Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Nicole & Ryan’s Gorgeous Monte Bello Estate Wedding

Nicole and Ryan met in high school but didn’t decide to start dating until they had graduated. That Summer they grew closer and realized they would try to make it work long-distance . . .

Nicole and Ryan met in high school but didn’t decide to start dating until they had graduated. That Summer they grew closer and realized they would try to make it work long-distance as she headed off to the University of Illinois and he went to Marquette. They would visit each other every few weeks during their Freshman year and said "I love you" when Nicole first visited Ryan at Marquette. Ryan decided to transfer to U of I their Sophomore year and the rest is history!

Conrad loved getting to know Nicole and Ryan at their engagement session at Inverness Golf Club last Summer. They brought along their adorable dog Yaya who tried to steal the show! Ryan is super goofy and madly in love with Nicole, he is great at getting her to relax and have fun. Conrad, Lindsay and Ryan were excited to celebrate Nicole and Ryan at their wedding this June!

We met Nicole and her bridesmaids at her Mom’s house in Arlington Heights on that beautiful June morning. Nicole and her girls were in high spirits as they got ready, and Nicole looked absolutely STUNNING in her structured satin gown. Her wedding dress may well be one of our favorites of all time!!

After some fun wedding party photos at the Inverness Golf Club we made our way to St. James for their traditional Catholic ceremony. Nicole’s bridesmaids prayed over her right before she walked down the aisle – Nicole went to school at St. James so it was really special to celebrate there.

Once Nicole and Roger were married the celebration really began, spirits were high leaving St. James for the gorgeous Monte Bello Estate. We loved photographing the newlyweds at this beautiful venue, it was especially fun to make pictures of Nicole and Ryan at the pretty rope swing on their grounds. Their dog Yaya made an appearance on their wedding cake, we love when couples include fun personal details at their reception! After touching and emotional speeches the party kicked off with the Andrew Blake Band and we danced the night away. This was truly a perfect day, we were honored to be alongside Nicole and Ryan as they began their married lives together!

Congratulations, Nicole and Ryan, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Nicole and Ryan’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Monte Bello Estate

FLORIST
Floral Wonders

HAIR + MAKEUP
Tamara Hair and Makeup

WEDDING RINGS
Raphael Jewelers

WEDDING BAND
Andrew Blake Band

WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Bella Bianca

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie

MENSWEAR
Generation Tux

BRIDAL SHOES
Badgley Mischka

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Desiree and Chaz’s Gorgeous Meson Sabika Wedding

Desiree and Chaz were high school sweethearts, and what’s even cuter is that Desiree’s Dad was the one to meet Chaz first. Her Dad was so impressed after meeting Chaz . . .

Desiree and Chaz were high school sweethearts, and what’s even cuter is that Desiree’s Dad was the one to meet Chaz first. Her Dad was so impressed after meeting Chaz through their high school’s robotics club that he was quite happy once he found out that Chaz was dating his daughter. Fast-forward several years and this loving and laid-back couple decided to spend forever together and we were lucky enough to be a part of their wedding celebration.

When we arrived at Desiree’s parents’ house we were happy to reconnect with her sister Brittany, we photographed her beautiful wedding in 2021. Desiree looked gorgeous and shared a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids before heading to the DuPage AME Church for the ceremony. Desiree carried a stunning bouquet by Floral Events down the aisle to meet Chaz, who was all smiles as he greeted his beautiful bride. Following their emotional ceremony we did a pretty bubble exit before heading out for photos at the Morton Arboretum. We had a lot of fun with Desiree and Chaz’s awesome wedding party taking photos at the Arboretum! But the highlight of the day was watching Desiree and Chaz together, their carefree connection made it so easy to be with them.

We ended up at Meson Sabika for a beautiful meal punctuated by some of the best wedding toasts we have ever heard. We will always remember the Dads’ speeches as being heartfelt, funny and poignant. After speeches the dance floor opened to kick off an epic party (including the best wedding desserts ever from Del Etta’s Bakery). It was an unforgettable day that we were honored to be a part of.

Congratulations, Desiree and Chaz, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Desiree and Chaz’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Meson Sabika

FLORIST
Floral Events

HAIR + MAKEUP
Jessica Quito

WEDDING DESSERTS
Del Etta’s Bakery

DJ
Music by Design

WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Wolfsfelts

MENSWEAR
Indochino

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Kaylee & Michael’s Beautiful Makray Golf Club Wedding

Kaylee and Michael met at Purdue University during band camp auditions for the All-American Marching Band – by the second home game they were officially together. After dating all during college . . .

Kaylee and Michael met at Purdue University during band camp auditions for the All-American Marching Band – by the second home game they were officially together. After dating all during college their first jobs separated them – Kaylee went to Chicago and Michael ended up in Bloomington, Indiana. Kaylee relocated to Bloomington after 1 year of distance and they were finally living together. During the pandemic Kaylee worked for Indiana University from their apartment while Michael was instrumental in the production of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

After nearly nine years together Kaylee and Michael were so excited to finally celebrate their wedding at Makray Memorial Golf Club. Kaylee and her bridesmaids had such positive energy when we arrived for their “getting ready” photos – we love a good champagne pop to start the party!! Kaylee looked gorgeous in her Essense of Australia gown, and her bridesmaids’ reaction to seeing her as a bride was just the sweetest. After a goofy fake First Look with Kaylee and Michael’s shared bestie and officiant Eric, Kaylee and Michael shared the sweetest and most romantic First Look outside at Makray. Michael’s emotional reaction to seeing Kaylee in her wedding dress was just the best.

We had a lot of fun taking pictures with this wedding party on the course at Makray before heading back toward the building for their ceremony. There were many more tears to come during Kaylee and Michael’s beautiful ceremony, their hand-written vows seemed to make just about everyone cry. After the ceremony we moved upstairs for the perfect party, it was an unforgettable day.

Congratulations, Kaylee and Michael, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Kaylee and Michael’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Makray Memorial Golf Club

FLORIST
Fabbrini Flowers

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Patty Maguire Hair and Makeup

WEDDING RINGS
Blue Nile

WEDDING DRESS
Brides by Young

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
David’s Bridal

MENSWEAR
Jos A Bank

WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven

DJ
An Enchanted Evening

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Casey & Brett’s Funky & Fun Providence Vineyard Wedding

Casey and Brett met in a nightclub when she saw him using sign language to talk with a friend. She had just started an ASL class and thought it would be fun to go talk to him and get some practice with her new sign language skills . . .

Casey and Brett met in a nightclub when she saw him using sign language to talk with a friend. She had just started an ASL class and thought it would be fun to go talk to him and get some practice with her new sign language skills. Needless to say they hit it off and found their love grew even though they had a long-distance relationship for a year and a half.

Sweets are important to this sweet couple, as is the city of Chicago. Conrad loved getting to know Casey and Brett at their downtown Chicago engagement session at Jojo’s Shake Bar last summer and was so excited to celebrate their wedding this year!

Casey (along with her bestie Leah, our friend from The Old Post Office who helped pull off the gorgeous Love is Essential wedding) put so much thought into planning the perfect wedding. Set against the stunning Providence Vineyard every fun and funky detail was on full display. Casey looked stunning with her hair down and accented by a gorgeous floral crown, while Brett’s fit was truly unforgettable, his floral jacket and beige slacks (and little man-braids!) will forever be one of our favorite groom looks!

From the moment that Casey and Brett shared a beautiful and emotional first look outside in the vineyard this wedding was simply filled with joy. Conrad and Lindsay loved being part of this fun and unique wedding! After taking photos everyone moved inside for the ceremony, everyone was tearing up when Casey and Brett shared their vows in sign language.

When the time came to celebrate at the reception, Casey and Brett’s love of sugary treats was on full display. Casey and Brett came in and kicked off the reception with a celebratory champagne toast, choosing fun over traditional. Our friend Ken of Amp Event Professionals helped to make the experience even more memorable for Brett by adding extra bass and using smoke cannons and dry ice during the reception to amplify the experience for Brett and his deaf friends. It was the most unforgettable and perfect day, we are so thankful to have been a part of it!

Congratulations, Casey and Brett, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Casey and Brett’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Providence Vineyard

DAY-OF COORDINATION
You Name It Events

FLORALS
Town and Country Gardens

HAIR
Kaedi Leamon

MAKEUP
Joey Claeyssen

DJ
Amp Event Professionals

VIDEOGRAPHER
Lauren Ashley Studios

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

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

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Taylor & Alex’s Gorgeous Chevy Chase Wedding Reception

Taylor and Alex originally planned to get married in August of 2020, but Covid had other plans for their lives. Not wanting to wait that long, Taylor and Alex exchanged their vows in an intimate ceremony last summer . . .

We were first introduced to Taylor and Alex by our good friend Ken from Amp Event Professionals. Taylor is Ken’s sister in law and has a heart of gold. Taylor and Alex originally planned to get married in August of 2020, but Covid had other plans for their lives. Not wanting to wait that long, Taylor and Alex exchanged their vows in an intimate ceremony last summer with their closest family and friends in attendance. It was one of my favorite Covid weddings, there was so much emotion and beauty in that courtyard ceremony at Taylor’s home church.

Ashley and I were so excited when it was finally time for Taylor and Alex to properly celebrate their marriage this October at Chevy Chase Country Club. It was unseasonably hot for October 1st and Taylor struggled a bit in the heat, but after we got her cooled down the rest of their day was really perfect. We loved celebrating with Taylor and Alex and their loved ones, and at the end of the night we toasted to their lives together with their adorable and delicious home-brewed beer! It was a perfect night with the perfect couple, we wish we could photograph Taylor and Alex every year!

Congratulations, Taylor and Alex, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Taylor and Alex’s beautiful wedding reception photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography

Wedding Dress
Stella York

Hair
Every Kind of Beautiful in Lake Zurich Dawn McKee

Makeup
Every Kind of Beautiful in Lake Zurich Anna Milanzi

Bridesmaid Dresses

Wedding Shoes

Menswear
Men's Wearhouse

Florist
Blooming Flowers

Wedding Rings
Neil Lane

Desserts
Lovin Oven Cakery

DJ
Amp Event Professionals

Wedding Coordinator
Kimberly Merwin

Videographer
Tom Munaco

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Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Katie & Matt’s Brix on the Fox Celebration

This summer we celebrated weddings in a whole new way. The pandemic shook up our routine of big celebrations and led us to pause and see weddings differently. Last summer Katie and Matt were forced to…

This summer we celebrated weddings in a whole new way. The pandemic shook up our routine of big celebrations and led us to pause and see weddings differently. Last summer Katie and Matt were forced to put their big wedding celebration on hold and instead exchanged their vows at their church in front of only their families. Conrad was on hand to photograph the intimate celebration (and to meet their puppy Freedom after the ceremony!)

Conrad and I were both so happy to be welcomed back this summer to document Katie and Matt’s big party. Ashley came along to help me shoot photos while Conrad captured video throughout the day. We convened at Brix on the Fox and honestly had the best time with Katie and Matt’s friends and family. The day was so relaxed and everyone was so eager to celebrate with this awesome couple! And while we didn’t get to hang with Freedom this summer we were happy to see that he was at least well-represented on Matt’s socks and koozie. It was the perfect day filled with beautiful details and joyful moments.

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Congratulations, Katie and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Katie and Matt’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

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