Stefanie and Paul’s Elegant Micro Wedding Ceremony
I have so much love for the Madison family, my dear friend Catherine is one of TWELVE siblings and it’s been an honor to get to know them over the years. Conrad and I loved being part of her sister Mary Jo’s wedding a couple years ago, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph another Madison wedding this October when Stefanie married her little brother Paul in an intimate ceremony at St. James in Arlington Heights.
I have so much love for the Madison family, my dear friend Catherine is one of TWELVE siblings and it’s been an honor to get to know them over the years. Conrad and I loved being part of her sister Mary Jo’s wedding a couple years ago, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph another Madison wedding this October when Stefanie married her little brother Paul in an intimate ceremony at St. James in Arlington Heights. Stefanie was the kindest and most beautiful bride, her laid-back demeanor perfectly suited the quiet and unassuming vibe of their micro wedding. I met her at her childhood home in Arlington Heights, took a few pictures while she finished getting ready before she slipped into her awesome Michael Kors white wedding jumpsuit. I secretly hope that jumpsuits become more of a thing for our 2021 brides!!
After Stefanie was ready we stepped outside for a few quick family photos. Stefanie’s childhood friend and neighbor was also planning her own pandemic micro wedding, and she stepped in for a quick hug and a couple pictures before we left for St. James. It was THE sweetest moment!!
When we arrived at St. James I loved catching up with some of the Madisons, with twelve children and many grandchildren their family made this micro wedding ceremony feel pretty big!! Paul had tears in his eyes as Stefanie walked down the aisle, and after they were pronounced husband and wife these two were beaming from ear to ear. After a few more pictures at the church we went to my neighbors stunning backyard to take advantage of the fall colors and a cozy bonfire, it was the perfect day!
Congratulations, Stefanie and Paul, thank you for inviting me to share in this beautiful day! I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Stefanie and Paul’s gorgeous micro wedding photos, click here
Joanne and Jake’s Intimate Fox River Micro Wedding
Joanne never wanted a big wedding, so planning an intimate celebration in the midst of the pandemic actually suited her quite nicely. I met her and Jake (and their adorable daughter Olive!) for the first time on their wedding day, and it was such a joy to be alongside them as they exchanged their vows in Cary, IL.
Joanne never wanted a big wedding, so planning an intimate celebration in the midst of the pandemic actually suited her quite nicely. I met her and Jake (and their adorable daughter Olive!) for the first time on their wedding day, and it was such a joy to be alongside them as they exchanged their vows above the Fox River at an Airbnb in Cary. It was WINDY on their wedding day, but their ceremony was so still beautiful. After they made things official we took a short drive to Trout Valley, a hidden gem where my grandparents lived and I spent a lot of time exploring as a young girl. I have always wanted to photograph a wedding in Trout Valley so I was thrilled that Joanne and Jake were up for a little adventure! We had a wonderful time exploring together and watching sweet Olive have fun crunching leaves and finding sticks. It was a perfectly simple and beautiful afternoon, I was honored to be a part of it.
Congratulations, Joanne and Jake, thank you for sharing this beautiful day with me!
To see all of Joanne and Jake’s pretty micro wedding photos, click here
Taylor and Alex’s Moving Micro Wedding Ceremony
The decision to reschedule their wedding due to the pandemic wasn’t easy, but in their hearts Taylor and Alex still knew they wanted to be married and chose to hold a small ceremony in the courtyard of Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village.
We have been looking forward to Taylor and Alex’s wedding for almost as long as they have - Taylor is the sister-in=law of one of our best “friendors,” the amazing Ken Murphy of Amp Event Professionals. While they had planned a big wedding this fall at Chevy Chase Country Club, Taylor and Alex were forced to change their plans along with so many of our other 2020 Something Blue couples. The decision wasn’t easy, but in their hearts Taylor and Alex still knew they wanted to be married and chose to hold a small ceremony in the courtyard of Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village.
The day of their wedding it had been raining a LOT, but the rain clouds left just in time for Taylor and Alex’s ceremony to begin. Surrounded by their immediate families and closest friends, Taylor and Alex exchanged their vows in the sunshine. There wasn’t a dry eye in that courtyard, it was such a beautiful ceremony. Their pastor delivered the most beautiful message about love using the sunflower as an illustration - he said that sunflowers turn their faces to the sun, and that by choosing to marry in the pandemic Taylor and Alex were showing their love was strong and hopeful much like a sunflower. It was such a beautiful message that I will always carry with me when I think about the trials of 2020, what a joy and honor it has been for us to be alongside our couples who have still chosen to get married in spite of all the challenges stacked up against them. I can’t wait to celebrate Taylor and Alex’s anniversary at their big celebration next year!!
Congratulations, Taylor and Alex, we love you and can’t wait for your big celebration in 2020!
To see all of Taylor and Alex’s micro-wedding ceremony photos, click here