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!

The Beautiful Anchor of a Legacy...

It's kinda unfair that there were so many beautiful moments, details, & people at this gorgeous wedding at one of my favs Independence Grove in Libertyville. From a dramatic sky rolling over the prairie grasses to a ceremony completely immersed in the gorgeous garden, I was lovin' life. But ya know what was my favorite moment? That Vicki was my bride cuz she's crazy stunning!? Mmmmk. Fair enough. You know what was tied for my favorite moment of this wedding? Outside of the glamour of what was no doubt an absolutely beautiful wedding was in an unassuming hotel room before the hair, before the make-up (thank goodness!), before the day got in full swing this moment was anchor for the day. A time that I'm pretty sure I'll remember for the rest of my career and more importantly one that Vicki will cherish for the rest of her life?

The moment where it was just Vicki, her sister, and her mother, huddled together while the bride opened a little box with one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever seen. A pocket from Vicki's late-father's favorite Harley Davidson shirt holding notes & well-wishes from her sister & mom. After a few tears we pinned it underneath Vicki's dress. People sometimes say these are sobering moments but I think they're perspective shifters. It can be easy to get caught up in the what-nots of a wedding day and not really end up thinking too much of what is soon-to-be a marriage. I think there's no greater way to honor our loved one's than to love un-circumstantially, to be gracious even when it's undeserved, to be so generous with what has been given to us that it overflows to others, and to live a life that is so undeniably passionate that we ourselves are continuing to be a living-legacy of those who have gone before us. Adam & Vicki... May you be this for each other. 

Thank you for letting me be a part of capturing this beautiful chapter in your life!