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
Liz and Mike’s Classic Chicago Celebration
Liz and Mike, like so many of our 2020 Something Blue couples, had to dramatically reconsider their wedding plans in the wake of the coronavirus. They changed venues and landed on the truly gorgeous Kimpton Gray Chicago and Boleo. Their intimate micro wedding was as beautiful as we could have imagined, it was truly a gorgeous and unforgettable day!
We have always loved photographing weddings at the Kimpton Gray, the symmetrical marble staircase is a photographer’s dream for beautiful photo opportunities. As Liz got ready with her bridesmaids and mom, Mike hung out with his guys in the billiards room downstairs. Then the time arrived for Liz and Mike’s first look, and it was so joyful when they connected, from that moment the two of them didn’t take their eyes off one another for the rest of the day.
After some wedding party photos in the Kimpton Gray’s gorgeous lobby, we walked to the Chicago Board of Trade for some classic Chicago portraits. From there Conrad and I ventured with Liz and Mike to the Chicago Theatre and the riverfront together. One of our favorite parts of every wedding day is when we have time with the couple alone; in those quiet moments focused on the love shared between two people we find we make our most beautiful photographs.
When we returned Liz shared THE sweetest moment with her grandmother in her hotel room before walking down the aisle to marry her best friend. Liz and Mike’s emotional ceremony was officiated by our friend Brad Hughes of Love Story Weddings, and as always he created the perfect wedding ceremony for this couple. Once things were official, Liz and Mike relaxed and enjoyed cocktails and appetizers with their closest family and friends at Boleo, the stunning rooftop bar nestled inside the Kimpton Gray. Then they moved onto dinner and toasts with a stop at their gorgeous cake adorned with hand-made sugar flowers from Alliance Bakery. The room looked amazing thanks in part to the florals and day-of coordination by Anthony Gowder Designs. And after the meal we returned to Boleo for an evening of (socially-distant) dancing and drinks, it was truly the most perfect and unforgettable day.
Congratulations, Liz and Mike, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Liz and Mike’s beautiful 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
Nicole and Jesse’s Beautiful Micro Wedding
Nicole and Jesse had grand plans for their wedding celebration, but like so many were forced to scale back and reconsider when the pandemic settled in. They shifted gears and decided to celebrate in their front yard, and it truly was the sweetest and most intimate ceremony.
Conrad loved working with this laid-back in love couple when he shot their engagement photos last fall, and was so excited to see them again on their wedding day. In their kindness, they trusted Conrad to lead them to Wildwood Nature Center to take their wedding photos. Wildwood happens to be across the street from where Nicole went to elementary school! After their sweet first look at home with their adorable dog, Nicole and Jesse were up for anything as they adventured off the path at Wildwood to get the perfect shots. Punctuated by their beautiful florals created by Romance in Blooms this was THE perfect backdrop for their wedding photos!
After finishing at Wildwood Nature Center they returned to their home for an emotional wedding ceremony in their front yard. There wasn’t a dry eye present as Nicole and Jesse exchanged their vows in front of their (socially distant) guests. It was a beautiful day that Conrad was so thankful to be a part of.
Congratulations, Nicole and Jesse, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Nicole and Jesse’s beautiful backyard wedding photos, click here
Sara and Pat’s Sweet and Simple Backyard Wedding
Sara and Pat hosted an intimate micro wedding in his parents’ backyard that was truly perfect - from their emotional first look to the surprise drive-by wedding parade through their cul-de-sac to a magical sparkler exit we loved being a part of this beautiful day!
Sara and Pat chose to turn their large wedding plans into a sweet and simple celebration in his parents’ backyard. Over the summer they bought their first home together across the street, so celebrating their wedding in the same cul-de-sac made perfect sense. They only invited immediate family and their closest friends, and it was truly the most perfect and beautiful day.
Sara looked radiant as she got ready along with her bridesmaids at her sister-in-law’s beautiful home. When we arrived at Pat’s mom’s house he was anxious for his first look with Sara, and they were both surprised to see him cry when he saw his bride. It was a rainy afternoon but we managed to squeeze in some beautiful bridal portraits before their ceremony. Under the little white tent, Sara and Pat exchanged vows in the most emotional and beautiful ceremony officiated by the amazing Melissa Wall. Melissa filled the ceremony with personal stories and meaningful moments, we all thought that she was close friends with Sara and Pat, I would absolutely recommend her to ANYONE looking for a caring officiant!
After the ceremony ended we heard honking coming from the street, when we ran to the front of the house we saw dozens of cars parading by to wish Sara and Pat well on their wedding day!! Joyful Covid parades have to be one of the best things to come out of 2020, right?! It was so sweet to see their friends and family drive by with signs, balloons and cards all while honking and cheering for the newlyweds.
Congratulations, Sara and Pat, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sara and Pat’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Jessica and Matt’s Beautiful Backyard Wedding
In the turmoil of 2020, Jessica and Matt decided an intimate backyard wedding suited them perfectly. They invited only their closest friends and family to their adorable new home in Barrington for the perfect outdoor celebration.
In the turmoil of 2020, Jessica and Matt decided that an intimate wedding suited them perfectly when faced with the decision to change their big plans. They recently bought a beautiful new home in Barrington and transformed their backyard for the most beautiful celebration over Labor Day weekend. Every pretty detail looked amazing, Jessica made everything look so beautiful (with help from the amazing florists at Aberdeen’s). But what really made this the perfect backyard wedding was the LOVE between these two. Jessica and Matt were clearly made for each other. They light up when they are near each other, and after their romantic ceremony (that her brother hilariously officiated) these two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. It was such a joy to be part of this unforgettable day.
Congratulations, Jessica and Matt, you are SO loved! I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Jessica and Matt’s beautiful backyard wedding photos, click here
Bridget + Joel’s Romantic Micro Wedding
Bridget and Joel were the first of their friends to get engaged, and while they had to dramatically change their wedding plans in the wake of Covid-19 they still managed to have the most romantic and beautiful micro wedding this summer.
Bridget and Joel were the first of their friends from Purdue to get engaged, and while they had to dramatically change their wedding plans in the wake of Covid-19 they still managed to have the most romantic and beautiful micro wedding this summer. Conrad and Lindsay had such a great time celebrating with this adorable couple and their incredibly supportive friends - Lindsay said that Bridget’s bridesmaids were oohing and aahing the whole day, she said we wished we could rent them out for cheering all of our couples on!
One of our favorite moments from any wedding day is when the Father of the Bride first sees his little girl as a bride. There is something so emotional and beautiful in that moment that we will never get tired of. Bridget’s Dad was emotional all day, his reaction to seeing her and that moment just before he walked her down he aisle was incredibly touching. He even got teary when he did his backyard toast after their ceremony, it was so sweet. We are so thankful for this wonderful couple, what a joy to be part of this beautiful day.
Congratulations, Bridget and Joel, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Bridget and Joel’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Lauren + Ian’s Magical Backyard Wedding
Lauren and Ian didn’t let a little pandemic stop them from having an absolutely gorgeous micro wedding in her parents’ backyard in Crystal Lake, Illinois. We had the most magical time celebrating with their closest friends and family.
While 2020 has forced all of our Something Blue couples to radically alter their wedding plans, Lauren and Ian didn’t let a little pandemic stop them from having an absolutely gorgeous micro wedding in her parents’ backyard in Crystal Lake, Illinois. We had the most magical time celebrating with their closest friends and family. Lauren looked radiant as she got ready at her parents’ home, and she rocked THE most amazing silver bridal shoes EVER. I definitely shed a few tears when Lauren saw her Dad and then Ian for their “first look” in the front yard.
After a few quick (and very entertaining) family and wedding party pics in the yard we followed Lauren and Ian’s trolley to Crystal Lake Beach for their lakeside ceremony. Ian’s father officiated the intimate ceremony that was filled with laughter and emotion. When they were pronounced husband and wife Lauren and Ian sweetly snuggled before walking back down the aisle together. We took more wedding party photos in downtown Crystal Lake before heading back to her parents’ home for an amazing night of toasts, dancing, roasting marshmallows and sparklers. We loved spotting all the personal details sprinkled throughout this day, it was the perfect celebration.
Congratulations, Lauren and Ian, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Lauren and Ian’s beautiful backyard wedding photos, click here
Dina + Jim’s Romantic Makray Memorial Golf Club Wedding
Dina and Jim had a long friendship before they realized there was something more there. Their love brought two families together, and their wedding day managed to bring the people they love most together for a sweet celebration in the midst of the tumult of 2020. With their small group it was easy to respect social distancing and be comfortable during Dina and Jim’s wedding. It was such an absolute joy for me to return to Makray Memorial Golf Club (our “home away from home”) to photograph a wedding after our long pandemic-induced hiatus. And I was so impressed with the work they have done in their ballroom in 2020, the heavy gold drapes and tacky wall art and carpets have been replaced by elegant and more neutral decor to better showcase the beauty of this space that we love so much.
Dina looked radiant as she finished getting ready with her daughters and sister in the bridal suite at Makray. As she prepared to walk down the aisle the amazing team at Fabbrini’s Flowers put the finishing touches on the ceremony site, which had to be moved inside because of rain. I loved how Jim rolled with everything as the day unfolded, and with a big happy smile calmly told me “this ain’t my first rodeo.” It was a truly beautiful rodeo, though, and it was such an honor to be a part of it.
Congratulations, Dina and Jim, you are so loved!!
To see all of Dina and Jim’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Sarah and Dean’s Small and Sweet Backyard Wedding
Sarah and Dean’s wedding was our first Covid cancellation. It seems like so long ago now, but the sadness that we all felt when those spring wedding plans screeched to a halt still feels raw. All of their details were in place for their April wedding, but the universe had different plans for these two.
Sarah and Dean’s wedding was our first Covid cancellation. It seems like so long ago now, but the sadness that we all felt when those spring wedding plans screeched to a halt still feels raw. All of their details were in place for their April wedding, but the universe had different plans for these two. Yet through it all Sarah and Dean held their heads up and stayed rooted in their love for one another. While they were forced to move their big celebration to 2021, Sarah and Dean still decided to make things official this August with a very small and intimate ceremony at her home church, Holy Family in Inverness. While only their parents and her sister looked on, Sarah and Dean exchanged their vows quietly in the beautiful sanctuary before heading to her parents’ backyard for a humble celebration. It was quite honestly so perfect and romantic – while the day wasn’t anything like they first envisioned, it was still a truly special evening bursting with love and joy.
Congratulations, Sarah and Dean, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Sarah and Dean’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Katie + Matt’s Classic Micro Wedding
Katie and Matt had planned a big wedding celebration at The Brix this summer, but like so many of our Something Blue couples their plans were derailed by Covid-19. And while they moved their party to 2021, they still decided to make things official with a beautiful church ceremony at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Conrad loved being part of this romantic micro wedding. The ceremony was small and afterwards they celebrated with dinner for their immediate families. Katie carried a picture of her father on her bouquet, and Katie and Matt’s puppy Freedom stole the show when he showed up for some photo ops. Katie’s sister surprised her by renting a gorgeous pale blue (our favorite color!) vintage Chevy Biscayne. This awesome car made for the perfect wedding party photos down by the river.
We can’t wait to celebrate on a larger scale with Katie and Matt next summer, but it was a true joy to be part of this sweet micro wedding.
Congratulations, Katie and Matt, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Katie and Matt’s micro wedding photos, click here
Isabel + Nik’s Garden Wedding
Conrad and I walk together almost every day. We wander the streets of Arlington Heights talking about important work things, important life things. These walks keep us healthy and grounded. Our favorite walks happen close to home, we love exploring our Scarsdale neighborhood just beyond the parking lot of our studio. There are so many beautiful homes and friendly faces in our neighborhood.
In April I received a phone call from Jane, a neighbor who saw our studio (well, our adorable Happy Blue Camper) on her own walk through Scarsdale. From that first phone call I knew that Jane would not only be a client but become a friend. And that is why I love this job. Because in the dealings of business I am blessed to meet amazing friends along the way.
Jane called me looking for someone to document her daughter’s wedding in June. Isabel and Nik had originally planned to get married abroad, but Covid-19 had other plans. So in the swirling chaos of this spring Jane worked to give her daughter a wedding to remember. And we were blessed to be a part of it. This micro wedding was attended only by Jane’s immediate family but we streamed the whole affair so that Nik’s family in Germany and Isabel’s friends in the states could be there.
This small, intimate backyard wedding was filled with big, beautiful moments. Bursting with love that carried across the Atlantic. It was such an honor and joy to witness this wedding, and now every time we walk past Jane’s beautiful home we will always wave at our new friends and smile remembering this unforgettable day.
Congratulations, Isabel and Nik, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Isabel and Nik’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
Gorgeous floral design by Twigs and Blooms
Melissa + Tyler’s Garden Wedding
Melissa and Tyler had planned a big wedding at The Royal Melbourne at the end of May. All of their plans came to a screeching halt when Covid-19 and the shelter in place hit this spring. Like so many of our Something Blue couples, Melissa and Tyler were faced with the difficult reality of replanning their wedding. It has been humbling and beautiful watching our couples navigate this difficult time with grace and love. We can only begin to imagine how hard this has been for so many of you. Melissa and Tyler chose to still get married on their original wedding date but hold a big celebration in 2021. And I was truly honored to come alongside them (from a safe social distance, of course!) to photograph their beautiful and intimate garden wedding.
Tyler is my cousin, one of the few Versgroves left in the world. I adore Tyler, he has a gentle spirit and I have loved spending time with him since we were kids. Melissa is the perfect match for him - kind, loving, spirited, beautiful - and getting to know her better as she prepared to marry the love of her life was such a joy.
After Melissa got ready at my Aunt Debbie’s house (and ring-bearer Henry snuck in some epic trampoline bounces!) we headed to my Uncle Bill’s house for the ceremony. Bill and Theresa transformed their backyard into such a magical and romantic site for this intimate wedding. That moment when Melissa walked down the aisle and Tyler saw his gorgeous bride for the first time was beyond beautiful.
After officiant (and father of the ring-bearer!) Chris made it official, we all got ready to CELEBRATE! We feasted on Nothing But Bundt cakes, danced on the patio and welcomed guests who drove by to share their well-wishes with the newlyweds.
My Uncle Bill is an avid golfer, I loved that one of his golf carts was decked out and fancy for the newlyweds!
Congratulations, Melissa and Tyler, I love you and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!! 💙
To see all of Melissa and Tyler’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
Florals by Wildrose Floral Design
Gown by Essense of Australia : purchased at Genevieve’s Bridal Couture