Photo by Torie McMillan.

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Style/Inspiration for wedding: We wanted to keep things simple and easy. We wanted to have a traditional wedding but also forego the elements that we found boring. I think in the end, it felt like an intimate celebration.

Bride’s Favorite Moment of the Day: Seeing our loved ones and of course, eating anything in sight.

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Laura and Rick decided on an impromptu hot dog break after our couple session, and photographing the wedding party inside a hot dog joint was a first for me! It was nice for everyone to take a break, and for us, we loved taking pics inside a colorful place full of some great character.

Vendors:

Preparation: Sofitel Hotel
Ceremony: 4th Presbyterian Church
Reception: Spiaggia
Florist: Blooming Grove Flowers and Gifts
Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham
Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale via Bella Bridesmaid
Makeup/Hair: Gilliann Charnstrom/Joseph Bartucci at Salon Buzz
DJ:Style Matters
Jewelry: Engagement ring and bands-McTeigue and McClelland

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From top left working clockwise: Head piece, Lavender, Lavender Toile, Lilac Hair, Purse from Beyond the Rack, Beaded Cuff Bracelet, Lavender Cupcakes, Platform Pumps.

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Who can go wrong with Krispy Kreme donuts?

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Lovely Mini orchids for your guests.

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Homemade beer wedding favors.

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Plant party favors and seat assignments.

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DIY paperweight wedding favors.

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Personalized fortune cookie favors!

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DIY cupcake in a jar.

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For the book lovers! Second hand book wedding favors.

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Wedding favor bag full of quirky finds from Martha Stewart.

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Style/Inspiration for wedding
Our style was classic and romantic with a hint of rustic. Once we found our venue, we knew we had a gorgeous, old-school country club with beautiful rooms that didn’t need much “dressing up”. I chose a chantilly lace Monique Lhuillier gown that embodied my romantic style. A Stem Above did a phenomenal job helping to capture our rustic vision with mossy birch branches, mixed metal containers and candles, and gorgeous flowers. We wanted soft colors of creams and subtle pinks, with a focus on texture.

Bride’s Favorite moment of the day
It’s hard to pick one favorite moment. After our ceremony, we had a private room set up with drinks and appetizers for just the two of us. It was a sweet moment of calm before the celebration with our friends and family began. We kind of let it sink in, and just enjoyed being alone in that moment.

My Favorite Moment of the day
Sneaking out of the reception to walk on nearby Lake Street and grab a night shot! It was just the four of us (me, my assistant, Kelly and Kevin) out on a summer night photographing the couple, and the scene was really quiet and urban at the same time. I usually don’t have the time to do night time shots, so when the opportunity happens, I really love every minute of it!

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Vendors:

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception: Union League Club
Florist: A Stem Above
Wedding Planner: Chrissy Magliano, Big City Brides
Cake: Union League Club
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale
Makeup/Hair: Nicci and Lauren
DJ: Style Matters
Band: David Rothstein

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Reception: Bridgeport Art Center, Flowers: Ashland and Addison.

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Wooden block guest book where guests wrote their well wishes for the couple.

Jillian's quilted guest book idea for guests to sign and then later, make a beautiful memory quilt!

Terese's well wish tree! Guests signed cards and tied each to a birch tree for a heartfelt display.

From Ruffled.com! Rock display signed by wedding guests!

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Thumbprint guest book from Bridal Snob.

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An Interactive "Guest Book" where guests found a word in the dictionary that described the bride/groom and signed.

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Postcard wedding guest book from Martha Stewart.

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For the music lover! Guitar wedding guest book.

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Style/Inspiration: Formal, fun and a little country.

My favorite moment of the day: Definitely four wheeling on Garrett’s family’s property in St. Charles! Garrett’s family owns this sprawling property where they used to train horses, and we had a ball finding great nooks for couple pictures along with Garrett’s idea of getting him and his friends on a four wheeler. We were able to convince Allison to join us, and it was the first time I have ever photographed a bride having a blast on a road vehicle!

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Vendors:

Preparation: Bride’s-Pheasant Run Road, Groom’s-Family Home
Ceremony: St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Reception: Pheasant Run Resort
Wedding Dress: Reddington Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Penny Donovan at Ticklesticks
Makeup/Hair: On the Six Salon
DJ: Steve Rogalla
Rain Boots: Target

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Style/Inspiration for wedding: We wanted to let the space speak for itself since it’s so beautiful. The goal was for it to be pretty but not overwhelming so people could experience a good party.

Bride’s favorite moment of the day: All of it! Including the fabulous vows written by Lincoln and Tanya’s hilarious toast. But if I had to pick one thing: the random fruit covered chicken sculpture that showed up in the bridal suite as we were getting ready. We tried so hard to find out who the anonymous gifter was but we STILL don’t know who sent that sucker; now he sits on a shelf in our entryway to greet visitors to our home.

My Favorite Moment(s) of the day: Photographing Shaheen and Bob on the crowded Division street bridge! This was the first time I used this bridge for a couple photo shoot and loved the backdrop. This bridge has tons of character and I am such a sucker for a rusty, old-school Chicago landmark. And Shaheen and Bob were such great sports as they maneuvered their way through traffic and had fun with our industrial photo shoot!

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Photo by Torie McMillan.

Vendors:

Preparation:  JW Marriott

Ceremony and Reception: Chicago Cultural Center

Florist: Asrai Gardens

Cake: Bittersweet

Wedding Dress: BHLDN

Sari from India

Makeup/Hair: Maria Barerra from Perfect Hair Anywhere

Jewelry: Family heirlooms

Shoes: Valentino

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