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 6/2/24 Liz Schrenk 6/2/24

Kait & Luke’s Gorgeous Millburn Stables Wedding

We first connected with Kait and Luke through our friend McKenna, whose gorgeous Metropolis Ballroom wedding was one of the highlights of our 2023 season. After our first phone call I knew that Kait would be the most laid-back . . .

Our April weather had been quite mild this year but on the day of Kait and Luke’s wedding things took a turn and it was chillier than we had hoped. But that didn’t put a damper on the love and beauty that was interwoven into every moment of Kait and Luke’s wedding day. We arrived at the hotel for “getting ready” photos and there was a buzz of excitement between the two suites. Kait looked absolutely stunning thanks in part to her talented glam squad, Jess Rangel on hair and Sandra Koljovic on makeup duty. Kait’s two bridesmaids helped her slip into her gorgeous lace gown and she finished her bridal look with a beautiful strand of heirloom pearls.

After leaving the hotel we made the short drive to St. Raphael’s for the ceremony. Conrad and I GASPED when we saw this stunning cathedral. St. Raphael’s is a newer church filled with art and artifacts from salvaged churches in the Chicago area, the blend of new and old made for a striking backdrop for Kait and Luke’s traditional wedding ceremony. After they said “I do” Kait and Luke had a beautiful kiss and dip down the aisle before being showered with rose petals outside on the majestic front steps.

St. Raphael’s is less than a mile away from Millburn Stables, which meant we had plenty of time to take some beautiful photos with the newlyweds before their guests arrived. Luke went to get their dog Mud and we got some great shots of their little family outside. Mud was excited to see his Mom and Dad (and to get some treats for being a good boy!!) When Luke took Mud back to his doggie daycare we explored the pretty nooks of Millburn Stables with Kait, she looked so incredible in that setting we could have taken photos of her there forever!!

As the cocktail hour started we spent time shooting inside the pretty reception space and caught up with our DJ friend Tim from Ready Set Dance Entertainment. Kait and Luke had a private reveal of the reception before the guests came in, it was so sweet to see their reaction to Lovin’ Oven’s interpretation of Mud on their wedding cake!! After some romantic shots at their sweetheart table the reception was underway. It was the most beautiful day celebrating such a wonderful couple, we were so thankful to be a part of it!