Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Stephanie & Will’s Sweet Metropolis Ballroom Wedding

Stephanie and Will met through mutual friends – her good friend from college is his good friend from high school. A few years after graduating college, Will moved to Chicago for work and they connected for their first date at Corridor Brewery. . .

Stephanie and Will met through mutual friends – her good friend from college is his good friend from high school. A few years after graduating college, Will moved to Chicago for work and they connected for their first date at Corridor Brewery.

As they grew closer Stephanie and Will soon moved in together, and Will proposed in their first apartment after coming home from landing his dream job. We first connected with Stephanie and Will during the pandemic, and got to know them better at their pretty engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature Walk downtown. Stephanie’s sweetness and Will’s dry sense of humor made an impression on me, and we were really excited to celebrate their wedding at the Metropolis Ballroom in June!

Looking back, Stephanie and Will’s wedding day was truly perfect – but just as Stephanie was about to put on her gorgeous wedding gown she was told that their florist had flaked and they didn’t have wedding flowers. No bouquets, no boutonnieres, no centerpieces. In the ten years we have been shooting weddings we have NEVER experienced anything like this! We kept our composure and quietly worked with the amazing Metropolis team to mobilize a local florist to pull off something last-minute. But in the meantime, we really had to start taking wedding party photos before we ran out of time before the ceremony. Stephanie took all of the chaos in stride, it was amazing. She took a sip of champagne and pulled her shoulders back before striding outside for photos. Stephanie rocked her dress pockets and high leg slit and made the best of things, nothing was going to stop her from enjoying her wedding day! It was one of the most bad-ass things we have ever seen from a bride!

By the time we had finished with photos around downtown Arlington Heights there were bouquets and boutonnieres ready thanks to the amazing and kind team at Purple Rose Floral in Mount Prospect. Those personal floral items really do make a difference and it was amazing how beautiful everything looked from Purple Rose even though they had absolutely zero advanced warning, we were SO grateful that they stepped in to help out!!

At the start of their reception Stephanie and Will gave a speech to thank their guests, and Stephanie had already planned to talk about how all of the details that go into a wedding day don’t really matter. Her words hit even harder after what had transpired during their wedding day – but in the end, all that mattered was that Stephanie and Will said “I do” and became husband and wife. It was a beautiful and perfect celebration of their love, we were truly honored to be a part of it!!

Congratulations, Stephanie and Will, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Stephanie and Will’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom

HAIR AND MAKEUP
The Bridal Beauty Team

FLORIST
Purple Rose Floral

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Genevieve’s Bridal Couture

DJ
Music by Design

WEDDING RINGS
Stanley Brown Jewelist

Read More
Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

McKenna & Kyle’s Memorable Metropolis Ballroom Spring Wedding

We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit . . .

We first met McKenna and Kyle over Zoom during the pandemic but were so happy to meet them in person at our friends’ Nicolete and Terry’s wedding last November. McKenna created Nicolete’s gorgeous “getting ready” outfit, we knew then that we could expect plenty of personalized and creative details at her wedding this Spring.

When the time came for us to meet McKenna and Kyle at the Metropolis Ballroom for their wedding we were so happy to be surrounded by a big wedding party again!! McKenna and Kyle first met in 2015 when they were both working for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. After a year of being friends and going back and forth on Facebook messenger, McKenna made the move and told Kyle how she felt. They eventually went on their official first date in August 2016 and have been inseparable ever since. Kyle proposed to McKenna in the kitchen of their old apartment on their 5th year anniversary. Their wedding day was truly perfect – McKenna had thought of every beautiful detail! After McKenna got dressed in the beautiful Harmony Suite she had the sweetest “first look” with her bridesmaids and her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Kyle and exchange private vows. We truly love when couples exchange private vows, those quiet intimate moments are the heart and soul of a big joyful wedding day!

The sun came out just in time for us to head outside to the fountain for some wedding party and couples’ photos. It was a brisk but beautiful day!! We made time for a few epic veil shots before the chilly March wind got the better of us, but McKenna looked truly gorgeous even while braving the elements!

After the ceremony we were all ready to party to celebrate the newlyweds! We enjoyed a delicious meal and some heartfelt toasts to McKenna and Kyle before Tim from Ready Set Dance filled the dance floor and kept everyone going all night long! McKenna and Kyle surprised their guests with a t-shirt toss to honor their time with the Fire (with shirts that McKenna created, obvs) and McKenna showed off her splits just in time for us to say goodnight. It was an amazing day, we were so thankful to be a part of it!!

Congratulations, McKenna and Kyle, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of McKenna and Kyle’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
The Metropolis Ballroom

FLORIST
Belles & Thistles

BRIDAL HAIR
Pin Me Up Chicago

MAKEUP
Denise Ferguson

WEDDING GOWN
Martina Liana

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Bella Bianca

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Azazie

DJ
Ready Set Dance

WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery

Read More
Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Jackie & Ian’s Adorable Arlington Heights Wedding

We love our hometown of Arlington Heights. Every time with get to shoot a wedding here we feel comfortable and joyful, celebrating at home is one of our favorite things. Jackie grew up in Arlington Heights . . .

We love our hometown of Arlington Heights. Every time with get to shoot a wedding here we feel comfortable and joyful, celebrating at home is one of our favorite things. Jackie grew up in Arlington Heights and her family loves it here, too.

Jackie met Ian in nursing school, and as they fell in love and it came time for Ian to propose he chose to do it right in downtown Arlington Heights on her family’s special bench in North School Park. When it came time to take Jackie and Ian’s engagement photos we stayed close to our homes and hearts and took their pictures in North School Park.

When Jackie and Ian’s wedding day finally arrived the sun was shining and there was so much excitement in the air. Christy and I had so much fun photographing this beautiful day! Jackie’s bridesmaids and Mom made her parents’ house extra pretty for their getting ready photos. We saw a number of fun paintings and art from New Orleans hanging in the house, we have SO much love for New Orleans (we could spend all of our time there, and were lucky enough to shoot a beautiful wedding in NOLA in the Spring!) Well, Jackie’s parents planned a SECOND LINE to walk her from their house to St. James, and can I just say this was one of the absolute highlights of our 2022 wedding season??! This brass band parade through my neighborhood was just the best thing, waving at neighbors while walking backwards taking pictures will be a memory I will always cherish. I already told my kids that we are doing a second line for their wedding when that day comes!!

Jackie looked so pretty in her grandma Pearl’s pearl tiara, what a sweet way to honor family with your “something old”! When she walked down the aisle to meet Ian at the alter he was visibly moved, it was such a perfect moment. After the ceremony we went back to North School Park for some photos, it was fun to be there and see friends taking pictures of their kids for homecoming!

When we arrived at The Metropolis Ballroom the space looked more gorgeous than ever thanks to the talented team at Eiffel Flowers. After some moving toasts we danced the night away to the AMAZING sounds of Standing Room Only, this band absolutely ROCKED! It was a day we will never forget.

Congratulations, Jackie and Ian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Jackie and Ian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

FLORIST
The Eiffel Flower

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Birdy Grey

WEDDING BAND
Standing Room Only

WEDDING CAKE
Jarosch Bakery

WEDDING RINGS
Mitchell’s Jewelers

Read More
Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Jess & Brad’s Perfect Metropolis Ballroom Wedding

Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been . . .

Jess and Brad met over laser tag and arcade games – nothing really came out of that night other than some shared smiles and laughs. Fast forward to a few weeks later, Jess and Brad matched on Tinder! She had never been on a Tinder date, but since they had already met, she figured why not give it a shot? They went on our first date at the Arlington Ale House (one of our favorite bars in Arlington Heights) and the rest is history!

After a couple years together Jess and Brad moved in together and welcomed their dog Leeroy to their family. Brad nervously worked up the courage to propose to Jess at the gorgeous LondonHouse in Chicago. While they both say they sort of blacked out, Jess ended up with a ring on her finger so he must have asked and she must have said yes!!

Talking with Jess and Brad leading up to their wedding day was always so relaxing and fun, we truly love this couple. They made our jobs easy by being consistently kind and down-to-earth. Jess looked radiant on her wedding day – her Essense of Australia gown fit her perfectly, it looked like it was made just for her. After some sweet getting ready moments with her girls in the Harmony Suite at the Metropolis, Jess shared an adorable first look with her Dad before heading into the Ballroom to see Brad for the first time on their wedding day. From that moment on the two of them were inseparable – each moment we spent together was filled with joy and laughter, it was truly the perfect wedding.

Congratulations, Jess and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Jess and Brad’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Metropolis Ballroom

FLOWERS
Busy B's Floral

HAIR
Emily Rae Bridal Hair

DJ
Double B Entertainment

CAKE
Lauras Kakes

Read More
Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Cassidy & Brad’s Wedding Reception

Cassidy and Brad met online and went on their first date at Arlington Ale House. Last summer Cassidy and Brad got married in front of their closest family and friends at St. James in Arlington Heights. Conrad was there…

Cassidy and Brad met online and went on their first date at Arlington Ale House. Last summer Cassidy and Brad got married in front of their closest family and friends at St. James in Arlington Heights. Conrad was there to photograph their sweet backyard celebration in 2020 and was happy to see them again this year to be a part of their long-awaited celebration!

Cassidy wanted their 2021 event to be a relaxing celebration, they had patiently waited so long for the chance to party with their family and friends! After she got ready at home with Brad sweetly helping her, they loaded up onto a gorgeous white trolley with their wedding party and headed back to St. James. Cassidy and Brad renewed their vows and were able to take some mask-free photos at St. James before heading out to Recreation Park to capture pics of their wedding party in downtown Arlington Heights. Finally everyone made their way to The Metropolis Ballroom for a perfect wedding reception – it was the best day, a great reminder that good things come to those who wait!

SBP70063.jpg
SBP70174.jpg
SBP70272.jpg
SBP70375.jpg
SBP70469.jpg
SBP70449.jpg
SBP70607.jpg
SBP70631.jpg
SBP70590.jpg
SBP70726.jpg
SBP70866.jpg
SBP70980.jpg
SBP_0477.jpg
SBP71291.jpg
SBP71294.jpg
SBP71612.jpg
SBP71627.jpg
SBP71480.jpg
SBP71946.jpg
SBP72189.jpg

Congratulations, Cassidy and Brad, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Cassidy and Brad’s vow renewal pictures, click here

VENDOR DETAILS:

Photography
Something Blue Photography

Wedding Dress
Bri’Zan Couture

Hair
Kimberly May

Makeup
Autumn Gammel

Bridesmaid Dresses
Azazie

Wedding Shoes
Kelly & Kate

Menswear
Mens Warehouse

Florist
Soukal Floral

Wedding Rings
Mike Gale, Gale Jewelers

Desserts
Oak Mill Bakery

DJ
Ring of Music

Venue Coordinator
Shawna McGarry

Videographer
Bella Tiamo

Read More
Liz Schrenk Liz Schrenk

Liz and Erik’s Emotional Metropolis Ballroom Wedding

Liz and Erik live in Kansas but made plans to get married at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights so that they could accommodate Liz’s Mom who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The pandemic forced Liz and Erik to change and rearrange their plans…

Liz and Erik live in Kansas but made plans to get married at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights so that they could accommodate Liz’s Mom who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The pandemic forced Liz and Erik to change and rearrange their plans, moving their wedding date from May 1, 2020 to July 10, 2020 before finally landing on May 1, 2021. Sadly, Liz’s mom passed away from complications due to her MS last fall, but her presence was powerfully felt throughout this emotional wedding day.

When we arrived at the Metropolis, Liz was finishing hair and makeup as her sisters and future sister in law looked on. Conrad and I took photos of her dress and invitation but paused to ask about the yarn wrapped around her bouquet and Erik’s boutonnière. That pretty blue yarn was from Liz’s mom’s collection, and it was wrapped tightly around Liz and Erik’s personal flowers as a reminder that she was there with them on their wedding day. There were SO many tears on this beautiful day, tears of joy mixed with grief as we celebrated this wonderful couple.

SBP80001.jpg
SBP80027-HDR.jpg
SBP80043.jpg
SBP70064.jpg
SBP70084.jpg
SBP70088.jpg
SBP80151.jpg
SBP70017.jpg
SBP70028.jpg
SBP70126.jpg
SBP70309.jpg
SBP80229.jpg
SBP80252.jpg
SBP80466.jpg
SBP80082.jpg
SBP80290.jpg
SBP80288.jpg
SBP80306.jpg
SBP70242.jpg
SBP70255.jpg
SBP70270.jpg
SBP80391.jpg
SBP70358.jpg
SBP70368.jpg
SBP70434.jpg
SBP70472.jpg
SBP80641.jpg
SBP80509.jpg
SBP80589.jpg
SBP80617.jpg
SBP80724.jpg
SBP80751.jpg
SBP80689.jpg
SBP80696.jpg
SBP80761.jpg
SBP70583.jpg
SBP80867.jpg
SBP81109.jpg
SBP70627.jpg
SBP80009.jpg
SBP81153.jpg
SBP70765.jpg
SBP70830.jpg
SBP81262.jpg
SBP70860.jpg
SBP81374.jpg
SBP70890.jpg
SBP70896.jpg
SBP81558.jpg
SBP81533.jpg
SBP70952.jpg
SBP70954.jpg
SBP81532.jpg
SBP81583.jpg
SBP81586.jpg
SBP81590.jpg
SBP81630.jpg
SBP81677.jpg
SBP81749.jpg
SBP81808.jpg
SBP71113.jpg
SBP71120.jpg
SBP81882.jpg
SBP81913.jpg
SBP81948.jpg
SBP81984.jpg

Congratulations, Liz and Erik, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Liz and Erik’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

FLORIST
Apple Creek Flowers

WEDDING CAKE
Oak Mill Bakery

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar

DJ
Spinnin Discs

WEDDING GOWN
Stephanie’s Bridal Boutique

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
David’s Bridal

GROOMS’ SUIT
Joseph Abboud

WEDDING RINGS
Valina

Read More