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bride and groom emotional first look

What makes for a wedding day this perfect? How about a so-in-love couple like my Andrea and Andrew? (You can read about their touching engagement here.) How about a wedding venue in which two generations of the bride’s family–consisting of five family members–have been married? Or a ’61 Dodge Dart Phoenix family car in a fabulous Tiffany Blue? Quirky personal touches like Star Wars cufflinks and themed socks under the bride’s gown? Emotional speeches from family that speak to the core of the couple’s love for one another–and also touch on their competitive sports rivalry? Check, check, check and check!

Andrea and Andrew’s wedding was the perfect picture of black and white elegance infused with a pop of regal purple. It was expertly pulled together by Simply Perfect Events Chicago, who transformed the Northmoor Country Club ballroom in Highland Park, Illinois, into the prettiest glam space – how lovely and minimalist are those glass centerpieces? And how refreshing is it to see an understated wedding cake like this all white and silver four-tiered one from Bittersweet?

Pretty details aside, one of my favorite moments was the mother-daughter dance. It was my first time seeing this done at a wedding, and it was a most special tribute to Andrea’s dad who passed away, as well as to the deep bond I witnessed between a daughter and her mom, who is battling pancreatic cancer. It is a wonderful reminder that your wedding is about you, you can choose to do what resonates with you most, make your own traditions, and infuse it with what you hold most dear.

Speaking of love, I would also like to add, that as a wedding photographer, the photos you see below are exactly why I recommend doing a First Look. Timing and logistics often get in the way, but it’s these moments that are worth the effort. To be able to hold each other and laugh through tears, and have a peaceful moment to savor the day together before it gets underway, is such an amazing thing.

Thank you so much, Andrea and Andrew, for allowing me to capture your beautiful day! I can’t imagine a couple better suited for each other!

xo, Melissa

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Andrea and Andrew’s Wedding Guide ::

Venue, Northmoor Country Club // Bride’s Gown, Pronovias, Badgley Mischka shoes // Bride’s Makeup, Cynde Cosmetics // Bride’s Hair, Erin Graham // Groom’s Attire, Brooks Brothers // Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Bill Levkoff // Wedding Consultant, Simply Perfect Events Chicago  //  Florist, Exquisite Designs // Cake, Bittersweet // Caterer, Northmoor Country Club // Music, Green Fourteen // Videographer, Sean Loftus

 

Chicago Wedding Photographer

Melissa Diep Photography is a highly sought after wedding, engagement, family, maternity, newborn, baby, and children portrait photographer based in Chicago. Melissa strives to capture organic moments as works of art. She loves to incorporate natural environments and soft light to create beautiful imagery.

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chicago best wedding photographer

Today’s blog post is extra special and that’s because this wedding features two old friends of mine. I’ve known Rasmey and Sondy for over 15 years. My sister-in-law is Matron of Honor and my two brothers are also in the wedding party, and oh, I know about half of the guests in attendance. So let’s just say, Rasmey and Sondy are like family. It’s pretty cool to be the wedding photographer even though it was also sorta like being a guest, too!

Rasmey and Sondy were married in an intimate ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Schiller Park, surrounded by their three daughters, close friends and family. The gathering was just the right amount of elegance and classic simplicity, and a pretty palette of white and jewel-toned blue made this wedding feel so fresh. Since I first met Rasmey all those years ago, she’s always been the most nurturing gal I know in this group of friends. Sondy is reserved and silently strong and getting him to smile is rare. In fact, one of my favorite moments from this day is when I got a little smile out of him for one of the couple’s portraits! Somehow their personalities work so well together and they are a perfect match – the kind of couple that makes you feel overjoyed that they found one another and tied the knot!

It was such a joy to document this wedding!

xo,

Melissa

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Rasmey and Sondy’s Wedding Guide ::

Venue, Sheraton Hotel Schiller Park // Bride’s Gown, Jewel, Rebecca Minkoff shoes // Bride’s Hair & Makeup, Tran Nguyen // Groom’s Attire, JF J. Ferrar // Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Lulus and Azazie// Cake, Sugar Bakery // Caterer, Sheraton Hotel Schiller Park // Music, JJ Production

Chicago Wedding Photographer

Melissa Diep Photography is a highly sought after wedding, engagement, family, maternity, newborn, baby, and children portrait photographer based in Chicago. Melissa strives to capture organic moments as works of art. She loves to incorporate natural environments and soft light to create beautiful imagery.

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bride groom carnival swing navy pier

This is one of those rare instances where the bride and groom portrait session seriously rivaled the actual wedding itself. Dressed in their wedding finery, Asha and Cherian were quite the picture as they took a whirl on the Wave Swinger at Navy Pier, dangling 150-feet high above downtown Chicago. They delighted the crowd of on-lookers who cheered the bride and groom on, and I have to agree, it was truly a magical moment in my entire career as a Chicago wedding photographer. I mean – the whimsy of it all, her billowing white gown accented by the bright swings and his huge grin – this was #notyouraverage wedding portraits!

Now, I could also go on and on about Asha and Cherian’s wedding. It was so many wonderful things all rolled into one day – getting ready photos at the famed historic Palmer House, the peacefulness of Milton Lee Olive Park where we captured more portraits, a beautiful Catholic ceremony filled with tears of joy inside a lovely church tucked just outside of downtown, a vibrant and opulent reception filled decor, a sentimental serenade by the bride’s brother who sings in an a cappella group, and that DRESS! All the heart eyes for that dress.

I remember leaving this wedding all smiles. It was one of those days where every little piece came together so well, where there was so much positivity in every moment. It was something about the combination of all these spectacular details that when it was time for me to pack up and go, I almost didn’t want to leave. Hugest congrats to my fun and warm-hearted couple!

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Chicago Wedding Photographer

Melissa Diep Photography is a highly sought after wedding, engagement, family, maternity, newborn, baby, and children portrait photographer based in Chicago. Melissa strives to capture organic moments as works of art. She loves to incorporate natural environments and soft light to create beautiful imagery.

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  • SamOctober 19, 2016 - 10:58 pm

    Beautiful couple and beautiful photos. Will the bride share her makeup artist vendor?

  • SamOctober 30, 2016 - 10:19 pm

    Is there any way I can find out who did this bride’s makeup? I posted a comment earlier but you deleted it. Any help would be appreciated.

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