I'm long overdue in posting this wedding, but Bridget and Chad hitting their 6 month anniversary felt like a good time to dig through some photos and share something worth celebrating!

Bridget and I shared musical theater adventures together in high school, and Chad's family has been friends with mine for years. (I planned Chad's brother's wedding back in 2015!)
It was an absolute joy to work with a couple I have known since before their love story even began.

When Bridget first reached out and asked if I was free on October first, I had to confirm she was giving me the correct date because October first was a Tuesday. It wasn't until I saw their story mapped out that I understood how significant 10-1 was to them.

Bridget and Chad's wedding was full of personal touches from the start. They both spent a moment to pause and write letters to each other before the day got too crazy.

During the bridal party shoot, the group showed off their superpowers!

(Yup, that's me! Even with a superhero holding it together, boutonnieres don't stay on my themselves.)

The dads weren't left out! Childhood photos were sewn into the back of their ties as a heartwarming keepsake.

Their long-awaited first look was met with loving glances and sarcastic 'threats' of: "if he doesn't cry I'll kill him!"

You know a wedding is going to be good when fur-babies are involved! Landon and Jasper got their own outfits and were every bit a part of the wedding party as the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

After the silliness of wedding party photos was done, the couple went on their own to a nearby cemetery for a moment of remembrance for Bridget's late grandmother. She and Bridget were very close and it was important to include her in as much of the day as possible.

Before the ceremony began a few more snaps were taken in the church!

The ceremony space was filled with memorials of both Bridget's grandmother and other loved ones who had passed before their big day.

Their reception was filled with fun details - whimsical pumpkins to enhance their October wedding, table signage with photos of themselves at the age of the table number, scrumptious desserts, and an adorable assortment of favors (including a gift from the pups!)

Another special thank-you to this amazing couple for letting me help bring their vision to life! Thanks to Bridget for the incredibly organized sparkle binder and to Chad for being so even-keeled the whole way through.

Photography: Brooke Gehringer Photography
Videography: Baby Pomegranate Productions
Venue: Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb IL and Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore IL
Cake: Polka Dot Bakery, Sycamore IL
Wedding Dress: Bridal Boutique by New Name, Wheaton IL

I love getting the chance to venture out of the Chicagoland area, and Brandy and Mike's wedding in De Motte, Indiana was a total dream - no pun intended, as dream catchers were the primary focal point of their decor. I love when a couple has a clear vision of what they want their day to be, and every detail of Brandy and Mike's day reflected who they were. All the DIY projects and personal touches made the atmosphere special, and it was a privilege to help bring their vision to life!

Photography: Earth Below Photo
Venue: The Pavilion at Sandy Pines, De Motte, IN

Last month I was lucky enough to take a road trip to Kansas City, MO and see my best friend, Jeff, marry the absolute BEST woman, Melinda. I met both Jeff and Mel separately in an online Bible study, and it didn't take too many times having Jeff gush to me about how he felt about Mel that I called it: they were going to get married. I feel so honored to have witnessed their relationship from the beginning and to have seen them grow as individuals and as a couple!

As much as I'm a wedding planner at heart, it was so nice to be able to go to a wedding without having to work the wedding, and I loved witnessing Jeff and Melinda's wedding as a friend and a guest.

...that said, I did manage to sneak in a few shots to put my photography skills to test!

Michelle Joy Photo was SO generous in letting my friend Bekah and I follow her around and take our own photos (in exchange for some wedding dress fluffing and bouquet holding, of course!)

Here are some of my shots from this phenomenal day!

Still swooning over this beautiful day!!
I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends and to have been able to share this moment with them.

Photography: Michelle Joy Photo
Venue: Red Bridge Baptist Church, Lee's Summit MO
Cake: HyVee
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal

You can see Michelle Joy's photos of Jeff and Melinda's wedding on my community page,
and a full gallery on Michelle's blog.

We pulled Scot and Ashley's big day together in a little under 5 months with the help of their wonderfully supportive friends and family.

This is just a small taste of their wedding: more photos are featured on my Community page.

Photography: Kori Mauch Photography
Videography: Anomaly Video
Venue: First Baptist Church, Sycamore IL
Flowers: afloral.com
Cake: Latsis Bakery, Genoa IL
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal

Matt's Aunt was kind enough to host an amazing reception at her home in Elgin, IL.  It may have been a bit cloudy, but with the beach-inspired decorations, we may as well have been back at their wedding in sunny Miami!

The cake was done by HyVee in Sycamore, IL.

Alli began getting ready in her hotel before departing for the cruise ship, and after arriving to the ship suite she got dressed and fully accessorized.

After the ceremony, we took a variety of pictures around the ship!

...and I may have taken my favorite photo ever.

The cruise photographer captured even more of Alli and Matt's special day:

It was such an honor to plan, photograph, and be the Maid of Honor in Alli's wedding, and it was a truly fantastic experience.

Face:
     Benefit The Porefessional Primer
     Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles in Fair
     Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Spots in Fair
     Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant
     Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Fair Honey
          (with the Tarte Airbuki Brush)
Cheeks:
     Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 020 Sunshine
          (with the EcoTools Large Powder Brush)
     Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Fearless
          (with the EcoTools Finishing Brush)
Brows:
     NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Blonde
     Anastasia Lash Genius Clear Waterproof Topcoat
Eyes:
     L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte
     L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Amber Rush
          (with the EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set)
     Laura Geller Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold Goddess
     Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner in 005 Nude
     Almay Intense i-Color Eyeliner in Brown Topaz
     Covergirl Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara in Water Resistant Very Black
     Covergirl LashBlast Length Mascara in Water Resistant Very Black
     Revlon Eyelash Curler
Lips:
     Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker in Fuchsia-Ristic
     NYX Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler
Setting:
Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Alli's wedding was going to take place on a cruise with a beach honeymoon, so for her bridal shower we put together a beach themed get-together.  We ate, played some traditional shower games, and of course, showered Alli with gifts!

The party was held at Barb City Manor in DeKalb, a retirement home with a room available for parties.  Alli's mom had connections there, and it was a great place for friends and relatives to gather.