Liz Schrenk 6/18/24 Liz Schrenk 6/18/24

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

Liz Schrenk 6/9/24 Liz Schrenk 6/9/24

Kelly & Peter’s Amazing Drake Oak Brook Wedding

Kelly and Peter first connected after her 10-year high school reunion. Her friends wanted them to all hang out together, but at the first planned get-together Peter was 2 hours late. While they were waiting for him to show up someone joked that Kelly and Peter should get together, to which another friend replied “Peter couldn’t handle Kelly!” Well, after Peter did meet Kelly he was so smitten that he wanted to ask her out right away. Unfortunately Peter tore his achilles before he had the opportunity to ask Kelly out and spent the next few months at home recovering.

Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic found the friend group hanging out more frequently. After a night of hanging out in Peter's backyard, he finally mustered the courage to ask Kelly out. He was appalled that she'd never seen the movie The Princess Bride, a favorite of his, so he invited her over to watch it. He had to bite his tongue the whole time to prevent himself from reciting every line. But the evening went well, and it was pretty clear there'd be many more dates to come.

About two weeks into their relationship, Peter turned to Kelly and asked if she'd be alright if he got a Belgian Malinois puppy. Knowing absolutely nothing about the breed, she said sure, even though she knew it'd be a lot of work. Little did she know (and to be fair, Peter either) the utter chaos that would enter our lives a few weeks later. Although adorable and cuddly, Seneca tested their relationship and sanity (and still does today!) But they survived, and, in some ways, it made their relationship even stronger.

Kelly moved in with Peter in June 2021 and, thankfully for Peter, she never looked back. Then in December 2022, a week before Christmas, Peter and Kelly were celebrating with his family when Peter handed Kelly the last gift under the tree. Surprised that she had another gift, which was clearly wrapped by his sister, she opened the gift to find a ring box inside. That's when Peter took the ring box, got down on one knee and asked Kelly to marry him. Of course, she said yes!

Kelly and Peter have a natural and easy relationship and bring balance one another. Kelly brought the maturity and responsibility that Peter needed a bit more of in his life and Peter brought the humor and positivity that Kelly needed. They really are perfect for one another!

We first connected with Kelly and Peter through our friends and Love is Essential couple Susan and Zach. When I met with Kelly and Peter at The Chicago Botanic Garden on a windy Summer day for their engagement session it was clear to me that these two were made for one another. I had so much fun getting to know this laid-back and goofy couple! I was excited to shoot their wedding at The Drake in Oak Brook with Conrad!

When we arrived at The Drake we met with Kelly in a sunlit room and she looked absolutely radiant. Once she was dressed Kelly shared a sweet moment with her Dad before heading upstairs to see Peter. It was VERY windy that day so we decided to stay inside for their First Look, thankfully there are plenty of beautiful nooks at The Drake that made it fun and easy to take pictures inside to avoid the wind!

After taking pictures with Kelly and Peter’s wedding party and family we settled into the gorgeous Flower Room for their ceremony. Kelly’s Dad proudly walked her down the aisle and she stood tall as she became Mrs. Martin. Once they were pronounced husband and wife the party was ready to begin! Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the wraparound porch outside the Flower Room, and Conrad and I were really happy to catch up with Susan and Zach!

As the night went on we were continually reminded of the many ways in which Kelly and Peter complemented each other. We got some fresh air together at the end of the night to take some pretty “goodnight photos” outside by the cafe lights. Peter proudly showed us a picture on his phone of his new wife being goofy the night before at their rehearsal. It was just such a sweet day that we will not forget, it was an honor to be alongside Kelly and Peter as they began their new adventure together as a married couple!

Congratulations, Kelly and Peter, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

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

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
The Drake Oak Brook

WEDDING COORDINATOR
Rosanna & Co. - Theresa Dahly

DJ
Amp Event Professionals

WEDDING CAKE
DeEtta's Bakery

Liz Schrenk 7/6/23 Liz Schrenk 7/6/23

Emily & Nick’s Intimate Concorde Banquets Wedding

Emily and Nick are OFFICIALLY our LAST Covid-couple! It’s worth noting because after years of re-schedules we are thrilled to say that we are now fully back to “normal” around here and so thankful! Emily and Nick were originally supposed to get married in May of 2021, when the “shelter in place” hit the Spring before Emily called to let us know that they were going to hold off on their wedding until May of 2023. At the time we were certainly surprised that they would want to wait that long, but Emily’s foresight meant that they could have the wedding of their dreams without a worry about the pandemic.

As it turned out, good things come to those who wait. Emily and Nick’s wedding day was truly perfect, Christy and I were so thankful to be a part of it. And our friend Ashley was thrilled to be along as Emily and Nick’s day-of coordinator! Every detail at the gorgeous Concorde Banquets came together perfectly, we were especially in love with the stunning florals by our friends at Blooming Flowers. They always do such an amazing job, but the bouquets and arrangements for Emily and Nick’s wedding were particularly gorgeous!

Emily and Nick have such a sweet relationship, I don’t know if we have ever spent time with a groom who was so in love with his bride. Nick kept giving Emily so much affection and credit for every aspect of their wedding day, he even complimented her on choosing a wedding date with such gorgeous weather! These two are too cute together, it was a joy to be with them as they exchanged their emotional vows and became husband and wife! It was truly a perfect day that we won’t soon forget!

Congratulations, Emily and Nick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & DAY-OF COORDINATION
Something Blue

VENUE
Concorde Banquets

VIDEOGRAPHY
Furla Photography & Videography

FLORIST
Blooming Flowers

WEDDING CAKE & SWEETS
Bittersweet Pastry Shop

OFFICIANT
Forever Incredible Ceremonies

DJ
Music by Design

Liz Schrenk 6/7/23 Liz Schrenk 6/7/23

Megan & Mike’s Beautiful Arbory Chicago Wedding

Megan and Mike met at The Map Room in Bucktown, fell in love and got engaged in Tuscany (!) two and a half years later. We first connected with Megan and Mike after her cousin Casey’s wedding last summer . . .

Megan was glowing on her wedding day, she looked stunning – Megan is naturally gorgeous, but the team at Tamara Hair and Makeup did an amazing job (as always!) getting the girls ready for the big day. Once Megan was dressed in her beautiful Calla Blanche gown we made our way to the back alley at Trivoli Tavern for Megan and Mike’s first look. Mike’s reaction to seeing his bride was really sweet, he couldn’t take his eyes off her for the rest of the day!

After their first look we connected with the rest of the wedding party on the trolley and made our way to Olive Park for wedding party photos. It was a beautiful sunny day and we loved spending time with this fun group!! After taking plenty of pretty skyline pics we journeyed to the Wrigley Building for more wedding party photos (and some gorgeous shots of Megan in her veil) before setting in at The Arbory for the ceremony and reception. This was our first time shooting at The Arbory and we were completely blown away, we can’t wait to go back to this beautiful venue! We were blown away by the gorgeous florals by Stems Chicago, the hanging arch that they created for Megan and Mike’s ceremony was something we will never forget. The day-of coordination team at Vrinspirations made sure that every detail was carefully executed, it was the perfect day!

Congratulations, Megan and Mike, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Megan and Mike’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
The Arbory

DAY-OF COORDINATOR
Vrinspirations

WEDDING FLORIST
Stems Chicago

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Tamara Hair and Makeup

WEDDING GOWN
Calla Blanche

BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Mira Couture

BRIDAL SHOES
Nina Neya

WEDDING RINGS
Norridge Jewelers

MENSWEAR
Suit Supply

DJ
Louie Cue

Liz Schrenk 6/1/23 Liz Schrenk 6/1/23

Maya & Joe’s Unforgettable Chevy Chase Wedding

Maya and Joe are simply perfect for one another. Meeting them first over Zoom it was apparent that they are deeply in love, their smiles and care for one another radiated through the screen . . .

Maya and Joe are simply perfect for one another. Meeting them first over Zoom it was apparent that they are deeply in love, their smiles and care for one another radiated through the screen. We were so happy to meet them in person for their Spring wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club!

Maya looked gorgeous as she got ready alongside her family, it was beautiful to watch her reconnect with her sister from Venezuela who she had not seen for years. Joe was all smiles as he put the finishing touches on his classic white tux jacket in the bar outside the Grand Ballroom at Chevy Chase. After Maya was dressed in her gorgeous lace gown she went outside for her “first look” with Joe. The joy between these two was infectious, they were both beaming all day from the moment they first saw each other

As we were finishing family photos a band of impeccably dressed mariachis came to serenade us before the ceremony. The mariachi then led Maya into the ceremony in grand fashion, she was glowing as the guests looked on. Joe surprised Maya and everyone in attendance by reading his personal vows in both English and Spanish. Once they were pronounced husband and wife Maya and Joe joyfully walked back down the aisle surrounded by bubbles and music.

One of the highlights for us was watching Joe sing his heart out along with the mariachi during cocktail hour. We were impressed by how many of the songs he knew and how great his singing voice was!! Joe may just have a future in the mariachi industry!

After a gorgeous sunset we settled into the Grand Ballroom for a night of emotional toasts, delicious food and dancing. During the reception we were treated to an amazing flamenco performance (Maya used to be a flamenco dancer!) It was an unforgettable wedding, we were truly honored to be a part of it!!

Congratulations, Maya and Joe, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Maya and Joe’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Chevy Chase Country Club

FLORIST
Piscasaw Gardens

HAIR & MAKEUP
Elle Artistry

BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Diana’s Bridal

Liz Schrenk 5/2/23 Liz Schrenk 5/2/23

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 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!!