Taylor & Derek’s Romantic Bluestem Farm Wedding
Taylor dreamt of marrying an “old fashioned man” and found one in her soulmate Derek – and it just so happens that Derek can also make a mean Old Fashioned! 🥃 Taylor and Derek have known each other . . .
Taylor dreamt of marrying an “old fashioned man” and found one in her soulmate Derek – and it just so happens that Derek can also make a mean Old Fashioned! 🥃 Taylor and Derek have known each other for thirteen years and were excited to tie-the-knot at the beautiful Bluestem Farm this Fall! She is free-spirited and he has a mischievous twinkly-eyed smile and we were honored to spend this day celebrating their love!
Taylor and Derek chose to exchange private vows before their ceremony, a beautiful new tradition that gives couples an intimate moment where they can truly connect on their wedding day. After sharing their vows Taylor and Derek were inseparable all day sharing plenty of snuggles and smooches together. We loved being part of this romantic wedding – there were lots of fun rustic details sprinkled throughout the gorgeous grounds of Bluestem Farm that made this wedding extra special. We loved the cowboy boots and Taylor’s custom suede bridal jacket (made with love by Derek’s sister-in-law) and the fact that Derek rocked the sunglasses Taylor gave him throughout the day. This was the most beautiful and perfect wedding and we were so honored to be a part of it!
Congratulations, Taylor and Derek, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Taylor and Derek’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Colleen & Dylan’s Beautiful Makray Memorial Golf Club Wedding
Colleen and Dylan met in their high school Physics class and “were instantly in love.” They attended different colleges and went their separate ways, but before long they got back together and fell right back in love. . .
Colleen and Dylan met in their high school Physics class and “were instantly in love.” They attended different colleges and went their separate ways, but before long they got back together and fell right back in love. For Colleen and Dylan, there really never was a question that they were meant to be together. Dylan proposed to Colleen on a boat on Lake Michigan (just like their Senior prom!) and they agreed to spend the rest of their lives together
I loved getting to know Colleen and Dylan and seeing their love and connection firsthand at their engagement session at the Chicago Botanic Garden last Summer. Dylan is so kind and supportive of Colleen, they bring out the best in each other.
Conrad, Lindsay and I were all excited to celebrate Colleen and Dylan, we had a beautiful Summer day for their wedding! After doing some “getting ready” photos at Colleen’s childhood home we made our way to their traditional Catholic ceremony at the beautiful St. Anne’s in Barrington. Once Colleen and Dylan were officially husband and wife they were surprised by his brothers with a gorgeous classic Rolls Royce to travel in style to Makray Memorial Golf Club.
We had lots of fun taking pictures of Colleen and Dylan’s wedding party (and their adorable dog even joined the fun for a few shots!) on the beautiful course at Makray. We always love being at Makray and seeing old friends and making new memories there! During cocktail hour Colleen and Dylan were treated to a pretty rainbow over the terrace as their guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers. We then snuck away during dinner to take some pretty sunset photos before returning for their thoughtful and emotional toasts. It was a perfect day, we were honored to be a part of this celebration!
Congratulations, Colleen and Dylan, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Colleen and Dylan’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Makray Memorial Golf Club
FLORIST
Town & Country Gardens
HAIR + MAKEUP
Modern Wave Salon & Spa
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Volle’s Bridal
WEDDING GOWN
Maggie Sottero
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Jenny Yoo
BRIDAL SHOES
Betsy Johnson
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 . . .
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 bride and we couldn’t wait to celebrate their Spring wedding!
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!
Congratulations, Kait and Luke, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Kait and Luke’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Millburn Stables
BRIDAL HAIR
Jess Rangel
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Sandra Koljovic
DJ
Ready Set Dance Entertainment
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
WEDDING RINGS
Solid Gold Jewelers
Jeanne and Kevin’s Emotional DiNolfo’s Wedding
Jeanne and Kevin’s love story may well be one of the most romantic we have ever had the honor of witnessing. With over sixteen years of friendship as their foundation, being alongside Jeanne and Kevin as they made things official and became husband and wife was an absolute joy. . .
Jeanne and Kevin’s love story may well be one of the most romantic we have ever had the honor of witnessing. With over sixteen years of friendship as their foundation, being alongside Jeanne and Kevin as they made things official and became husband and wife was an absolute joy.
Jeanne’s first memories of Kevin go back to their Sunday morning CCD class at St. Christina’s (the same church where they would get married 16+ years later!) where she said he was “one of the only well-behaved and respectful kids”. Kevin remembers meeting Jeanne in high school through mutual friends and valuing their friendship from the very beginning. Though they always shared affection with one another, Jeanne and Kevin’s friendship really solidified when she became pregnant with Thomas. Kevin left the door open and Jeanne felt comfortable enough to turn to him to be her sounding board. Where the father of Jeanne’s baby was absent, Kevin stepped in and was a friend to her through thick and thin. Kevin took Jeanne on her maternity ward tour, took her out for ice cream and to their senior prom. From the beginning, Jeanne would describe Kevin as “one of the best men” she knew, while Kevin knew from those early days that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jeanne.
Jeanne and Kevin found themselves bonding more and more every day through laughs and tears. As years passed, they watched each other go in and out of relationships with others while secretly rooting for those other relationships would end so they could have a chance to be together. Kevin loved Jeanne and her son Tommy from the start, while Jeanne and Tommy always sensed that love from Kevin and felt at home with him. It was only a matter of time before Jeanne and Kevin ended up together, and their marriage officially made the three of them a family. As Kevin said, “Jeanne is my better half, Tommy my son, these things have always been in my heart.”
Conrad, Ashley and I were all so happy to come along for Jeanne and Kevin’s wedding. There were so many emotional moments throughout the day, but those moments with Tommy will stand out as our favorites to witness. Tommy’s reaction to seeing his Mom as a bride. Tommy’s pride as he stood alongside his Mom at the altar, his smile when taking pictures with the wedding party. His laugh when Jeanne picked up her teenage son “just to prove she can”. But perhaps our favorite moment of the day was when Tommy gave the most eloquent and heartfelt toast during their celebratory dinner at DiNolfo’s Banquets – there was not a dry eye in the room as Tommy confidently delivered THE best toast we have ever heard. It was truly a magical day filled with so much beauty and love, we will always cherish the memories of this perfect wedding.
Congratulations, Jeanne and Kevin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jeanne and Kevin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
DiNolfo’s Banquets
FLORIST
Fun At Parties Florals
MAKEUP
Denise Ferguson
RECEPTION BAND
Raise Your Glass
WEDDING GOWN
Sophia Tolli
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Eva's Bridal International
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
Natalie & Tom’s Sweet Lincoln Farmstead Wedding
Natalie and Tom connected with us after their first photographer fell through, we feel so lucky to have met this amazing couple. These two are so in love and so easy going . . .
Natalie and Tom connected with us after their first photographer fell through, we feel so lucky to have met this amazing couple. These two are so in love and so easy going they made this day feel much more like a hangout with friends than work. When we arrived at the beautiful Lincoln Farmstead Natalie was relaxing with her girls in the bridal suite while Tom was enjoying the fresh air with his guys. I snapped some details pictures inside the barn (who knew a former livestock feed area could be so pretty?!) while Conrad took some getting ready pictures of the girls. Everyone was in great spirits and even offered to share donuts and mimosas with us!!
After Natalie slipped into her beautiful gown (I mean, how gorgeous did she look??!) she went to see Tom in front of the barn. Their First Look was beyond sweet, Tom was clearly overwhelmed to see his stunning bride and Natalie was all smiles. From that moment the two were inseparable for the rest of this perfect day!
We explored the property taking wedding party photos and finding one pretty spot after another, we had an amazing time photographing at this perfect venue! When the time came for the ceremony to begin the light had softened and the guests were all settled in their chairs behind the barn. Natalie and Tom exchanged their vows in front of their favorite people and it was time to start the party!
The barn looked AMAZING set for dinner, we were selfishly VERY excited to see that Sweet Baby Ray’s was catering the meal. I mean, donuts AND barbecue at the same wedding?? I told you we were lucky! It was the most perfect day, what an honor for us to be a part of it.
Congratulations, Natalie and Tom, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Natalie and Tom’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Lincoln Farmstead
FLORIST
Countryside Flower Shop
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Meraki Artisan Design
CATERER
Sweet Baby Ray’s
WEDDING AND BRIDESMAID DRESSES
David’s Bridal
Jessica & Elie’s Romantic Bridge Lemont Wedding
Jessica and Elie met on Hinge and had their first date the day after Christmas in Wrigleyville. They quickly grew close as the COVID pandemic started and decided to quarantine together. . .
Jessica and Elie met on Hinge and had their first date the day after Christmas in Wrigleyville. They quickly grew close as the COVID pandemic started and decided to quarantine together. Jessica and Elie spent a lot of time trying to find ways to “date” despite being stuck at home.. They did at home sushi nights, movies at home, concerts at home, wine tastings at home, etc. They learned so much about each other during this time and fell in love quickly and deeply! Elie proposed 2 years after our first date and that night they celebrated with all of our family and friends at the Irish Oak bar where they had their first date.
We first met Jessica and Elie over Zoom, which made sense given the circumstances of their courtship. We were so happy when the day came for these two to make things official, it was a perfect Spring day filled with many beautiful moments. Jessica looked radiant as she slipped into her slim lace gown from Jasmine Bridal just before a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids. Once the girls were ready we traveled to Elie’s home church for their traditional Lebanese ceremony. Elie was beaming as Jessica came down the aisle to meet him at the altar, and from that moment the two were inseparable for the rest of the day.
After the ceremony we went with the wedding party to Lilacia Park in Lombard for photos. The park was quite crowded as it was a beautiful Spring day and the tulips and lilacs were in full bloom, but we found plenty of beautiful spots for photos with Jessica and Elie’s wonderful wedding party. One of our favorite moments of the day came when Jessica and Elie “Iced” their bridesmaids and groomsmen on the party bus after we finished photos, they disguised the drinks in gift packaging and had a great laugh as everyone chugged together on the party bus.
When we arrived at The Bridge in Lemont we took time for pictures of Jessica and Elie together. He works for the railway so we made sure to get a few (safely!) near the train tracks before everyone settled in for cocktail hour. The room at The Bridge looked absolutely gorgeous, we loved the aesthetic of the dark linens with tons of pretty candles and florals. Once the guests were seated we were treated to several thoughtful toasts and one of the most epic and romantic first dances we have ever seen. It was truly an unforgettable day, what an honor it was to be a part of Jessica and Elie’s wedding!
Congratulations, Jessica and Elie, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jessica and Elie’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
The Bridge
DAY-OF COORDINATOR
Liza Loret
FLORIST
Blush Blooms
VIDEOGRAPHER
Up the Ante Productions
BRIDAL HAIR
The Bridal Collective
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Kylie Jordan Artistry
WEDDING RINGS
Windy City Diamonds
WEDDING GOWN & BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Jasmine Bridal
MENSWEAR
Michael Kors
Jess & James’ Gorgeous Independence Grove Wedding
Jess and James met on the first day of their Freshman year at Stevenson High School. They were introduced by a mutual friend while riding the bus to school – little did they know that bus ride was the beginning of an epic journey. . .
Jess and James met on the first day of their Freshman year at Stevenson High School. They were introduced by a mutual friend while riding the bus to school – little did they know that bus ride was the beginning of an epic journey. Over the next several years, they maintained their friendship and were completely oblivious to the signs of compatibility between them. Friends pointed out the chemistry often, but James and Jess always insisted they were just close friends.
That all changed their senior year of high school. They officially began dating, much to the excitement of their families and close friends, and attended their senior Prom together. They were eager to begin their futures at Texas Christian University and Indiana University for college, but were unsure of what that meant for their newfound relationship.
Thousands of video calls, visits when possible, phone calls, love letters, care packages, and text messages later... college graduation was upon them. James had accepted an offer in Mansfield, Texas and Jess had accepted an offer in Chicago. They were not thrilled about the ongoing long distance, but they were confident they would find the best solution together.
After 8 months of being apart, Jess quit her job, packed up her belongings, and drove to Texas to move in with James. Since moving in together, their journey together has blossomed and grown in ways they could not have imagined. Conrad was on hand to photograph James’ romantic and snowy proposal to Jess, she was completely surprised by the thoughtful moment that he had planned for her.
They got married on the hottest day of the summer, but it was the most perfect day to celebrate their love. After their “first look” Jess and James exchanged private vows (our FAVORITE wedding “trend”). James showed Jess that he carries a picture of her from when she was little, it was the sweetest moment. From that emotional first look to their ceremony (officiated by our friend Brad of Love Story Weddings) to their amazing Independence Grove reception this was a wedding we won’t forget.
Congratulations, Jess and James, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jess and James’ beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography
Wedding Dress
Patsy's
Hair
Kennedy
Bridesmaid Dresses
Azazi
Wedding Shoes
Keds
Menswear
The Black Tux
Florist
Polly's Petals
Wedding Rings
Rahl Jeweler
Desserts
Oak Mill Bakery
Videographer
Something Blue Photography