It’s brilliant autumn! Help yourself to piles of leaves, glitter pumpkins, spiced apple cider and more, like this lovely fall lifestyle session with Brenda. Shot in Lincoln Park at various locations in October, this session is proof that there’s little more needed than a cozy fur wrap, or a punch of crimson python, to ring in fall’s bounty. Go on – indulge in the glorious shades of colors, back when there was a little more sunlight to go around.
xo, Melissa
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We first met Lauren and Drake for their winter wonderland engagement session earlier this year. It took place in a snowy field just after a big storm – her idea! – so it’s no wonder that the lovely couple also had a perfectly seasonal fall wedding.
Why do we love ‘first looks’ so much? Almost always – the joy/tears/overwhelming emotion are more prevalent when seeing each other privately, or amongst an intimate group – vs. worrying about tripping and crying while going down the aisle. And Lauren and Drake’s first look was no exception. Their day started off very rainy and cold. We made a game day decision to shoot their first look on the balcony of Drake’s hotel suite. Both their families and friends witnessed the special moment from the (dry) comforts of the suite.
Lauren positively beamed as she walked down the aisle! And just as she met her groom at the top, she reached out and squeezed his hand . . . priceless!
The portrait session took place at beautiful Fullersburg Woods where we were able to capture timeless shots against a rustic, natural backdrop. Later on, the high-energy Harry Caray’s in the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center provided a legendary Chicago scene for more bride and groom portraits – and also delicious catering and root beer float stations for the reception!
A special highlight of the night was the SURPRISE fireworks! Guys, how magical is this? It was romantic and unexpected all at once, courtesy of the bride’s parents! The band announced that I needed everyone outside on the terrace for a group photo . . . and instead, an impressive display of fireworks lit up the night sky! Scroll down for more photos from Lauren and Drake’s big day.
May your life together be filled with light and love, Lauren and Drake!
xo, Melissa
Lauren and Drake’s Wedding Guide ::
Venue, Westin Lombard Yorktown Center (ceremony and reception) // Bride’s Attire, Allure gown, Kate Spade New York shoes // Bride’s Makeup, Karli Harris // Groom’s Attire, Calvin Klein // Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Alfred Sung // Wedding Consultant, Kristin Korst // Event Designer, Bride’s Mother // Florist, Pastis Design // Cake, Creative Cakes // Caterer, Harry Caray’s Westin Lombard // Music, Maggie Speaks // Videographer, Parker Nyquist // Officiant, Father William Zavaski
I am forever a sucker for a good dip. Aren’t you?
Though all weddings have a ‘girl in a white dress’ . . . what makes every single one fabulously unique – are the moments. And there was no other just like Michelle and Adrian’s wedding at the Loews Chicago O’Hare. Quirky-meets-understated elegance done right, combined with so, so many happy tears and smile-til-your-face-hurts moments. I felt an overflow of love amongst wedding guests, the authenticity was palpable that night.
A few special standouts from this wedding:
1. There were Superman cuff links, and dress socks with a mini cape, because the groom is obsessed with CK – and AWESOME custom cake toppers (created by one of Adrian’s groomsmen!) featuring teeny versions of Michelle and her very own superhero!
2. It excited me to spot my first selfie stick at a wedding! (This is not as dirty as it sounds.)
3. Guests were sent home with Krispy Kreme donuts! Krispy Kreme!!
If rain on your wedding day is considered good luck, then these two will be set for life. It rained all morning and through their First Look. Michelle, Adrian, and their fun-loving wedding party arrived at Café Brauer in Lincoln Park Zoo by way of party bus – cuz that’s how they roll! Adrian donned a purple satin mask the entire drive, just to preserve the First Look. (Michelle’s idea, obviously.) She stunned in a Kitty Chen Couture gown. There were tears but no ‘ugly cry’ here. These two. So adorable!
The rain FINALLY gave way to a perfectly lit portrait session at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. It all culminated in a sweet ceremony and a reception at Loews O’Hare Chicago that featured a surprise dance number by Adrian and her bridesmaids to the Backstreet Boys. The song? As Long As You Love Me, of course! Scroll through to enjoy a glimpse of this special event and their wedding vendors.
Congrats to Michelle and Adrian on a beautiful night and the rest of your lives together!
xo, Melissa
Like what you see?
Michelle and Adrian’s Wedding Guide ::
Venue, Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel (ceremony and reception) // Bride’s Attire, Kittey Chen Couture gown, Kate Spade New York shoes // Bride’s Hair & Makeup, Lindsay Le Jones at Le & Be: A Hair and Nail Salon // Groom’s Attire, Ike Behar // Bridesmaids’ Dresses, David’s Bridal // Wedding Consultant, Kathryn Sill of Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel // Florist, Fleur du Jour // Cake, cake // Custom Cake Toppers, ChuE Creations // Caterer, Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel // Music, Joe A. Delfin of ChicagoPremiereDJs // Videographer, Eivan’s Photography & Video // Officiant, Chicago Wedding Officiant Services
Melissa, thank you SO MUCH for capturing our day so beautifully and masterfully. These pictures are making me relive my day and I am in absolutely in love!!! I am so happy with the photos. Some are bringing tears to my eyes. Thank you so much. I love it I love it I love it. I can’t deal!!!!
Nicely captured moments, as you can see even the rain is not a problem when the photographer knows his stuff 🙂 good job.