Liz Schrenk 12/6/21 Liz Schrenk 12/6/21

Kaitlyn & Mark’s Emotional Westin Chicago Northwest Wedding

Kaitlyn and Mark walked a long but beautiful road to reach their wedding day. They started dating when they were still teens but always knew they would end up together. . .

Kaitlyn and Mark walked a long but beautiful road to reach their wedding day. They started dating when they were still teens but always knew they would end up together forever.

Sadly Kaitlyn’s Dad passed away from cancer when she was in elementary school, a loss that shaped her decision to pursue a career in the medical field. Her father’s presence was deeply felt throughout her wedding day. Kaitlyn, her Mom and her sister all wore matching bracelets to remember him, and there were touching tributes for her Dad at both the ceremony and reception.

Rain forced Kaitlyn and Mark’s Westin Chicago Northwest ceremony inside but it was still so incredibly beautiful. Mark’s reaction to watching Kaitlyn walk down the aisle was one of the sweetest we have ever seen. Mark’s Dad officiated the ceremony; once they said “I do” then the celebration really began!

After fighting the rain outside we took some fun photos in the lobby at the Westin. One of our favorite moments of the day was when Kaitlyn and Mark rode up and down the lobby elevator for an epic photo moment, they were happily dancing and kissing inside that elevator to cheers from below.

The tent at the Westin looked breathtaking thanks to Kaitlyn’s vision for the room, it was beautiful with all of the gold and burgundy details. After dinner Kaitlyn surprised her family with a special first dance with her Grandpa. He had always been a father-figure for Kaitlyn and was beaming with pride as he danced with his granddaughter. Kaitlyn had found her Grandma’s gold wedding shoes and slipped them on for that dance with her Grandpa. Her sweet gesture had the entire room in tears when her Grandma realized that Kaitlyn was wearing those shoes. It was the most emotional and beautiful day, we were so honored to be a part of it.

Congratulations, Kaitlyn and Mark, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Kaitlyn and Mark’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
Photography
Something Blue Photography

Videographer
Jay From With Love Productions

Wedding Dress
Stella York from Dianas bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses
Bill levkoff

Wedding Shoes
David's Bridal

Menswear
Mens Wearhouse

Florist
Town and Country Gardens

Wedding Rings
Jared's

Desserts
Lovin Oven Cakery

DJ
Josh from An Enchanted Evening

Liz Schrenk 10/4/21 Liz Schrenk 10/4/21

Marissa & Nick (and Peyton’s!) Westin Chicago Northwest Vow Renewal

Marissa and Nick met through her cousin (and maid of honor) Danielle, but when they were first introduced Marissa wasn’t very fond of Nick. He persisted and kept asking her out. Once Marissa finally caved and agreed to go out with Nick she had THE best date ever, and the rest is history!

As Marissa and Nick planned their dream wedding they had no idea that Covid was coming and would change everything. While they had to postpone their celebration Marissa and Nick still chose to be married in 2020 in front of family at St. James in Arlington Heights. Their Catholic ceremony was a beautiful celebration of their love and the first step toward their future together as husband and wife.

In April 2021, Marissa and Nick welcomed their beautiful baby girl Peyton. We were thankful to meet sweet Peyton at her Lifestyle Newborn Session at their home, she is just the sweetest baby girl! After her arrival Marissa and Nick knew their 2021 wedding plans would shift once more, and they decided to baptize Peyton during their vow renewal ceremony. It was the first time that St. James Parish in Arlington Heights celebrated both a vow renewal AND a baptism during the same ceremony! It was a beautiful moment watching Marissa walk down the aisle in her wedding dress with Nick holding their daughter. He was beaming with pride; together they have created such an adorable and joyful family!

After the ceremony we converged at the Westin Chicago Northwest for a great big celebration. Marissa comes from a large and well-connected family, it was really fun to see a lot of people we knew at their reception! It was the perfect night celebrating an amazing couple!