Taylor & Derek’s Romantic Bluestem Farm Wedding

Taylor dreamt of marrying an “old fashioned man” and found one in her soulmate Derek – and it just so happens that Derek can also make a mean Old Fashioned! 🥃 Taylor and Derek have known each other for thirteen years and were excited to tie-the-knot at the beautiful Bluestem Farm this Fall! She is free-spirited and he has a mischievous twinkly-eyed smile and we were honored to spend this day celebrating their love!

Taylor and Derek chose to exchange private vows before their ceremony, a beautiful new tradition that gives couples an intimate moment where they can truly connect on their wedding day. After sharing their vows Taylor and Derek were inseparable all day sharing plenty of snuggles and smooches together. We loved being part of this romantic wedding – there were lots of fun rustic details sprinkled throughout the gorgeous grounds of Bluestem Farm that made this wedding extra special. We loved the cowboy boots and Taylor’s custom suede bridal jacket (made with love by Derek’s sister-in-law) and the fact that Derek rocked the sunglasses Taylor gave him throughout the day. This was the most beautiful and perfect wedding and we were so honored to be a part of it!

Congratulations, Taylor and Derek, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Taylor and Derek’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

Emily and Peter’s Romantic Hoosier Grove Wedding

We first connected with Emily years ago when her daughters Jenna and Natalie were little, she came by with the girls and Lindsay and I took some sweet summer photos with watermelons in my backyard. Since then it has been a joy to watch Jenna and Natalie grow up and occasionally run into Emily around town. We were excited to know that Emily met someone when we first heard about Peter. As their relationship grew so too did their family and in May of 2022 they welcomed their son Jayden. Lindsay was so happy to catch up with Emily and her girls at Jayden’s newborn session and it has been a joy to be connected with this wonderful family since then!

When Emily and Peter decided to make things official we were honored to be asked to photograph their wedding. Conrad and I loved getting to know little Jayden at their pre-wedding meeting and were so excited to meet everyone at Hoosier Grove Barn for the big day! Emily and Peter collected dozens of Azul Tequila bottles to use as vases and decor for the barn, the beautiful space looked so festive and inviting for their celebration! We met with Emily and her girls upstairs at Hoosier Grove where everyone was buzzing with excitement, it was so special to see Jenna and Natalie again looking so gorgeous in their navy bridesmaids’ dresses. Little Jayden joined us upstairs for some hugs with Mom and looking beyond adorable in his little suit.

Peter fought back tears and held Jayden tight as Emily walked down the aisle. Emily’s colleague Katie from Flaherty Jeweler’s served as their officiant and did a wonderful job presiding over their romantic ceremony. The most touching moment was when Peter made time to share special vows for his new official daughters, he even had rings for Jenna and Natalie that he gave them as he promised to always love them as his own. The emotion in that moment was something that we will never forget.

After the ceremony we took lots of fun photos with the whole Ramirez family, including some swoon-worthy shots of the newlyweds. Then it was time to head inside for tacos and fun celebrating the newlyweds! This was such a lovely day, we were truly honored to be a part of it!

Congratulations, Emily and Peter, we wish you (and your beautiful family!) a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Emily and Peter’s wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Hoosier Grove Barn

WEDDING RINGS
Flaherty Jewelers

WEDDING DRESS
Vanessa’s Modern Bride

Katie & Tony’s Perfect Farmhouse Plainfield Wedding

Katie and Tony crossed paths in classic Southside Chicago fashion, introduced by mutual friends during a casual night out at a neighborhood bar. Their connection deepened over shared interests, including spontaneous road trips, exploring Disney parks, vibing to country music, and tackling escape rooms together. Despite Tony's stoic demeanor as an Air Force veteran, Katie effortlessly melted his tough exterior, unveiling a softer, more vulnerable side reserved solely for her. Their story reflects the serendipity of love found in the everyday, fueled by common passions and genuine companionship.

We first met Katie and Tony at her brother’s gorgeous Heritage Prairie Farm wedding last Fall. Katie hired us after her original wedding photographer fell through, she told us that Matt and Shea had such a great experience that she wanted to work with us too! I honestly can’t think of a higher compliment than that! From that first conversation this Winter to when we said goodnight at the end of their wedding I loved every moment working with Katie. She is incredibly kind, thoughtful and down-to-earth, it was such a joy and honor to be a part of this wedding.

Katie is a self-processed DIY bride – she worked for weeks leading up to her wedding to create the gorgeous bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces herself. When the day arrived for Katie and Tony’s Farmhouse Plainfield wedding the weather was absolutely PERFECT, unexpectedly warm and sunny for an April wedding! Katie and her bridesmaids were in great spirits as they got ready together, while Tony MAY have been experiencing a few nerves before seeing his bride. Once Katie and Tony did their First Look the nerves melted away into happiness and love, these two were truly made for one another. They shared private vows (one of our FAVORITE “new” traditions!) together on the farmhouse patio before joining with their awesome wedding party for pictures. We had so much fun with this crew on the beautiful property at The Farmhouse!

When it was time for the ceremony Katie and Tony had a surprise in store for their guests – instead of flower girls or ring bearers they invited two buddies to be “Beer Boys” and get the party started by handing out Busch Lights down the aisle! It. Was. Awesome. Their energy set the tone for an epic wedding that we will never forget! After their peaceful and emotional ceremony the newlyweds celebrated with their guests during cocktail hour under the Spring sunshine. We stole Katie and Tony away just before introductions for some “golden-hour” photos by the Farmhouse entrance, the light was absolutely gorgeous and everything just looked so pretty with all of the Spring blooms!

As the DJ announced Katie and Tony and their wedding party we could tell we were in for an unforgettable reception. There was SO much joy and excitement in the room for this wonderful couple!! While the guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ feast we were all treated to several emotional toasts to the bride and groom. There were powerful nods to Tony’s military past and fallen friend that the couple had honored in different ways throughout the day. And Katie’s Dad led all four parents to the front of the room for a sweet joint toast, we love seeing families come together in love! Then it came time for Katie and Tony to thank their guests and Katie did THE sweetest thing – instead of doing a bouquet toss she gave a poignant speech to thank her Mom for her support and gave her the bouquet that she had created. It was such a sweet and beautiful moment rooted in gratitude and thoughtfulness!

After dinner and toasts Katie and Tony were ready to dance the night away, we especially loved the rollicking family line dances!! It was honestly the perfect wedding – for all of the special moments our favorite thing about Katie and Tony’s wedding was simply spending time with this spontaneous, quiet and loving couple. Katie and Tony gifted us with the most amazing start to our wedding season!

Congratulations, Katie and Tony, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Katie and Tony’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
The Farmhouse Plainfield

HAIR & MAKEUP
Hairs 2 the Bride

WEDDING CAKE
Wolf’s Bakery

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Wolsfelts Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie

MENSWEAR
Men’s Wearhouse

Shea & Matt’s Sweet Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding

Shea and Matt met their sophomore year of college – they had mutual friends and both played volleyball. They started dating that December and have been together ever since.

Conrad and I were so excited to photograph Shea and Matt’s wedding at our favorite venue, Heritage Prairie Farm. We would shoot there every weekend if we could, it’s truly the perfect venue!! Endless gorgeous spots for photos, plenty of sweet farm kitties roaming the grounds AND the most amazing wedding food ever, it’s our favorite place for SO many reasons! Our Something Blue team had gotten to know Shea a bit earlier this year when she came by the Studio for a special bridal boudoir session to gift to Matt on their wedding day. Christy photographed her and then I put together an album of her favorite photos – she looked absolutely stunning and when Matt opened the album after their “First Look” you could tell he knew he is a lucky man!!

Shea and Matt have two cats and were drawn to Heritage Prairie Farm in part because of their many friendly farm kitties. It was a somewhat cat-centric wedding – Matt wore “Cat Dad” socks, their two signature drinks were inspired by their cats and the Heritage Prairie farm cats photo-bombed plenty of moments with the wedding party before the ceremony.

Shea is close with her Dad and Grandpa and set aside time to do a “First Look” with each of them before her ceremony. Her and her Dad have an inside connection with hedgehogs and both gifted each other with sweet little hedgehog pins for the big day. Shea also did a first look with her Grandpa on the front porch of the pretty farmhouse, it was one of the most special moments of the day. Her Grandpa then officiated Shea and Matt’s romantic ceremony in the barn while her Grandma did a reading.

It was a chilly last weekend in October and we were thankful for the cozy greenhouse where we could take wedding party photos and get a break from the cold wind. The team at Garvin Gardens created gorgeous florals and the team at Heritage Prairie Farm was amazing as always taking care of every detail. After cocktail hour we snuck away with Shea and Matt to take pictures on the grounds before sundown. We were then all treated to an amazing family-style dinner before dancing the night away. It was the perfect wedding, we were so honored and grateful to be there to celebrate with Shea and Matt!

Congratulations, Shea and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Shea and Matt’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Heritage Prairie Farm

FLORIST
Garvin Gardens

HAIR & MAKEUP
Montage Salon and Spa

DJ
Music in Motion

WEDDING CAKE
ECBG Cake Studio

WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Eva’s Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Birdy Grey

Jamie & Patrick’s Perfect Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding

Jamie and Patrick are both teachers who met when they started new jobs in a new district. She taught second grade and he is a PE teacher. They met at a welcome party for their new principal. Over the next two years they became great friends. Patrick wanted to ask Jamie out but didn't want to ruin the friendship they had built. In August 2020, Jamie left to go to a new district to teach 3rd grade. Even though they were no longer working together, Jamie and Patrick remained close and soon he asked her to spend time together “just the two of us.”

Starting to date during Covid forced Jamie and Patrick (along with SO many of our Something Blue couples!) to be creative with how they spent time together. They went on many adventures that included walks and drive through Christmas lights. In April 2022 Patrick took Jamie on a scavenger hunt. Jamie's mom picked her up and gave her the first clue. Each clue was a memory from their relationship (first place we met, first date location, first kiss location, first place they said I love you). At each location was a friend of family member to give the next clue to Jamie. The final clue led to the picnic spot were they met after Jamie got a new job. When they left that day we thought we would never see each other again. So when Patrick proposed at this location, he shared that the last time they were there there they left thinking they wouldn't see each other again and when they left today they would leave being together forever.

Conrad first spent time with Jamie and Patrick at their engagement session at the beautiful Heritage Prairie Farm (our favorite venue!!) He loved spending time with these two, they share such a deep bond and are both filled with kindness and humility. As they explored the farm together they also got in plenty of time with local celebrity Carl (otherwise known as @badkittycarl) Conrad LOVES Carl (everyone’s favorite wedding crasher at Heritage Prairie Farm) but Patrick isn’t as sold on him – this bad kitty definitely jumped up onto Patrick during their engagement session! He then also proceeded to fully crash their wedding ceremony by wandering up and down the aisle during their vows looking for pets 😹

Jamie and Patrick’s wedding day could not have been more perfect. When we arrived, everyone was In great spirits – Jamie and her friends were relaxing together in the farmhouse as they finished hair and makeup, and Patrick and his buddies had a lot of fun opening their custom Cubs’ jerseys and beer bats (such an epic gift for the groomsmen!) When the time came for Jamie and Patrick to see one another they did their First Look right outside the farmhouse before sharing private vows with one another. We really love when couples choose to do this, it’s a beautiful and intimate moment and always clears the air for FUN for the rest of the day! Jamie and Patrick both shed tears when sharing with each other, it was an honor to be present in that moment.

After getting some photos with their (very fun!) wedding party, we moved under the tree out back for their ceremony. Guests sipped cold fresh lemonade and relaxed under paper parasols while Jamie and Patrick were pronounced husband and wife, and then the celebration could truly begin! We had the best time with Jamie and Patrick and their loved ones, it was a perfect day!

Congratulations, Jamie and Patrick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Jamie and Patrick’s beautiful wedding photos click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Heritage Prairie Farm

FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens

VIDEOGRAPHER
I Do Video by Leo

DJ
Amp Event Professionals

WEDDING CAKE
Deerfield’s Bakery

WEDDING RINGS
R.C. Wahl Jewelers

WEDDING GOWN
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie

MENSWEAR
Mens Wearhouse

Jamie and Patrick’s Romantic Heritage Prairie Farm Engagement Session

Jamie and Patrick are both teachers who love to spend quiet time together (having been a High School teacher in my 20s I can most certainly understand that!) So it was perfect for them to do their engagement session on a peaceful Monday evening at their wedding venue. If you know us well you know we LOVE Heritage Prairie Farm, we could shoot weddings here every weekend and truly be happy. In fact, we are heading to the farm this Thursday for their annual Friendsgiving Farm Dinner! Conrad loved exploring the farm with Jamie and Patrick and getting to know them better – they cuddled and giggled and had such a great time together. And they even got to snuggle the farm’s resident kitty Carl (nothing makes Conrad happier than a good kitty snuggle!) We love these two and are so excited to celebrate their wedding at Heritage Prairie Farm next summer!

Here are some of our favorites from Jamie and Patrick’s romantic engagement session, to see their full gallery click here

Amanda & Marcus’ Joyful Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding

Amanda and Marcus we grew up 15 minutes apart from each other in Texas but never met. Fast forward many years and several moves later, they connected in Illinois through the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel. Their first date was supposed to be meeting for coffee, but turned into a spontaneous Home Depot run after discovering the coffee shop was closed. Amanda and Marcus discovered a shared mutual love for food, Jesus and motorcycle adventures and that their differences helped make them into better people. He knew it before she did, but eventually Amanda realized that Marcus needed to stick around for the long haul. Marcus proposed (during a trip to Texas) at the gazebo his parents got married in, with her sister there to take pictures.

When Amanda and Marcus first came to meet with us at our Studio, we immediately clicked and had the best time talking with this wonderful couple. Their love fills every room they enter, and their willingness to trust us as photographers made it so easy to work with them. We were so excited to photograph their wedding at Heritage Prairie Farm, one of our absolute favorite venues.

Heritage Prairie Farm is so beautiful, it’s truly the perfect place to get married. The grounds are gorgeous, the staff is warm and welcoming, and the food is outstanding. Every couple is treated as individuals, they fully customize and personalize your wedding menu for you. Amanda and Marcus made Spanish rice together early in their relationship but burned it; Spanish rice was on their delicious wedding dinner menu and the team at Heritage Prairie Farm set one single grain of burnt rice on Amanda and Marcus’ plate. That level of thoughtfulness is so uncommon and unique it only further endeared us to this amazing venue. We had the absolute best time celebrating Amanda and Marcus, it was a day that we wish we could relive over and over again.

Congratulations, Amanda and Marcus, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Amanda and Marcus’ beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE & CATERING
Heritage Prairie Farm

MUSIC
Bluewater Kings Band

CAKE
Vanilla Sugar Bakery

MENSWEAR
Mens Wearhouse

WEDDING DRESS
Maggie Sottero

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie

Jenny & Steve’s Gorgeous Heritage Prairie Farm Summer Wedding

Jenny and Steve met in 7th grade gym class. Jenny said Steve looked like a Ken doll. He invited her to a movie and she stood him up, and their paths didn’t cross again until 2018 when Jenny followed Steve on Instagram. Within hours Steve sent Jenny a DM, asked her out a few days later, and the rest is history.

We had THE most amazing time at Jenny and Steve’s wedding. Heritage Prairie Farm is our new FAVORITE venue, it’s absolutely perfect there. From the quaint separate bride and grooms cottages for getting ready photos to the gorgeous grounds to the absolutely DELICIOUS food (Jenny and Steve are vegan, and their vegan wedding dinner was quite possibly the BEST wedding food we have ever tasted!) this unforgettable wedding will always be one of our favorites. We truly loved celebrating this awesome couple at this gorgeous venue.

Congratulations, Jenny and Steve, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Jenny and Steve’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS

Photography + Videography
Something Blue Photography

Wedding Dress
Watters Seeley by BHLDN

Bridesmaid Dresses
Jenny Yoo

Menswear
Joseph Abboud

Wedding Shoes
Essex Lane

Florist
Blooming Flowers

Wedding Rings
Ancona Jewelers

Desserts
Chef Brett from Heritage Prairie Farm

DJ
DJ David from MDM Entertainment

Ashley and Rick’s Northfork Farm Wedding Reception

Ashley and Rick’s shared love of horses brought them together. When Rick’s profile popped up in her search because he’s 6’7” (she is 6 feet tall), she was able to look past his Cubs photos because he had a photo with a horse. Ashley’s childhood was filled with happy memories with horses, and she incorporates horseback riding into every vacation. After their first date, Rick offered Ashley a rose (Bachelor-style!) from his annual Kentucky Derby celebration. Turns out Rick had that photo with a horse in his profile because he loves horse racing. Ashley and Rick went on many dates that summer at Arlington International Racecourse. Their families met there and Rick asked her Dad about proposing at the racetrack.

Ashley and Rick planned their wedding for June 2020 at Arlington Racecourse, but Covid forced them down a different path. They got married on our original date at Immanuel Lutheran Church and streamed it to their guests. After doing their engagement photos at Northfork Farm in Oswego, they decided to plan a celebration for their family and friends at the beautiful venue.

When the day came for Ashley and Rick to celebrate at Northfork, it was HOT. Like “your wedding photographers are sweating profusely and it’s awkward” hot. But Ashley and Rick kept their cool and we had so much fun photographing them with their wedding party and family before the reception kicked off. Once we were inside the tent it was a joyful celebration (we were SO excited to run into Lauren and Pete and watch him bust out some SERIOUS dance moves!) And once the sun went down we headed outside for a beautiful sparkler sendoff with the gorgeous horse barn in the background. It was the most perfect day, a celebration that was truly worth the wait.

Congratulations, Ashley and Rick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Ashley and Rick’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS

Photography
Something Blue

Wedding Coordinator
Emma Pasteris

Wedding Dress
Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL

Wedding Rings
Jared's

Flowers
Stephanie Pinkowski

Makeup Artist
Christy Swain Beauty

Hair
Jennifer Lenci Nowak

Bridesmaid Dresses
Sorella Vita from Crystal Bride

Wedding Shoes
Mischka Badgley

Menswear
Men's Wearhouse

DJ
James Mastrino