrigley Rooftops. They had an instant connection and grew closer, when Covid hit they essentially moved in together and cemented their bond. They created so many memories together in the Lincoln Square area when Brendan lived – when the time came he chose to propose to Stacey there and the next chapter in their love story began!
Brendan is a police officer in Chattanooga, so Stacey worked to plan their wedding remotely. Conrad and Lindsay first met Stacey and Brendan in person on their wedding day after talking with them over the phone and on Zoom leading up to their big day. Friends and family came from all over the world to celebrate Stacey and Brendan – her best friend flew in from New York and her Dad’s cousin came all the way from Germany to help with the centerpieces and other wedding details.
Throughout their wedding we were struck by how loyal and loving Stacey and Brendan are. They created hand-written notes for each of their guests and had the best time celebrating along with their friends and family. It was an honor for us to be alongside this loving couple as they started their lives together!
Congratulations, Stacey and Brendan, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Stacey and Brendan’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VIDEOGRAPHY
DS Wedding Studio
FLORIST
Accents by Jenny
BRIDAL HAIR
Corey Flood
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Glam and Glow by Mel
WEDDING CAKE
Central Continental Bakery
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
All About the Bride
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Azazie
WEDDING RINGS
Jared
MENSWEAR
Formally Modern Tuxedo
BRIDAL SHOES
Nina Shoes
Stephanie & Will’s Sweet Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Stephanie and Will met through mutual friends – her good friend from college is his good friend from high school. A few years after graduating college, Will moved to Chicago for work and they connected for their first date at Corridor Brewery. . .
Stephanie and Will met through mutual friends – her good friend from college is his good friend from high school. A few years after graduating college, Will moved to Chicago for work and they connected for their first date at Corridor Brewery.
As they grew closer Stephanie and Will soon moved in together, and Will proposed in their first apartment after coming home from landing his dream job. We first connected with Stephanie and Will during the pandemic, and got to know them better at their pretty engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature Walk downtown. Stephanie’s sweetness and Will’s dry sense of humor made an impression on me, and we were really excited to celebrate their wedding at the Metropolis Ballroom in June!
Looking back, Stephanie and Will’s wedding day was truly perfect – but just as Stephanie was about to put on her gorgeous wedding gown she was told that their florist had flaked and they didn’t have wedding flowers. No bouquets, no boutonnieres, no centerpieces. In the ten years we have been shooting weddings we have NEVER experienced anything like this! We kept our composure and quietly worked with the amazing Metropolis team to mobilize a local florist to pull off something last-minute. But in the meantime, we really had to start taking wedding party photos before we ran out of time before the ceremony. Stephanie took all of the chaos in stride, it was amazing. She took a sip of champagne and pulled her shoulders back before striding outside for photos. Stephanie rocked her dress pockets and high leg slit and made the best of things, nothing was going to stop her from enjoying her wedding day! It was one of the most bad-ass things we have ever seen from a bride!
By the time we had finished with photos around downtown Arlington Heights there were bouquets and boutonnieres ready thanks to the amazing and kind team at Purple Rose Floral in Mount Prospect. Those personal floral items really do make a difference and it was amazing how beautiful everything looked from Purple Rose even though they had absolutely zero advanced warning, we were SO grateful that they stepped in to help out!!
At the start of their reception Stephanie and Will gave a speech to thank their guests, and Stephanie had already planned to talk about how all of the details that go into a wedding day don’t really matter. Her words hit even harder after what had transpired during their wedding day – but in the end, all that mattered was that Stephanie and Will said “I do” and became husband and wife. It was a beautiful and perfect celebration of their love, we were truly honored to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, Stephanie and Will, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Stephanie and Will’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom
HAIR AND MAKEUP
The Bridal Beauty Team
FLORIST
Purple Rose Floral
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture
WEDDING RINGS
Stanley Brown Jewelist
McKenna & Kyle’s Memorable Metropolis Ballroom Spring Wedding
We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit . . .
We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit, we knew then that we could expect plenty of personalized and creative details at her wedding this Spring.
When the time came for us to meet McKenna and Kyle at the Metropolis Ballroom for their wedding we were so happy to be surrounded by a big wedding party again!! McKenna and Kyle first met in 2015 when they were both working for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. After a year of being friends and going back and forth on Facebook messenger, McKenna made the move and told Kyle how she felt. They eventually went on their official first date in August 2016 and have been inseparable ever since. Kyle proposed to McKenna in the kitchen of their old apartment on their 5th year anniversary. Their wedding day was truly perfect – McKenna had thought of every beautiful detail! After McKenna got dressed in the beautiful Harmony Suite she had the sweetest “first look” with her bridesmaids and her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Kyle and exchange private vows. We truly love when couples exchange private vows, those quiet intimate moments are the heart and soul of a big joyful wedding day!
The sun came out just in time for us to head outside to the fountain for some wedding party and couples’ photos. It was a brisk but beautiful day!! We made time for a few epic veil shots before the chilly March wind got the better of us, but McKenna looked truly gorgeous even while braving the elements!
After the ceremony we were all ready to party to celebrate the newlyweds! We enjoyed a delicious meal and some heartfelt toasts to McKenna and Kyle before Tim from Ready Set Dance filled the dance floor and kept everyone going all night long! McKenna and Kyle surprised their guests with a t-shirt toss to honor their time with the Fire (with shirts that McKenna created, obvs) and McKenna showed off her splits just in time for us to say goodnight. It was an amazing day, we were so thankful to be a part of it!!
Congratulations, McKenna and Kyle, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of McKenna and Kyle’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Belles & Thistles
BRIDAL HAIR
Pin Me Up Chicago
MAKEUP
Denise Ferguson
WEDDING GOWN
Martina Liana
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Bella Bianca
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie
WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery
Jackie & Brian’s Beautiful Rolling Green Country Club Wedding
Jackie and Brian were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. They met for drinks and bonded over Aurelio’s pizza and things just kept going from there! When . . .
Jackie and Brian were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. They met for drinks and bonded over Aurelio’s pizza and things just kept going from there! When Conrad met Jackie and Brian at the museum campus downtown for their engagement session they made sure to bring along an Aurelio’s pizza to share! We just love when couples include those personal details in their engagement sessions!
Jackie and Brian are so cute together, he is totally smitten with her. Their wedding day was so beautiful and perfect – from the moment that Conrad and Lindsay arrived everything ran smoothly and everyone had such great energy. The bridesmaids looked SO good thanks to the talented Rosie Hunter Artistry, these girls rocked their rust colored bridesmaid dresses and were so supportive throughout the day. The florals by Blue Daisy Floral Design were stunning, absolutely perfect for this early-fall wedding. Our great friend Ken of Amp Event Professionals had the dance floor packed for the perfect party at the end of the night. It was such a great day, we are thankful to have been a part of it.
Congratulations, Jackie and Brian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jackie and Brian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Rolling Green Country Club
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Rosie Hunter Artistry
FLORIST
Blue Floral Daisy
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
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
Sharon & Ed’s Timeless Venuti’s Wedding
Sharon and Ed met the old fashioned way – over the internet – in an age when online dating has become the norm. I feel old saying that when we first started photographing . . .
Sharon and Ed met the old fashioned way – over the internet – in an age when online dating has become the norm. I feel old saying that when we first started photographing weddings it was unusual for our couples to have met online. But now, after shooting for over ten years, it’s more often than not that we learn our couples met through an online dating service. Life has a funny way of working itself out in ways you would never expect.
Sharon and Ed are absolutely perfect for each other. Their love is inspiring, being with them on their wedding day was such a joy. They love each other madly and deeply and with abandon. It was a joy for us to be a part of this timeless celebration.
Congratulations, Sharon and Ed, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sharon and Ed’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Venuti’s Banquets
DJ
The Total Package - Parker Greenlund
CAKE
Baking Institute
RINGS
Exquisite Jewelers
Jess & Brad’s Perfect Metropolis Ballroom Wedding
Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been . . .
Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been on a Tinder date, but since they had already met, she figured why not give it a shot? They went on our first date at the Arlington Ale House (one of our favorite bars in Arlington Heights) and the rest is history!
After a couple years together Jess and Brad moved in together and welcomed their dog Leeroy to their family. Brad nervously worked up the courage to propose to Jess at the gorgeous LondonHouse in Chicago. While they both say they sort of blacked out, Jess ended up with a ring on her finger so he must have asked and she must have said yes!!
Talking with Jess and Brad leading up to their wedding day was always so relaxing and fun, we truly love this couple. They made our jobs easy by being consistently kind and down-to-earth. Jess looked radiant on her wedding day – her Essense of Australia gown fit her perfectly, it looked like it was made just for her. After some sweet getting ready moments with her girls in the Harmony Suite at the Metropolis, Jess shared an adorable first look with her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Brad for the first time on their wedding day. From that moment on the two of them were inseparable – each moment we spent together was filled with joy and laughter, it was truly the perfect wedding.
Congratulations, Jess and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jess and Brad’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom
FLOWERS
Busy B's Floral
CAKE
Lauras Kakes