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
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
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
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
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
Kaitlin & John’s Elegant Fall Concorde Wedding
Kaitlin and John met at work, it took about a year before they realized they were interested in each other. She took a leap of faith and asked him to join her at an event – he said yes and the rest is history . . .
Kaitlin and John met at work, it took about a year before they realized they were interested in each other. She took a leap of faith and asked him to join her at an event – he said yes and the rest is history!
Through the trials of life Kaitlin and John have been each other’s rocks. John supported Kaitlin during her father’s illness and eventual passing. That steadfast support was on full display on their wedding day at the beautiful Concorde Banquets in Kildeer. John was so excited to see Kaitlin – their “first look” was so sweet. And in spite of seeing his bride before their ceremony John still teared up when Kaitlin walked down the aisle with her Mom. After their emotional ceremony Kaitlin and John snuck outside together for some portraits and quiet moments together as husband and wife. It was a perfect day that we were honored to be a part of.
Congratulations, Kaitlin and John, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Kaitlin and John’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
Brides by Young
Hair & Makeup
Elisa Artistry LLC
Bridesmaid Dresses
Azazie
Wedding Shoes
Kate Whitcomb
Menswear
Jim's Formalwear
Florist
Twigs and Blooms
Wedding Rings
Bremer Jewelry
Desserts
Central Continental Bakery
DJ
Amp Event Professionals - Joe Fortuna
Videographer
Buller Media