Croatia Wedding!

This was my shortest trip to Croatia. 

Got immersed in the language, food, the people, the traditions, and then realized that I'm actually still in Chicago. 

When all the discussions are either in Croatian, or are talking about what it means to be from there, when the ceremony is not only in a Croatian church but is given in the language, when shots of liquor are given up greeting, and traditional platters of homemade pastries brought by guests overflow numerous banquet tables, and when "Sweet Caroline" is replaced with well... I don't know the name of it because it's in Croatian you feel like you've been transported. 

I absolutely loved it! And I absolutely love today's couple Tom & Ana. 

They're laid back, yet willing to try anything. Including literally jumping bushes to stand on the tippy edge of a fountain.  Seemingly quiet but then can open up and share about life. Their eyes would fill with  genuine appreciate for each one of their guests and then be the first ones lining up a traditional dance or the one to grab the mic and bust out some awesome lip-syncing.

I admire the deep respect they have for one another. They didn't just want to merely please or appease the each other which is good don't get me wrong, but they really took to heart what the other's opinion was; they had a profound respect for one another. 

It was one of those days where I left feeling truly honored to be a part of it. 

It really was something special. 

Congratulations Tom & Ana, may your eyes always sparkle they way they did this day when you look at one another. 

Marriage...

The didn't want to see each other before the ceremony so they went back to back and held hands instead. Adorable. 

The rings of generations of women in Jenna's family. 

Yes... I pray for your weddings. 

When the flowers wither, the dress is stored, the honeymoon suitcases are unpacked, and you're waiting in line to get your name changed on your license, all that was the wedding begins to settle. Now before that begins to sound anti-climatic and maybe even a bit depressing let me assure you, you're about to start the good stuff. Marriage is so much better than a wedding. And I love me some weddings! (: 

Living life both in the good and in the difficult with one another will be some of the most rewarding, challenging, and life-shaping experiences you'll ever go through and I pray that your weddings when all is said and done will turn into a marriage.    

For today's wedding I said a big prayer for the weather!  With a 100% chance of rain, and an outdoor wedding in the gardens you better believe I was prayin' for the weather to hold out. 

And you know what...? It did! 

For real the live radar was all bad news with the exception of this little clear spot just over our wedding at the beautiful Cantigny Gardens. Of course if you're having an outdoor ceremony you're hoping for good weather but this place is incredible and I was so glad we got to explore the gardens for the perfect spots for some amazing wedding pics. 

Today was a good one. Amazing bride & groom, wonderful bridal party, and the start to more than just a stunning wedding but a beautiful marriage. 

Congrats Chad & Jenna!