Ariel & Brad’s Beautiful Grove Country Club Wedding
Ariel and Brad met in March 2015 at a mutual friend’s house to watch a Michigan State basketball game. They were in the same fraternity together and quickly became good friends. They continued to hang out . . .
Ariel and Brad met in March 2015 at a mutual friend’s house to watch a Michigan State basketball game. They were in the same fraternity together and quickly became good friends. They continued to hang out often and officially started dating in September that year. Since Ariel and Brad started dating so young they have been through so many life events together – graduations, first jobs, promotions, and buying their first home together. After all of that, it only made sense to make things even more official after 7.5 years. On December 29, 2022, Brad asked Ariel to marry him while they were visiting friends at Michigan State. It was the perfect day at a place that is so special to the both of them and their relationship!
Conrad first met this awesome couple at Beer on the Wall where his fiancé Ami works and Ariel and Brad are regulars. They all ended up becoming great friends and asked Conrad to photograph their wedding in June 2024. When the big day arrived there was a lot of rain in the forecast, but Ariel and Brad sweetly put their full trust in Conrad and Christy and they still managed to get a lot of gorgeous photos outside (with the help of The Grove’s big front overhang!) Brad cried when he first saw Ariel in her gorgeous Stella York wedding dress, their first look was SO sweet and such a beautiful reminder of the deep friendship and love between these two.
Ariel and Brad were emotional throughout their wedding day, they shared plenty of laughs and tears together. They would describe themselves as “caring and loyal best friends” and that was on full display throughout their entire wedding. After their emotional ceremony we enjoyed a delicious meal together before the dance floor opened. And once Ariel and Brad started they stayed out on that dance floor together until the very end of the night. It was the most perfect day, we were truly honored to be a part of it.
Congratulations, Ariel and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Ariel and Brad’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Event Day Dreaming
FLORIST
Oh My Florals!
HAIR & MAKEUP
Antonette White
WEDDING DRESS
Stella York
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Volle’s
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
The Black Tux
ENGAGEMENT RING
Persin and Robbin
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
Bianca & John
Bianca and John met through one of her cousins. They were going through the nursing program together at Loyola. John was the cute guy in her class that had no social media forcing Bianca and John to get to know each other the old-fashioned way. . .
Bianca and John met through one of her cousins. They were going through the nursing program together at Loyola. John was the cute guy in her class that had no social media forcing Bianca and John to get to know each other the old-fashioned way. The first time they hung out in a social setting was at her cousin’s birthday party. Bianca’s heel broke and John got a bloody nose that night proving they were both unable to play it cool.
From their first date Bianca thought the connection with John felt too good to be true. He was charming, sweet, and swept her off her feet from the very beginning. They disagreed on so many things and somehow it made her fall even more for him. Bianca and John dated for about 2 years before moving in together. John surprised Bianca with a romantic proposal in Las Vegas when they were there celebrating his 30th birthday. He set up a picture-perfect moment in front of the beautiful fountain at the Bellagio (and had all of their parents there as a surprise to celebrate with them!)
I had the best time getting to know Bianca and John at their engagement session in downtown Geneva last Fall. These two were truly made for one another, they complement each other perfectly and are just the loveliest couple. I was so happy for Christy to have the opportunity to photograph their wedding with me, it was a perfect day spent celebrating their love. There were so many unforgettable moments throughout the day, but you HAVE to scroll to the end of their gallery to see highlights from John and his Mom’s epic karaoke throw-down in lieu of a mother-son dance! It was beyond amazing, the perfect way to kick off the perfect party!!
Congratulations, Bianca and John, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Bianca and John’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens
HAIR & MAKEUP
One Salon & Bridal Company
BB Artistry
DAY-OF COORDINATION
Margaux from I Do Weddings
VIDEOGRAPHY
Ruben Ramos
WEDDING BAND
Bluewater Kings Band\
DESSERTS
Sweet Temptations
WEDDING DRESS
Veiled by Cha Cha
MENSWEAR
The Modern Groom
Natalie & Jordan’s Perfect Makray Memorial Golf Club Wedding
Natalie and Jordan met on Hinge in June 2020, just after the world shut down and dating became extra complicated because of Covid. For their first date they got ice cream from the Culver’s drive-thru . . .
Natalie and Jordan met on Hinge in June 2020, just after the world shut down and dating became extra complicated because of Covid. For their first date they got ice cream from the Culver’s drive-thru and ate it together at his house. Natalie fell in love with Jordan when she realized how kind and family-oriented he is. Jordan makes her laugh all the time and feel beautiful at every moment.
Natalie and Jordan got engaged the day before she graduated with her master's degree. After popping the question, Jordan assembled their closest friends and family together to surprise Natalie at a restaurant. His thoughtfulness is just one more reason that Natalie adores him, and their love was on full display at their perfect Makray wedding.
When we arrived at Natalie’s parents’ house to capture the girls “getting ready,” everyone was in great spirits and Natalie was looking amazing. We all cried a little when Natalie saw her Dad for the first time in her wedding dress, his reaction was just the absolute best thing. When we got to Makray and met up with Jordan he was so ready to see his bride, their first look was pretty special too. The whole day was just perfect – from their fun-filled wedding party photos to their emotional vows, each moment was filled with love and joy.
Jordan’s sister is a singer and was an American Idol finalist, she gifted her brother and new sister-in-law with a stunning rendition of an Adele song during their first dance. We all had goosebumps while Grace sang for Natalie and Jordan, she is the real deal. Her voice resonated through that room and set the stage for an unforgettable night celebrating the newlyweds, it was a day we won’t soon forget.
Congratulations, Natalie and Jordan, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Natalie and Jordan’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
DAY-OF COORDINATION
Something Blue
WEDDING FLORIST
Periwinkle Florals
HAIR & MAKEUP
Erika Alexis Beauty
BRIDAL GOWN
Madi Lane
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
WEDDING RINGS
Dalzell Jewelers
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Mens Wearhouse
Emily and Nick’s Gorgeous Makray Memorial Wedding
Emily is sort of our dream-bride – she’s gorgeous, which certainly makes our jobs easier, but she’s FUN to be around and made our jobs easy. Emily and Nick have a beautiful connection
Emily is sort of our dream-bride – she’s gorgeous, which certainly makes our jobs easier, but beyond that she’s FUN to be around. Emily and Nick have a beautiful connection, they are naturally so caring and their affection for one another made their wedding day feel so enjoyable for me and Conrad. We knew from when Conrad got to know Emily and Nick at their pretty Winter engagement session in Long Grove that theirs was going to be an unforgettable wedding!
Emily and Nick bonded over video games early in their relationship and we saw glimmers of that early connection during their wedding at Makray Memorial Golf Club – it was pretty epic to hear video game music as the bride walked down the aisle! Emily floated down the aisle on her Dad’s arm – they have a special connection that we loved seeing throughout the day. Her Dad sung “Forever Young” and played guitar during the reception as his “toast,” it was so touching and beautiful. As dinner was served we took Emily and Nick outside on the 18th hole for some “sunset photos,” after practicing their first dance Emily joyfully ran back toward the building to get back to their reception. We love this adventurous and spirited couple and are so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of their wedding day!
Congratulations, Emily and Nick, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Emily and Nick’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Makray Memorial Golf Club
FLORIST
Summit Street Blooms
HAIR & MAKEUP
AW Artistry
WEDDING GOWN
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
Michele & Garreth’s Storybook Makray Golf Club Wedding
Michele and Garreth’s love story began five years ago. They first connected on Bumble and had their first date in January 2018. On their second date Garreth cooked his special Szechuan chicken for Michele at her apartment . . .
Michele and Garreth’s love story began five years ago. They first connected on Bumble and had their first date in January 2018. On their second date Garreth cooked his special Szechuan chicken for Michele at her apartment, much to the dismay of her 15 year old Yorkie Spike. Spike tolerated Garreth for a short while before pooping on the kitchen floor as he prepared the meal. From that moment a deep friendship was formed, and Michele and Garreth soon began falling in love.
Over the next few months they dated each other exclusively and began to introduce each other to friends and family. They both realized that something special was growing between them. Garreth comforted Michele when Spike sadly passed away, but as they say, when one door closes another one opens, and they adopted a new puppy, Beemer. He was a very young puppy when they brought him home and has proven to be the best dog either of them has ever known. Beemer is now four years old and brings joy to their home every day.
When Conrad first met Michele and Garreth he was struck by how in-love they are. They complement each other perfectly, the affection and friendship that connects them was on full display at their engagement session last Summer. Conrad and I were both so excited to photograph their wedding at Makray Memorial Golf Club – it was an absolutely gorgeous day filled with joy and love. Every detail was perfectly considered, and Michele looked stunning in her beautiful gown from our friends at Vanessa’s. But for all of the beauty of this day the moments that will stick with us were defined by the connection between Michele and Garreth. After her sons walked her down the aisle Garreth and Michele held each other close throughout their ceremony, and they did the same during their reception. Michele had told us “We are so very grateful to have found this kind of love at this point in our lives, The entire day is a blessing and sharing it all with the people we love the most is truly a gift.” We adore these two and are so thankful that we could be a part of this unforgettable day.
Congratulations, Michele and Garreth, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Michele and Garreth’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Makray Memorial Golf Club
FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
MAKEUP
Makeup by Mary
WEDDING GOWN
Watters Designs
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Vanessa’s
BRIDAL SHOES
Betsey Johnson
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Bari Jay
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
Kelly & Paul’s Pretty Seven Bridges Golf Club Wedding
Kelly and Paul met through their mutual friend whenKelly was invited to be on Paul's softball team. She declined that invitation because she was busy training for a marathon . . .
Kelly and Paul met through their mutual friend whenKelly was invited to be on Paul's softball team. She declined that invitation because she was busy training for a marathon and had a long work commute (an invitation she still regrets declining, but knows that timing is everything). It wasn't until 2018 when Kelly went out for her friend’s birthday dinner at Quartino, where Paul worked at the time, that they hit it off. All of the girls at dinner were saying how great Paul looked and that someone should date him, Kelly agreed and volunteered herself. The girls wasted no time and wrote Kelly's phone number on a comment card and on their way out told Paul to call her that night. Paul had poker plans with his friends and made the wise decision to wait until the next morning to text Kelly. It took almost 2 weeks for their schedules to align to go on a date but they quickly became a priority to one another despite opposite work schedules and were falling in love in no time!
Fast forward to 2021, Kelly and Paul started house-hunting in the suburbs. After a year of spending much more time at home because of the pandemic they were ready to get out of the city, have a little more living space and a yard for their dog, Turtle. Kelly started making a lot of jokes that a proposal better be coming soon now that they were buying a house. On June 27th, the 2nd to last time they woke up in their first apartment together, with a mattress on the floor and moving boxes everywhere, Paul snuggled Kelly and told her how much he loved her and asked her to marry him. He previously led her to believe the whole day would be spent packing but little did she know he had booked her a manicure appointment and with the help of friends planned a surprise engagement party that afternoon to celebrate. And they closed on their house the next day!
I loved getting to know Kelly and Paul during their engagement session last November, we had so much fun together. It was clear from that evening that Paul was over the moon for Kelly! We were so happy to find out that Kelly was pregnant when we met with them to go over the details for their big day!! Kelly was eight months pregnant for their wedding day but didn’t let that slow her down, she was on her feet and enjoying every second throughout the day! It was just the perfect celebration capped off by a romantic sparkler sendoff (with Kelly in a sparkly maternity mini!) We had so much fun being there for this unforgettable day!
Congratulations, Kelly and Paul, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Kelly and Paul’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
The Local Petaler
BRIDAL HAIR
Courtney Mathias
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Nicole Wagner
WEDDING BAND
Deja Vu Band
WEDDING CAKE
De Etta’s Bakery
Hannah & Matt’s Joyful Fall Makray Memorial Golf Club Wedding
Hannah and Matt were both in the Marching Illini throughout college. After every rehearsal, the band kids living at Newman would race back to the dining hall before it closed and crowd around 4-5 combined tables to eat together. . .
Hannah and Matt were both in the Marching Illini throughout college. After every rehearsal, the band kids living at Newman would race back to the dining hall before it closed and crowd around 4-5 combined tables to eat together. They met at one of these dinners in the fall of their freshman year. The meals continued into basketball season, during which they both participated in basketball band. They started dating at the end of their freshman year and have been together ever since!
On March 1, 2020, Hannah’s family attended the Indiana at Illinois basketball game. After the Illini beat the Hoosiers, Matt forced Hannah to go with him to "get a new sousa hat from the sousaphones." Very reluctantly, Hannah followed. When they got down to the band, Matt took Hannah onto the court, knelt down, and asked her to marry him. She said yes and the band helped them celebrate by playing Oskee Wow Wow.
We first met Hannah and Matt at her sister Sarah’s small Covid wedding last summer. We knew from celebrating with Sarah and Dean how important the University of Illinois is to their whole family, and expected plenty of U of I fun at both of these sisters’ 2021 wedding celebrations. Conrad and I both had the best time taking Hannah and Matt’s engagement photos last winter at her parents’ home outside of Lake Geneva – the fresh snow on the ground made that afternoon feel magical. One of our favorite moments from that day was when Matt lovingly warmed up Hannah’s hands after making snow angels together for an epic drone shot. These two are so sweet together, and a magical sprinkling of snow on their wedding day meant that we could recreate that moment at Makray Memorial Golf Club! Between the stunning fall colors, the meaningful ceremony at Holy Family and then the delicious meal and packed dance floor at Makray (they even had an indoor s’mores station!) this was truly the perfect day!
Congratulations, Hannah and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Hannah and Matt’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
Premier Couture
Bridesmaid Dresses
David's Bridal
Menswear
Calvin Klein
Florist
Fabbrini's Flowers
Wedding Rings
Lashbrook and Parade
Desserts
Lovin Oven
Videographer
Something Blue Photography
Eileen & Darryl’s Beautiful Eaglewood Resort Wedding
Eileen and Darryl are so incredibly sweet together. When I met them over the summer for their engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature Conservatory we had the best time laughing and exploring together . . .
Eileen and Darryl are so incredibly sweet together. When I met them downtown over the summer for their engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature Conservatory we had the best time laughing and exploring together. But I will never forget how Darryl looked at Eileen that day. He was SO sweetly excited any time I asked him to kiss his fiancée, his face lit up in those photos and it was really just the best thing.
We always meet with our couples about a month before their wedding day to go over their timelines and final details. When Eileen and Darryl came to the studio in September they shared the most amazing news with us – they are expecting a baby this Spring! Darryl was absolutely beaming with pride.
On their wedding day Darryl had THE sweetest reaction to seeing Eileen walk down the aisle. Then for the rest of the day he couldn’t keep his eyes off his beautiful wife. After we took our “goodnight photo” at Eaglewood Resort and hugged them goodbye Darryl thanked us for all the times we made him kiss Eileen that day! :) It was the perfect day, we loved celebrating with this adorable couple and can’t wait to meet Baby Bell!!
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Congratulations, Eileen and Darryl, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Eileen and Darryl’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography & Videography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
Diana's Bridal - Skokie
Hair
Rhea Policarpio Etherheal Beauty Phone
Bridesmaid Dresses
Revelry
Florist
Karen - The Flower Studio
Wedding Rings
Ray from New Design Jewelry
Desserts
Oat Mill Bakery
Danielle & Peter’s Pretty River Forest Country Club Wedding
Danielle and Peter met their sophomore year at Illinois State University; their roommates were dating and this friendship quickly blossomed into something more. They went ice skating on their first date; years later when Peter wanted to propose . . .
Danielle and Peter met their sophomore year at Illinois State University; their roommates were dating and this friendship quickly blossomed into something more. They went ice skating on their first date; years later when Peter wanted to propose he invited Danielle to go ice skating with him again but she turned down the invitation, leaving poor Peter to wait another week to pop the question!
I loved getting to know Danielle and Peter (and their adorable dog Archie) at their engagement session in Lincoln Park last summer. They are just so kind and relatable, and clearly made for one another.
On their wedding day, Danielle got ready with her bridesmaids at her childhood home. As a surprise, the girls all wrote sweet notes on the bottom of Danielle’s bridal shoes, loving words to carry her through her wedding day. Danielle’s Dad walked her down the block to St. Raymond’s for their traditional Catholic ceremony. After they were pronounced husband and wife Danielle and Peter exited to rousing cheers from their family and friends and were greeted outside by Archie, the goodest boy who was SO happy for his Mom and Dad!
When we arrived at River Forest Country Club everyone was ready to celebrate the newlyweds! After a delicious meal EVERYONE got up and danced along with the amazing Wedding Banned, honestly THE best wedding band EVER! It was a perfect night for the perfect couple, we were so happy to be a part of this wedding!
Congratulations, Danielle and Peter, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Danielle and Peter’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup
Jack Alexander Hair Salon & Spa
Bridesmaid Dresses
David's Bridal
Wedding Shoes
David's Bridal
Menswear
Mens Wearhouse: Vera Wang
Florist
Laura LaTragna (Family Friend)
Wedding Rings
Mary Tuttle (Grooms Mom)
Desserts
River Forest Country Club
Reception Coordinator
Marsela Dine