Siobhan & Michal’s Fun Venuti’s Wedding
Siobhan and Michal were best friends for 12 years, and it took a global pandemic to bring them together. They fell in love over the distance of Covid and got engaged at her parents’ old house . . .
Siobhan and Michal were best friends for 12 years, and it took a global pandemic to bring them together. They fell in love over the distance of Covid and got engaged at her parents’ old house. Siobhan told us that Michal “is the best man I have ever met. I have never felt as safe as I do in a relationship with him.” We were thrilled to meet Siobhan and Michal through Christy’s sister Jo and honored to be invited to photograph their wedding this Fall!
Conrad and Christy were excited to meet up with Siobhan and her beautiful bridesmaids (including Christy’s sister Jo!) at the Hilton Garden Inn in Addison on a perfect Fall morning. Everyone was in high spirits and seemed ready to party to celebrate Siobhan and Michal! After their sweet “First Look” everyone ventured to Busse Woods for photos with the wedding party before the ceremony. The Fall colors really looked beautiful set against the wedding party’s green and black colored outfits!
After capturing some romantic portraits of Siobhan and Michal it was time to head to the northwest outskirts of Chicago for their traditional ceremony at St. Eugene’s Church. There were plenty of tears and joy as Siobhan and Michal made things official and started their married lives together! With family in to celebrate from around the world the party officially kicked off once the ceremony ended. Conrad and Christy made their way to Venuti’s where the hall was perfectly decorated to reflect Siobhan’s vision of a romantic garden wedding. The joy and energy during this reception was palpable, everyone was truly so happy to be celebrating Siobhan and Michal! We were honored to be a part of this beautiful and unforgettable day!
Congratulations, Siobhan and Michal, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Siobhan and Michal’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Venuti’s
WEDDING GOWN BOUTIQUE
House of Brides
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Birdy Grey
MENSWEAR
Kenneth Cole
WEDDING CAKE
The Baking Institute
Megan & Steve’s Sweet Elk Grove Pavilion Wedding
Megan and Steve met the “old-fashioned” way – on Bumble – and had their first date at Dave and Busters. They fell for each other because of shared interests and hobbies like Lego and found joy and love in being their nerdy . . .
Megan and Steve met the “old-fashioned” way – on Bumble – and had their first date at Dave and Busters. They fell for each other because of shared interests and hobbies like Lego and found joy and love in being their nerdy selves together. When the time came Steve proposed to Megan while playing the song “Kiss the Girl” in the background as a nod to her love of The Little Mermaid and their fairytale adventure truly began!
I first became friends with Megan when we attended Meadows Christian Fellowship together, and I was always struck by her creativity and loyalty to her friends. When I heard the good news that Megan was getting married I was so happy for her, and then truly honored to be asked to be a part of this wedding. It was so great getting to know Steve at their engagement session last Spring, as Megan has said he “loves her well” and it filled my heart seeing my friend with someone who is attentive, kind and deeply caring.
When Megan and Steve’s wedding day arrived I was excited to work with Conrad and Ryan to capture all of the unforgettable moments. We arrived at Megan’s childhood home and loved discovering cute pics of little Megan all over, and I had a lot of fun photographing their wedding details – my favorite was Steve’s cool wedding band that GLOWS in the dark! When Megan got dressed into her gorgeous Avery Austin gown she transformed into the most beautiful bride, she looked like she was floating all day in her stunning lacy ivory dress.
Once we arrived at Meadows Christian Fellowship Megan and Steve chose to do a “First Touch” before their ceremony. She snuggled behind him and they quietly exchanged letters they had written for one another before praying together, it was such a sweet and meaningful moment. Before Megan walked down the aisle she was preceded by her “Flower Aunts” (who later made an epic appearance on the dance floor!) Steve stood in awe as Megan made her entrance and walked arm-in-arm with her Dad towards her groom. It was really special to have one of our former grooms and Megan’s close friend John officiate the wedding, he did a great job with the traditional ceremony (and also made sure to land a few jokes at Megan’s expense!)
After taking some pictures of the newlyweds with their families we made our way to the Elk Grove Pavilion for photos with Megan and Steve’s wonderfully kind and supportive wedding party. When we finished with the group we loved making a little faux-sunshine on this gloomy day with the help of our off-camera flashes and the early Fall colors before heading inside for the reception.
Megan is incredibly creative and hand-made a lot of the beautiful details for their wedding day. She took months to hand-dye and arrange wooden Sola flowers for their bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangements. She embroidered sweet flowers on the edge of her veil reminiscent of her gorgeous sleeve tattoo. She hand-painted the striking signs showing guests where to sit during the reception. She baked their wedding cake. She assembled the coolest impromptu Lego sculpture in the room during dinner. It was remarkable to see the work that Megan put in to make her wedding extra special and memorable!!
During dinner we were thrilled to have the opportunity to sneak away with Megan and Steve for pictures in the carousel room, we can’t think of a prettier or more romantic spot for some photos after dark! When we returned the dance floor soon opened for one of the most unforgettable nights of dancing that we have ever experienced – let’s just say that dance-screaming to “Come Sail Away” with Megan’s family was one of the highlights of our 2024 wedding season! This was just the best day, we are so grateful to have been a part of it!
Congratulations, Megan and Steve, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Megan and Steve’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Garden Terrace at The Pavilion
DAY-OF COORDINATOR
Beka Hull
WOOD FLOWERS
Luv Sola Flowers
WEDDING GOWN
Avery Austin
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
BRIDES’ RING
Oak Park Jewelers
GROOMS’ RING
VentureCustomShop
Moriah & Matt’s Romantic Hyatt Lodge Wedding
Moriah and Matt live together in Washington D.C. but her family is from the Chicago area. We had only connected with them over Zoom so we were so excited to meet them in person on their wedding day at The Hyatt Lodge . . .
Moriah and Matt live together in Washington D.C. but her family is from the Chicago area. We had only connected with them over Zoom so we were so excited to meet them in person on their wedding day at The Hyatt Lodge. Conrad and I were so warmly welcomed when we arrived at the Hyatt Lodge for “getting ready” photos, it felt like we were together with old friends! That’s just how Moriah and Matt are, they are so kind and can make anyone feel at home when spending time with them.
Moriah is very close with her family, it was so sweet to be with them all together throughout the day. She shared several emotional moments with her Mom and Dad while she was getting ready, we just love when our brides have a close relationship with their parents! Once she was dressed Moriah made her way outside for her First Look with Matt. Moriah and Matt shared private vows right after seeing one another, this is one of our favorite “new” wedding traditions! Watching Moriah and Matt from a distance while they shared their vows was our favorite moment from their wedding day, it was so clear that these two share a special bond.
After photos at the Hyatt Lodge we headed to St. Edna’s in Arlington Heights for their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony. It was a beautiful ceremony, and it was so fun to know two of the vocalists who shared their beautiful voices (one of our former brides Lisa and Christy’s Dad!) We loved being a part of this special day, what a joy it was to be alongside Moriah and Matt as they began their married lives together!
Congratulations, Moriah and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Moriah and Matt’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
RECEPTION VENUE
Hyatt Lodge
FLORIST
Southside Blooms
WEDDING CAKE
Creative Cakes
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. . .
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
FLORIST
Garvin Gardens
HAIR & MAKEUP
Montage Salon and Spa
WEDDING CAKE
ECBG Cake Studio
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Eva’s Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Birdy Grey
Bridget & Conor’s Sweet Chevy Chase Country Club Wedding
Bridget and Conor met after being set-up by his sister and her sister-in-law. Ann and Katie are best friends and neighbors and thought that Bridget and Conor would make a perfect match. They first connected at a backyard party . . .
Bridget and Conor met after being set-up by his sister and her sister-in-law. Ann and Katie are best friends and neighbors and thought that Bridget and Conor would make a perfect match. They first connected at a backyard party hosted by Bridget’s brother and started dating the Summer of 2020. They were engaged two years later at the gorgeous Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park and started their journey to becoming husband and wife.
Leading up to Bridget and Conor’s wedding I had only connected with them over Zoom, I was excited to meet them in person on the big day! I arrived at the Westin North Shore for getting ready photos and was excited to finally spend time with Bridget! She looked absolutely gorgeous in her Martina Liana gown, and after the sweetest reveal with her bridesmaids we made time for portraits of Bridget on the balcony. The sun was shining and the Fall color was at it’s peak, it was a beautiful day!
When we arrived at St. James for Bridget and Conor’s traditional Catholic ceremony the excitement was palpable amongst their friends and family. Conor was a bit nervous but that surely melted away when he saw his gorgeous bride coming down the aisle. Following the ceremony we took family photos on the front steps of St. James – both Bridget and Conor have big families and it was such fun to see everyone together celebrating! From there we went to Lake Arlington for photos before landing at Chevy Chase for the evening.
Throughout the day Conor would joyfully sweep Bridget up in his arms, it was so sweet to see him carry her with the biggest smile on his face. These two were meant to be, they complement one another and truly make the perfect pair. One of our favorite moments from the day was Bridget and Conor’s beautiful choreographed first dance, it may have been one of the best first dances we have ever seen. Their wedding was an amazing day that we were truly honored to be a part of!
Congratulations, Bridget and Conor, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Bridget and Conor’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
DAY-OF COORDINATOR
Lisa Enriquez with Simply Elegant
VIDEOGRAPHY
Rhys Video
FLORIST
Soiree
HAIR & MAKEUP
Appease
WEDDING BAND
Final Say
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Diana’s Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
The Black Tux
WEDDING RINGS
Monson Jewelers
Emma & Alex’s Picture-Perfect Fishermen’s Inn Wedding
Emma and Alex met in high school and their friendship continued to grow as they both moved on to the same college. They started dating and after seven years together they decided to make things official . . .
Emma and Alex met in high school and their friendship continued to grow as they both moved on to the same college. They started dating and after seven years together they decided to make things official and get married at the beautiful Fishermen’s Inn.
Conrad had the best time getting to know Emma and Alex at their engagement session this Summer, he came home raving about how much fun these two are together. We are still totally obsessed with their cool matching “Til Death” bomber jackets! These two are giggly and charming together, spending time with them is such a joy!
When the day arrived for Emma and Alex to tie the knot the weather and all the details were absolutely perfect at Fishermen’s Inn. Emma looked amazing in her gorgeous gown (with pockets!), and Alex cleaned up nicely complete with his grandfather’s cuff links and a Gucci bowtie that she gave him as a wedding gift. Alex was so happy to see her at their First Look that he slipped into using a funny “cowboy” voice. After their first look Emma and Alex’s adorable dogs Bella and Hazel stopped in for some photos, we just love when your fur babies come along to your wedding!! Emma and Alex then said “I do” with her uncle officiating before kicking off the most epic celebration, it truly was the perfect day!!
Congratulations, Emma and Alex, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Emma and Alex’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Maria & Austin’s Sunny Kemper Lakes Wedding
Maria and Austin first met in English during their Sophomore year of high school. She struck up a conversation with him and they instantly became friends. That friendship blossomed and less than a year later they shared their first kiss in front of her parents’ home. . .
Maria and Austin first met in English during their Sophomore year of high school. She struck up a conversation with him and they instantly became friends. That friendship blossomed and less than a year later they shared their first kiss in front of her parents’ home. These high school sweethearts have been together for over fifteen years, and their sweet and sunny Kemper Lakes wedding day this September was worth those years of waiting.
Maria chose a joyful sunflower theme for their wedding and carried that through the details throughout the day. She hand-painted a sweet note for Austin that she gave him that morning retelling the story of their long romance. At the end of the letter Maria told Austin “you are the sunshine of my life,” a nod to the song they chose for their first dance together as husband and wife. It was a beautiful and emotional day that we were honored to be a part of.
Congratulations, Maria and Austin, we love oyu and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Maria and Austin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Kemper Lakes
FLORIST
Flowers Just For You
HAIR + MAKEUP
Polished Salon and Boutique
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
Annie & Erick’s Sweet Royal Melbourne Wedding
Annie and Erick were made for each other. They first connected through their shared passion for championing immigration issues and as their love grew it became clear that they were meant to be together. . .
Annie and Erick were made for each other. They first connected through their shared passion for championing immigration issues and as their love grew it became clear that they were meant to be together. We met Annie and Erick through our good friend Father Corey of Viator House and he had shared about how deep the love was between this amazing couple. Erick would do anything for Annie, and on their wedding day he couldn’t keep his eyes off his beautiful bride.
Their wedding day was early in November and the Chicago weather was not cooperating. It was VERY windy for Annie and Erick’s celebration, but that didn’t stop everyone from having an amazing day. After their emotional ceremony (officiated by Father Corey!) Annie and Erick joyfully walked down the aisle as husband and wife. They sweetly waved to the camera to connect with Erick’s family who was watching the ceremony remotely – even after years of Covid ceremony broadcasts it still amazes us that technology enables that kind of connection for friends and family who can’t physically attend a wedding. The joy emanating from Annie and Erick was palpable, it was one of our favorite moments of the day.
When we arrived at the Royal Melbourne, pictures with the wedding party were a bit dicey because of the wind. At one point Annie’s veil flew off her head and Erick dove to retrieve it, executing a perfect barrel-roll into the grass to save it!
During the reception Erick’s best man gave a sweet speech about how Annie’s family readily accepts Erick as part of their family. Annie’s talented sister sang during their first dance (she had also shared her talented voice during the ceremony). It was a day filled with beautiful moments and one we are so thankful to have been present for.
Congratulations, Annie and Erick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Annie and Erick’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Royal Melbourne Country Club
FLORIST
Purple Rose Floral
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Louis Anthony Salon
Meghan & Brian’s Beautiful Grove Country Club Wedding
Meghan and Brian became best friends and fell in love with a little help from their shared appreciation for wine, friends and family. When I met them at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove . . .
Meghan and Brian became best friends and fell in love with a little help from their shared appreciation for wine, friends and family. When I met Meghan and Brian at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove for their engagement session it was immediately clear that these two share a special bond. After being generously treated to a glass of wine at Broken Earth we ventured out to explore beautiful Long Grove, ending their session at the famous covered bridge.
When Meghan and Brian’s wedding day arrived we were blessed by amazing fall weather. We started our day with “getting ready” photos at Meghan’s parents’ gorgeous home on the water. From there we made our way to Holy Family in Inverness for a traditional and emotional ceremony. Brian was so sweet as he watched Meghan walk down the aisle! After family and wedding party photos at Holy Family we settled in at The Grove Country Club for a perfect celebration. We were thankful for a beautiful golden hour to take photos of the newlyweds amongst the fall colors, it was truly a perfect day!!
Congratulations, Meghan and Brian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Meghan and Brian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Lake Zurich Florist
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Volle’s Bridal
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Every Kind of Beauty
WEDDING RINGS
Timothy Grant Jewelry
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
Sarah & Gilberto’s Romantic Farmhouse Wedding
Sarah and Gilbert met while working together, but didn't exactly like each other at first. Out of the blue they started talking about traveling and their friendship took off. Gilbert introduced Sarah to a new world . . .
Sarah and Gilbert met while working together, but didn't exactly like each other at first. Out of the blue they started talking about traveling and their friendship took off. Gilbert introduced Sarah to a new world of different cuisines. He makes her laugh and challenges her every day. Gilbert fell in love with the size of Sarah’s heart and caring ways. He loves that she can bring out his cheesy and playful side.
Gilbert planned a proposal along with Sarah’s family; Sarah had dinner with her sister while Gilbert and her family set up the scene in their backyard. He definitely took her by surprise, Sarah only though it was weird that Gilbert had been cleaning the house every day during the week prior!
I was excited to meet Sarah and Gilbert in person at their engagement session, even though it was VERY cold that day!! Sarah’s Mom came along to help with their adorable dog Clifford (who cutely rocked an “I Do Too” bandana). I think we finished their session in under a half-hour and were completely frozen by the. time we were done! But Sarah and Gilberto’s love kept them warm, it was clear how deeply they care for each other.
On their wedding day, Ashley and I were really happy to shoot at the beautiful Farmhouse in Plainfield. It was the perfect venue for Sarah and Gilberto’s romantic day! Sarah had THE most amazing girl-squad hyping her throughout the day – we laughed and laughed with these bridesmaids while they slayed in their sexy rust dresses all while helping Sarah and keeping her laughing all day. And Gilberto’s crew of groomsmen was equally awesome, we were obsessed with the character mugs that he gave them as a token of his appreciation for their friendship. We see a lot of wedding parties but this group will always stand out to us – loyal and faithful friends who truly loved and supported the bride and groom AND made it fun and easy to do our jobs throughout the wedding! It was the perfect day, we were so thankful to be a part of it!
Congratulations, Sarah and Gilberto, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sarah and Gilberto’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
The Farmhouse
HAIR & MAKEUP
Kate K Beauty
WEDDING DRESS
Essense of Australia