Stephanie & Erick. I was fortunate to be the wedding photographer to these two amazing people. A connection brought to me by one of my favorite places in the world. The Grooms grandparents were close friends with my parents and I grew up with them at special place in Antioch, IL. Special to the groom, as he even included that place into his wedding. I didn't know the bride until they hired me, but she's just one of those people you instantly fall in love with. Stephanie & her family had lost their mother not too long ago and you could tell how much she was loved. Her beautiful daughter worked hard to make sure her Mother was included in her wedding.
This lovely young woman wore her mothers wedding dress. She had a tear-filled moment revealing herself in the dress to her Nana and Father. Tears and smiles all around. During the ceremony, the wind would pick up and blow Stephanies' veil to her shoulders, revealing the butterfly tattoo on her back that she got in memory of her mom. I like to think that it was her mom standing alongside her daughter on her wedding day. She was there for you.
The couple had a little tree on a table and in the middle of their wedding ceremony, they each filled the potted tree with dirt that was meaningful to them. Erick, had some dirt from his summer place ( a.k.a The Lake ) that meant the world to him and his family. 3 generations of his family on this land that still holds their hearts. He added that dirt to the tree. They will plant this at their home and watch it grow alongside their relationship. I knew about this special moment during their ceremony, I didn't know where Erick got his dirt from. Needless to say, after I photograph the ceremony, I looked over at his sister and a dear friend that this also meant so much too, and then his parents & grandparents. Taking all of their pictures. Crying myself. It was very moving.
After all of the love and the memories, the vows and getting hitched, then came the celebration. Celebrate they did.
Thank you to Erin Reed Photography for all of the jaw dropping images you took for me on this fun day. I love working together with you on wedding days.
Thank you to Marriott of Lincolnshire for being a truly incredible venue, waiting until the last moment to let this bride have her wedding ceremony outside. It didn't rain! You made her dreams come true.
I'd love to add your make-up,hair & florist, if you'd like to share their information with me :)
Enjoy your sneak peek!
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