Samantha & Bobby’s Fairytale Cantigny Wedding
Samantha and Bobby first met when they were kids at karate. They then re-connected through Bobby's brother because he and Sam became best friends in high school . . .
Samantha and Bobby first met when they were kids at karate. They then re-connected through Bobby's brother because he and Sam became best friends in high school. Sam also became best friends with their sister Jessica, and throughout the years Sam and Bobby formed their own friendship. In Summer of 2018, Bobby took a chance and they officially began dating in August. The rest, as they say, is history.
When Sam and Bobby asked us to capture their wedding day they met with Conrad, so I did not have the opportunity to get to know them until their engagement session at The Morton Arboretum just a few weeks before their wedding. I had the best afternoon with these two, we had so much fun exploring together! That session gave me a real view into the depth of the love they share, it was a joy to then look forward to their wedding at Cantigny later that Summer!
Sam had always dreamed of having a fairytale wedding; all of her planning paid off and in the end this was truly a perfect day. She had traveled to NYC to find her dream dress at Kleinfeld Bridal (from “Say Yes to the Dress”) and the gown was truly perfect on her – when Sam floated down the stairs to show her besties her bridal look it was such a special moment!! Her hype crew kept the energy up as we ventured out onto the grounds at Cantigny for wedding party photos. Sam and Bobby were determined to take pictures ON the tanks at Cantigny, definitely a “first” for us and an epic moment we will never forget! Sam had a stepladder handy to scale the tanks like an absolute boss, we loved the energy of this fun and unforgettable moment!
Throughout the day we caught plenty of pop-culture references from Sam and Bobby, including their strong Vanderpump Rules energy when posing together with their wedding party in the gardens at Cantigny. After we wrapped up with photos it was time for the ceremony to begin near the reflecting pool on the lawn of the Cantigny mansion. It was breathtaking watching Sam walk from the mansion down the long aisle to meet with Bobby at the altar, she truly floated in her gown and looked like a true princess. Their ceremony was marked by touching vows and a sweet tree-planting ceremony with dirt from both of their childhood homes. After Sam and Bobby kissed the celebration truly began, but first we had to capture some slow-motion footage of Sam and Bobby running towards their reception and into the sunset together hand-in-hand. We snapped a few romantic pictures during the gorgeous sunset (and even included the tank stepladder for posterity!) before heading in for the perfect party. Sam’s Mom gave an amazing toast and some insight into where Sam gets her awesome sense of humor, her Mom started her speech by saying the pledge of allegiance! This was such a fun and unforgettable day, but through it all the love between Sam and Bobby was truly the star. We are so grateful to have been a part of this fairytale wedding!!
Congratulations, Sam and Bobby, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Samantha and Bobby’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Cantigny
FLORIST
Anna’s Flowers
HAIR
Amiche Salon
WEDDING CAKE
DeEtta's Bakery
WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER
Randy Fenoli
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Kleinfeld Bridal
BRIDAL SHOES
Kate Spade
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
MENSWEAR
Suit Shop
Callie & Mark’s Perfect Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding
Callie and Mark met in high school through their close mutual friend, Something Blue’s very own Conrad. Conrad had a feeling way back then that these two would be perfect for each other, and it turns out that . . .
Callie and Mark met in high school through their close mutual friend, Something Blue’s very own Conrad. Conrad had a feeling way back then that these two would be perfect for each other, and it turns out that he was right all along. As Callie and Mark’s high school friendship grew into flirtation in college they started a long-distance relationship in 2015.
After dating long-distance for five years Callie and Mark finally moved in together in February 2021 to an apartment in Uptown Chicago with their beloved dog Buzz. A few years later they decided to buy Mark’s parent’s house – in preparing to move Callie asked Conrad if he would come capture some photos of her and Mark at their first apartment together before their lease ended. Little did Callie know that Mark and Conrad had hatched a plan for the photoshoot to be extra special, and Mark proposed outside their first apartment with Conrad there to capture the moment.
Over the years I have loved spending time with Callie and Mark through Conrad, and I was beyond excited to hear that they got engaged and wanted Something Blue to capture their wedding. We planned to do their engagement session in Chicago, starting first at the lakefront and ending in Uptown to honor the time they spent living together there. I really loved getting to know Callie and Mark better at their engagement session, they are so in-sync and their love feels like it is the most natural thing in the world.
When the Friday arrived for Callie and Mark’s wedding I was so nervous and excited to head to Heritage Prairie Farm with Christy to capture the day. We truly believe that Heritage Prairie Farm is THE perfect venue – it’s so welcoming and beautiful there and the food is without question the best wedding food we have ever experienced. It was a beautiful September Friday and so much fun to see so many friends when we arrived – having Conrad there as a groomsman and guest was definitely a wild experience! And it was so special seeing his fiancé Ami and friends Eve, Doyle and Pat not to mention the many guests that were there to celebrate Callie and Mark. We love all of these people and were so thankful to spend this time with them at our favorite place!!
Callie looked absolutely gorgeous, which Mark sweetly told her the second he saw her at their First Look. He didn’t take his eyes off her for the rest of the day, and he later delivered perhaps the most touching and romantic vows we have ever heard from a groom. As we all wiped away tears Callie and Mark kissed and joyfully toasted their signature drinks outside in the sunshine. And of course everyone then had to toast an Underberg together (those reaction shots might be some of my favorites from the day!)
The tent at Heritage Prairie Farm looked extra beautiful thanks to the talented floral team at Purple Rose. After giving a beautiful and heartfelt speech Conrad took a few moments out of enjoying dinner to fly his drone for some stunning sunset photos of Callie and Mark. Once the sun set we gathered together and “sent off” the newlyweds with sparklers (well, we took some fun pictures and then headed back to the tent for dancing and rejoicing!) Our friend Karen came along to create a beautiful live painting of Callie and Mark’s first dance – they danced to Phoebe Bridgers’ beautiful version of “Friday I’m in Love” that may just be my new favorite because it reminds me of Callie and Mark’s perfect love. This was truly the best day, what an honor and joy to be there to celebrate Callie and Mark!!
Congratulations, Callie and Mark, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Callie and Mark’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Purple Rose
HAIR + MAKEUP
Hair’s 2 the Bride
LIVE PAINTER
Karen Sako
ENGAGEMENT RING
Brilliant Earth
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Altar Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Birdy Grey
MENSWEAR
Men’s Wearhouse
Michelle & Nolan’s Salvage One Engagement Session
We first connected with Michelle and Nolan when she scheduled an Extended Family session for her family. Michelle is a ray of light and after Christy photographed her family she had such a great time meeting this sweet couple . . .
We first connected with Michelle and Nolan when she scheduled an Extended Family session for her family. Michelle is a ray of light and after Christy photographed her family she had such a great time meeting this sweet couple she recommended we connect to talk about their wedding plans for next year. Well, within about thirty seconds of meeting Michelle and Nolan I was in love, this couple has such a warmth to them and a natural connection. I was overjoyed when they hired us to photograph their wedding at Salvage One for next September!!
I was so excited when Michelle and Nolan asked if I would come downtown to Salvage One for their engagement session, I always feel inspired when I am in this amazing space! I had the idea to invite Conrad to join us and shoot some film on his vintage cameras, film photography and Salvage One seem felt like a match made in heaven. So he loaded up some color and BW rolls in his Minolta TC-1 point-and-shoot, his Leica M6 and Mamiya RZ67 and went with me to shoot this engagement session on film. After he sent off Michelle and Nolan’s rolls to The Darkroom and got the scans back we were SO excited about these images, can we just shoot EVERYTHING on film please??! I mean, how stunning are all of these?
Conrad’s film scans are so gorgeous I can’t help but feel tempted to shoot every session on film now! But I think these digital images that I shot are pretty good too :) It was SO much fun to photograph these two at Salvage One, honestly this was such a dreamy afternoon!!
Thank you, Michelle and Nolan, for inviting us to share in your love story. We are beyond excited to celebrate your wedding next Fall!!
To see all of Michelle and Nolan’s gorgeous engagement photos click here
Nicole & Roger’s Perfect Seven Bridges Golf Club Wedding
Nicole and Roger’s story started out as most modern love stories do. . . on the internet. In Spring of 2019 they matched on Hinge. Due to Roger “not mixing work with personal life” they unmatched after just three messages. . .
Nicole and Roger’s story started out as most modern love stories do. . . on the internet. In Spring of 2019 they matched on Hinge. Due to Roger “not mixing work with personal life” they unmatched after three messages. Then, in September of that same year, Nicole got into a minor fender bender in Berwyn and Roger was there in full firefighter gear to save the day. They both noticed the other, but chose to not mention the infamous Hinge fail. Then in October, Nicole came across Roger on Bumble, and decided to swipe right yet again. This time, it ended with drinks at Imperial Oak on October 29, and the rest they say is history! Then, on July 19, 2023 after a great day of exploring Door County, Nicole and Roger got engaged!
From the moment I met Nicole and Roger at our Studio I knew that these two were meant to be together. I loved getting to know them better at their engagement session last Fall – they are just so easy to be around and so comfortable with one another, it was truly a joy to take their pictures! These two are honestly just perfect together, being around them makes me believe in true love. Conrad and Ryan and I were beyond excited to celebrate their wedding with them this August at Seven Bridges Golf Club!
When we arrived at Nicole’s childhood home to take pictures of the girls getting ready we were greeted by so much joy, and Nicole was absolutely glowing. Nicole had a sweet “first look” with her Dad on the staircase at their home (I just LOVE a good staircase moment) and then we made our way to Seven Bridges for things to really get started. We took some pictures of the girls on the course before moving them back inside and swapping out for Roger and the guys. When I saw Roger for the first time that day I told him how gorgeous Nicole looked and he couldn’t hold back his emotions. It was honestly one of the sweetest moments I have ever shared with a groom, the way he loves her is so beautiful. As the ceremony began Roger had his back turned to the building and turned around just as Nicole reached the end of the aisle, his reaction to seeing his bride was so emotional and perfect. After their sweet ceremony we snuck off with Nicole and Roger for some pretty golden photos before the reception began. Once Nicole and Roger were introduced to their cheering guests it really felt like a party – we loved hearing each toast and clinking our glasses along with the newlyweds’ friends and family to get them to kiss. After gobbling up THE most delicious donuts we have ever had from DeEtta’s Bakery the dance floor opened and everyone rushed to party, it was honestly just the best night. We would do it all over again if we could, sending so much love and gratitude to this wonderful couple!!
Congratulations, Nicole and Roger, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Nicole and Roger’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Petal Station
Trudy’s Flowers
HAIR
Lisa Murphy
MAKEUP
Amanda Devon
WEDDING DRESS
Ashley & Justin
WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE
Wedding Design Studio
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Azazie
WEDDING DONUTS
DeEtta's Bakery
Kristen & Sidd’s Lovely Royal Melbourne Wedding
Kristen and Sidd met in early 2019 when they were both living in NYC. Sidd talked nonstop on their first date, and they slowly fell in love on long walks together around the city and over lots of pancakes. . .
Kristen and Sidd met in early 2019 when they were both living in NYC. Sidd talked nonstop on their first date, and they slowly fell in love on long walks together around the city and over lots of pancakes. Sidd proposed on a trip to Sevilla, Spain and the newly engaged couple moved to the Washington DC area last summer.
I loved spending time with Kristen and Sidd in downtown Chicago for their engagement session last Fall. Kristen is quiet but Sidd brings out her sweetness and warmth, it was a joy to see how they perfectly complement one another. When it came time for their Royal Melbourne wedding this June Christy and I were excited to head back to this gorgeous venue to celebrated Kristen and Sidd’s love. Kristen and Sidd chose an “Indian fusion” theme for their wedding to honor both of their cultural backgrounds – the bridesmaids wore gorgeous light blue saris while the groomsmen looked handsome in their custom gold suits. Kristen looked angelic in her beautiful dress from Volle’s, her gown looked like it was made just for her. After a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids and Dad Kristen went outside of the club to see Sidd for their First Look. Sidd lit up when he saw his stunning bride and couldn’t take his eyes off her for the rest of the day!
During Kristen and Sidd’s ceremony they incorporated some meaningful Indian traditions. We loved the moment when Sidd placed a beautiful necklace on his bride to signify their matrimonial bond and provide Kristen with blessings in their marriage. Adorned with flower garlands the newlyweds kissed and made their way to an unforgettable celebration at their reception. It was the perfect day, we were honored to be a part of it.
Congratulations, Kristen and Sidd, we love you and with you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Kristen and Sidd’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Royal Melbourne
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Gina from One Fine Day Events
FLORIST
Ovation Decor and Events
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Total Image Bridal
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin’ Oven
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Volle’s Bridal
Kelly & Peter’s Amazing Drake Oak Brook Wedding
Kelly and Peter first connected after her 10-year high school reunion. Her friends wanted them to all hang out together, but at the first planned get-together Peter was 2 hours late. While they were waiting for him to show up someone joked . . .
Kelly and Peter first connected after her 10-year high school reunion. Her friends wanted them to all hang out together, but at the first planned get-together Peter was 2 hours late. While they were waiting for him to show up someone joked that Kelly and Peter should get together, to which another friend replied “Peter couldn’t handle Kelly!” Well, after Peter did meet Kelly he was so smitten that he wanted to ask her out right away. Unfortunately Peter tore his achilles before he had the opportunity to ask Kelly out and spent the next few months at home recovering.
Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic found the friend group hanging out more frequently. After a night of hanging out in Peter's backyard, he finally mustered the courage to ask Kelly out. He was appalled that she'd never seen the movie The Princess Bride, a favorite of his, so he invited her over to watch it. He had to bite his tongue the whole time to prevent himself from reciting every line. But the evening went well, and it was pretty clear there'd be many more dates to come.
About two weeks into their relationship, Peter turned to Kelly and asked if she'd be alright if he got a Belgian Malinois puppy. Knowing absolutely nothing about the breed, she said sure, even though she knew it'd be a lot of work. Little did she know (and to be fair, Peter either) the utter chaos that would enter our lives a few weeks later. Although adorable and cuddly, Seneca tested their relationship and sanity (and still does today!) But they survived, and, in some ways, it made their relationship even stronger.
Kelly moved in with Peter in June 2021 and, thankfully for Peter, she never looked back. Then in December 2022, a week before Christmas, Peter and Kelly were celebrating with his family when Peter handed Kelly the last gift under the tree. Surprised that she had another gift, which was clearly wrapped by his sister, she opened the gift to find a ring box inside. That's when Peter took the ring box, got down on one knee and asked Kelly to marry him. Of course, she said yes!
Kelly and Peter have a natural and easy relationship and bring balance one another. Kelly brought the maturity and responsibility that Peter needed a bit more of in his life and Peter brought the humor and positivity that Kelly needed. They really are perfect for one another!
We first connected with Kelly and Peter through our friends and Love is Essential couple Susan and Zach. When I met with Kelly and Peter at The Chicago Botanic Garden on a windy Summer day for their engagement session it was clear to me that these two were made for one another. I had so much fun getting to know this laid-back and goofy couple! I was excited to shoot their wedding at The Drake in Oak Brook with Conrad!
When we arrived at The Drake we met with Kelly in a sunlit room and she looked absolutely radiant. Once she was dressed Kelly shared a sweet moment with her Dad before heading upstairs to see Peter. It was VERY windy that day so we decided to stay inside for their First Look, thankfully there are plenty of beautiful nooks at The Drake that made it fun and easy to take pictures inside to avoid the wind!
After taking pictures with Kelly and Peter’s wedding party and family we settled into the gorgeous Flower Room for their ceremony. Kelly’s Dad proudly walked her down the aisle and she stood tall as she became Mrs. Martin. Once they were pronounced husband and wife the party was ready to begin! Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the wraparound porch outside the Flower Room, and Conrad and I were really happy to catch up with Susan and Zach!
As the night went on we were continually reminded of the many ways in which Kelly and Peter complemented each other. We got some fresh air together at the end of the night to take some pretty “goodnight photos” outside by the cafe lights. Peter proudly showed us a picture on his phone of his new wife being goofy the night before at their rehearsal. It was just such a sweet day that we will not forget, it was an honor to be alongside Kelly and Peter as they began their new adventure together as a married couple!
Congratulations, Kelly and Peter, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Kelly and Peter’s gorgeous wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
The Drake Oak Brook
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Rosanna & Co. - Theresa Dahly
WEDDING CAKE
DeEtta's Bakery
Carlee & David’s Beautiful Independence Grove Wedding
Carlee and David met at work and connected through their shared appreciation for gaming. They hit it off and started seeing each other and fell in love with each other’s quirks and mutual loyalty to one another. . .
Carlee and David met at work and connected through their shared appreciation for gaming. They hit it off and started seeing each other and fell in love with each other’s quirks and mutual loyalty to one another. Carlee loves all things Disney and David chose to propose to her in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disney World, and their fairytale love story truly began.
Conrad loved getting to know Carlee and David at their beautiful Starved Rock engagement session last winter. They explored the gorgeous state park together with with their sweet dog Copper. Conrad, Lindsay and I were all excited to be part of Carlee and David’s winter wedding at Independence Grove! Carlee had created a lot of sweet thoughtful details that we loved discovering throughout the day, but the thing we were all most impressed by was the amazing programs she made inspired by a Disney park map. Carlee is thoughtful and a caring friend, we saw that in the way she considered her bridesmaids and family throughout the day.
The weather was particularly brisk when the time came for Carlee and David to do their first look near the water at Independence Grove. Carlee looked beautiful in her gown and fur stole and once she saw David the cold winter wind felt like it was replaced by the warmth of their love. We quickly took photos outside with their amazing wedding party before heading inside so that Carlee and David could exchange private vows before their ceremony. Following their emotional ceremony Carlee and David entered their reception in Mickey ears and dashed around the room to get photos with all of their guests. We then enjoyed a delicious meal before the dance floor opened, it was a perfect day!! We were honored to be there to celebrate these newlyweds!
Congratulations, Carlee and David, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Carlee and David’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VENUE
Independence Grove
FLORIST
Locker’s Flowers
WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Marien Mae
MENSWEAR
Men’s Warehouse
Madeline & Kevin’s Joyful Westin Chicago Northwest Wedding
Madeline and Kevin met their first week of college at the University of Illinois. They joined the same business club and quickly became friends. About two years later, it became clear they both had feelings for each other and Kevin worked up the courage . . .
Madeline and Kevin met their first week of college at the University of Illinois. They joined the same business club and quickly became friends. About two years later, it became clear they both had feelings for each other and Kevin worked up the courage to ask Madeline on a date over winter break of their junior year. Since then, Madeline and Kevin have been together – they graduated college, Kevin moved to San Francisco (and they did two years of long-distance) and they then moved into their first place together in Chicago in 2020. In April 2022, Kevin said they were going to dinner in Lincoln Park, where he dropped down to one knee and asked Madeline to marry him. They had a great celebration with close family that night and quickly set out to plan our wedding!
I first got to know Madeline and Kevin at their beautiful Fall engagement session in Lincoln Park last year. I was struck by how perfect Madeline and Kevin are for each other that lovely evening, and I was so excited to celebrate their wedding along with Conrad this Summer! When we arrive at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca the mood was amazing in Madeline’s room, her bridesmaids and Mom were all so welcoming and sweet to us. Madeline looked SO. GOOD. in her sleek Caroline Herrera gown (she bought it off the rack at Second City Bride!) Once Madeline and Kevin did their first look the whole day just went so smoothly, these two made our jobs so easy!! The sunshine was bouncing between the buildings surrounding the Westin and gave us so many beautiful spots for photos, it was such a perfect day!!
Congratulations, Madeline and Kevin, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Madeline and Kevin’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Floral Expressions & Gifts
HAIR & MAKEUP
Zano’s Hair Salon
WEDDING CAKE
The Baking Institute
BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Second City Bride
WEDDING RINGS
Ethan Lord
MENSWEAR
The Black Tux
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
David's Bridal
Nicolete & Terry’s Unforgettable Silver Lake Country Club Wedding
We first met Nicolete and Terry at his sister April’s wedding last Fall. April and Chris’ wedding was one for the ages, we absolutely love them and had the best time with their family and friends. But one thing we won’t forget . . .
We first met Nicolete and Terry at his sister April’s wedding last Fall. April and Chris’ wedding was one for the ages, we absolutely love them and had the best time with their family and friends. But one thing we won’t forget from April and Chris’ wedding was Nicolete roasting her future father-in-law while he gave his father of the bride speech at The Beverly Country Club. Nicolete came prepared with a sign that said “Wrap it Up” that she held up for Terry Sr. to see after he had spoken for about five seconds LOL.
When we learned that Nicolete and Terry were engaged and we would be photographing their wedding we were so excited. I loved getting to know Nicolete and Terry at their beautiful engagement session at Montrose Beach over the summer. Nicolete absolutely slayed her outfit for her engagement session (including a custom “Mrs. McMahon” denim jacket that she bought for herself LOL), but the best part of that day was getting to see the love between these two. They are both kind and considerate and just perfect for each other.
When Nicolete and Terry’s cold November wedding day came around, Conrad and Lindsay and I made our way back to the McMahon’s home for getting ready photos. Nicolete looked gorgeous and was wearing THE cutest satin pajama short set with their custom wedding date. After she got dressed in her beautiful Essense of Australia gown we made our way to St. Christina’s for the ceremony. Nicolete had the sweetest “first look” with her Dad down the aisle at St. Christina’s, they both cried as she privately shared a letter of gratitude she had written for her Dad.
As their ceremony began, Terry’s reaction to seeing Nicolete walk down the aisle was just amazing. This south-side cop let the tears flow as he watched his gorgeous bride walk down the aisle with her Dad, it was the more beautiful moment. During the unity candle ceremony Nicolete extinguished the candle with her fingers as all of the guests laughed. Afterwards we recreated April and Chris’ epic veil moment from last year (possibly making it that much more epic and dramatic – we absolutely love shooting in this gorgeous light-filled church!)
When we arrive at Silver Lake Country Club we had to rush taking photos because we were all freezing our asses off, I don’t know if I have ever been so cold while taking pictures!! After a pretty sparkler “send-off” just before the cocktail hour we settled in for an awesome dinner and party. When Terry requested Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” the dance floor filled for an unforgettable singalong that ended with Nicolete sliding across the dance floor in her wedding gown! It was just the best day and one that we will always remember!
Congratulations, Nicolete and Terry, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Nicolete and Terry’s beautiful wedding photos click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Redberry Floral
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Kennedy Blue
MENSWEAR
Calvin Klein
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Makeup by Caroline O
WEDDING CAKE
Orland Park Bakery
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
Mackenzie & Killian’s Picture Perfect Chevy Chase Wedding
Mackenzie and Killian met in 7th grade, she was the first person to welcome him to his new school. They went to high school together but didn’t talk much as they had different friend groups and interests. During college, they reconnected . . .
Mackenzie and Killian met in 7th grade, she was the first person to welcome him to his new school. They went to high school together but didn’t talk much as they had different friend groups and interests. During college, they reconnected via Facebook while Killian was stationed in the Navy in Japan. After talking via video chat for a few months, Killian relocated back to the States and Mackenzie flew to meet up with him in person. They knew they had found something special and continued their long distance relationship for the next year. Mackenzie moved to New Jersey to be with Killian in 2020 during the pandemic. In May of 2021, one day after her birthday, Killian got down on one knee and proposed at the beach on Jersey Shore. Mackenzie’s mom was visiting from Illinois and was able to celebrate and witness the whole thing.
After first meeting over Zoom during the height of Covid, I was so happy to meet Mackenzie and Killian in person for their engagement session at Independence Grove early this Summer. I had a great time getting to know them that afternoon and was so excited to celebrate their wedding at Chevy Chase in August! Mackenzie looked beautiful and was so happy, Killian is more reserved but was clearly having a great time with his groomsmen as we took photos out on the course together. It was a beautiful day topped by a gorgeous sunset, we are always thankful for the opportunity to photograph weddings at Chevy Chase!
Congratulations, Mackenzie and Killian, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Mackenzie and Killian’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOTGRAPHY
Something Blue
FLORIST
Sylvia's Amling's Flowers
HAIR & MAKUP
Beaute Luxe
Meredith and Okoye’s Romantic New Year’s Eve Wedding
I vividly remember the first picture I ever took of Meredith and Okoye. I was photographing the cocktail hour at her friend Catherine’s wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club and snapped this quick picture of Meredith and her boyfriend Okoye . . .
I vividly remember the first picture I ever took of Meredith and Okoye. I was photographing the cocktail hour at her friend Catherine’s wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club and snapped this quick picture of Meredith and her boyfriend Okoye:
After I shot this I joked that they needed to call me when they got engaged. We got to know Meredith and Okoye over the years through mutual friends, and they kindly once modeled for a special styled shoot we did at Room 1520 in 2018. When Okoye popped the question last summer I was SO excited when Meredith reached out to ask if I would photograph their wedding!!
Meredith and Okoye chose the beautiful Hyatt Lodge in Oakbrook for their New Year’s Eve wedding. When we arrived it was SO great to reconnect with Meredith and her bridesmaids, anyone would envy this incredibly supportive girl-squad! I absolutely LOVED their reactions when they saw their gorgeous friend as a bride! First looks will always have a special place in our hearts, and the moment when Okoye saw Meredith on their wedding day was so incredibly sweet. After some quick (and chilly!) pictures outside of the Hyatt Lodge we traveled to Visitation Parish in Elmhurst for their traditional and emotional ceremony.
After making things official then the party kicked off, I can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than celebrating a wedding with friends!! We settled back in at the Hyatt Lodge for a night of delicious food, drinks and dancing, it was the perfect night!
Congratulations, Meredith and Okoye, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
To see all of Meredith and Okoye’s beautiful wedding photos, click here
VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue
VIDEOGRAPHER
Vanilla Video
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Danielle Kolb Events
VENUE
Hyatt Lodge Oakbrook Chicago
FLORALS
Pesche’s
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Pin Me Up Chicago
WEDDING GOWN
Van Der Velde
WEDDING SHOES
Loeffler Randall
WEDDING RINGS
Ed Schmelzle & Sons
WEDDING CAKE
Creative Cakes
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Hayley Paige
MENSWEAR
Emanuele Tuxedo Elmhurst
Michelle and Andrew’s Glam Chicago Riverwalk Engagement Session
Michelle and Andrew met through mutual friends in college. And while they didn’t attend the same school their connection grew stronger and their long-distance relationship soon became something more. Next summer . . .
Michelle and Andrew met through mutual friends in college. And while they didn’t attend the same school their connection grew stronger and their long-distance relationship soon became something more. Next summer these two will say “I do” at the River Forest Country Club, and after getting to know them both at this perfect engagement session I am SO excited to celebrate their love next year!!
To see all of Michelle and Andrew’s gorgeous engagement photos, click here