East meets {mid} West

When I first met this couple in person, I was so excited!  Both are laid back, chilled out people who just wanted to have a good time (and get married).  The Bride is from the Chicago-area and The Groom is from Maine BUT they currently live on the East Coast.  Now I'm used to GOING to the East Coast to photograph east coast weddings...this time they came to me!  :-)
We started off the day with some getting ready moments at the church and then drove to a nearby park to do a First Look (which I ALWAYS recommend if you have time to spare!)  We played around and got some awesome couple's shots.  We then went to a different park and were a bit early while waiting for friends, family, and the bridal party to show - so what did we do??  We played on the playground!  (duh.)  Suit and Gown included!!  It was so much fun and lent to some great candid moments.
The ceremony was officiated by the Bride's uncle, who is a minister and was quite humorous.  And quite the stunning church as well.
The reception was held at the Wilmette Women's Club and they had a great catering crew!  The Bride & Groom brought in their own booze and had a buffet dinner.  Everyone seemed to have a great time and just want to PAR-TAY!!!  Some touching speeches, prayers, and glasses of wine later - the night was over before it had begun it seemed and The Bride & Groom were off on their Honeymoon!
There are a TON of photos below for your viewing pleasure:  { p.s. ~ they had a donut tower instead of a cake!!! }

one June day

You've seen them before!  That's right.... Mike & Becky FINALLY got married!!!!
I've done 3 separate sessions with them over the last year, all leading up to their AMAZING Wedding this past June.  The sessions made the table centerpieces/take home gifts for the guests and the Wedding was just a BIG PARTY!
We started the day at Becky's childhood home in West Chicago, IL and then headed over to the Ceremony Venue.  They held their stunning ceremony at the Joliet Horticultural Center ( http://www.jolietpark.org/facilities/barber-a-oberwortmann-horticulture-center/52-wedding-information )  Seriously.  it's GORGEOUS & AFFORDABLE!!!  what more can you really ask for?  and it is indeed a POPULAR place!!  There was one Wedding before our's & there were two more setting up!  It is so amazing though, each event in it's own separate space...we didn't even run into any other guests or Brides!  :-)  This venue comes HIGHLY recommended!
We headed over to The Diplomat West for the reception ( http://www.diplomatwest.net/ ) The venue was beautiful and the staff was great!  The family style serving that my clients chose was AWESOME and the food was delicious (which is something coming from someone who eats it ALLLLL the time!)  They had an open bar and everyone seemed to have such a great time.
Many congratulations again to the Bride (Becky) and the Groom (Mike) - we'll hit up the Cheesecake Factory soon guys!