Oh, and her Jenny Packham dress? Stunning.

Kara Pearson Photography

From the Photographer:
Carrie and Andrew were married at theWit hotel in downtown Chicago. Carrie wore a glamorous wedding dress by Jenny Packham and had a few fantastic accessories for added bling. They decided to do a first look on the rooftop of theWit, which worked out great considering the perfect spring weather. We then followed that up by portraits along the river. Their ceremony was inside the hotel, and was officiated by the groom’s dad. The part moved upstairs to the rooftop bar at the Wit while the ceremony space was flipped for the reception. They started the reception off with a bang with their first dance then a champagne toast that definitely set the stage for a dance party. DJ Phantom from WGCI (radio station) got the party bumping as soon as everyone had finished eating.

Ceremony / Reception Venue: theWit Hotel | Wedding Gown: Jenny Packham from the Ultimate Bride | Jewelry: Left Bank | Shoes: Left Bank | Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Florist: Scarlet Petal | Makeup Artist: Sarah Betancourt | Hair Stylist: Karla Guccione | Bakery: Take the Cake | Reception Entertainment: DJ Phantom | Wedding Coordinator: Donna Battaglia | Photography: Kara Pearson Photography

Kristin La Voie Photography

From the Bride:
We were married on 3/24/12 in Elmhurst, Illinois at the Hammershmidt Chapel. We selected the Elmhurst College Chapel because that is where Amy went to College. She had many fond memories of speakers, events and services at the Chapel. We also loved the serene nature of the campus filled with trees.

We met when I was running a few errands at Gurnee Mills and Jason, a recent transport to the Great Lakes Navy Base was out shopping as well. I passed by the Sunglass Hut and Jason approached me asking what I thought of the sunglasses he had selected. This was his way to start a conversation and before we knew it we both began talking and grabbed some coffee at the Starbucks nearby.

While we were dating, we had many great memories including a Halloween party held at my house where I dressed up as a sailor to surprise Jason. With Jason’s packed schedule with duty every other weekend and my insane 7 day work week at the time we both found we had to make every minute count. We planned many outings to explore Chicago more including Fox Lake bar crawls, downtown museum visits and concerts. Before we knew it we became the best of friends and knew within the first few months that we had found the most amazing love imaginable.

When Jason was set to move to his next duty station in Norfolk, Virginia, the largest Navy Base in the world, we both talked about how much we loved each other and took a lot of time thinking about our future. Jason knew he wanted to propose to me and Amy knew she was ready to make a commitment to move to be with Jason. After one evening out for dinner we decided to relax and take a nap. Shortly after Jason began to profess his love and got on one knee and proposed. It was the romantic day. His words were perfect.

Our advice for others planning a wedding is nothing wrong with having a longer engagement. We had to make a tough choice with this. Since Jason was going on a deployment and since I just had secured a good job, I stayed here in Illinois. We set our date and decided we’d do long distance so that we could get things in order. In today’s day in age many couples need to pay for their own weddings. We were fortunate to have our parents help us with some smaller items but had to develop a savings plan. We ultimately felt so proud that we were able to take the time to plan things out and save.

Also, it’s great to take advice from friends and family. Sometimes when choosing a theme, colors or a vendor they are able to give you insight. Remember not to worry too much about coordinating your theme because when it comes down to it everything comes together. The same goes for stress. Remember to relax and delegate a bit. One of the bridesmaids reminded us to delegate and that was great advice. Lots of people want to help you but often aren’t wanting to get in the way. It’s okay to ask!

Ceremony Venue: Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst College Campus | Reception Venue: Bristol Court | Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Wedding Gown: Allure Bridals | Bridesmaids Dresses: House of Brides | Groomsman Attire: Black Tie Formalwear | Shoes: David’s Bridal | Bride’s Engagement / Wedding Rings: Jared | Other Jewelry: A’Lamour Bridal Boutique | Groom’s Wedding Band: Donna Jewelry | Hair: Paulina Badalof | Makeup: Tomi Schatz | Cake: Bristol Court | DJ: DJ Frankie Fiore (Francesco L Fiorentino) | Linens / Decor : Bristol Court | Florist: Aberdeen’s | Wedding Planner: Honey Bee Weddings

From the Photographer:
I knew the bride-to-be from college and I was thrilled to be shooting their engagement photos and upcoming wedding on March 31st, 2012. She is always so fun and full of energy. I met the couple at Lucas Oil Stadium where the Colts play. Although they had a horrible season, Sarah and David are true fans:) We did some shots around the stadium and then the clouds and sprinkles started to roll as we changed outfits and headed to the Canal for some city shots. These two were troopers with the rain. We continued to shoot during the sprinkles, hiding under overhangs etc. By the end of the shoot it was coming down pretty hard and I wanted to attempt some final rain shots – I asked them if they would be okay with that and without hesitation they said yes! The shots with the umbrella at end are what resulted – some of my favorite and most unique engagement photos to date!

Mark Hawkins Photography

From the bride:

Our story began 26 years ago when my mom and Jay’s mom, both pregnant with each of us, were working for the same cheese company in Green Bay, WI. (a cheese company in Wisconsin, go figure!) Fast forward to the summer of 2005 and although Jay and I had always knowing ‘of’ each other, we would finally meet while interning for that very same cheese company. We instantly became great friends, and eventually Jay became known as ‘the boy from work’ to my friends and family. Then in May 2006, only 2 days after returning to the US after studying abroad in London for the semester, Jay took a chance and drove 4 hours to surprise me at my college in Winona, MN. That chance worked out as we have been together ever since!

Jay and I were engaged September 19, 2010, yes, the morning of the Green Bay Packers 2010 home opener. To have a proposal happen that morning was the last thing I expected, especially as I was dressed in my throwback Clay Matthews jersey and game-day pink Reeboks. However, it couldn’t have been a more perfect proposal for us; a complete surprise, back in our hometown and we were able to celebrate the engagement with our families, who had happened to be be waiting at the stadium, champagne in hand, ready to celebrate. Our wedding planning started as soon as we began our 4 hour drive back to Minneapolis that Sunday evening.

One element of wedding planning that I never thought I would have to encounter was planning a day in which my father would not be present. After losing my father unexpectedly in 2007, I was not prepared to plan a day in which he would not be there walking by my side, however it motivated me to find a way in which he could be. To do this, I asked my twin brother and older brother to walk me down the aisle with a gift of custom engraved cuff links. One cuff link contained the monogram of my father’s initials, while the other held my mother’s. To me, this was the perfect way to represent my entire family being there beside me as I prepared to marry Jay. Other elements included in our day was the use of yellow roses, the flower my father had always given my mother for any occasion, as well as my parent’s wedding bands tied around my bouquet to represent my something borrowed.

Although we didn’t have a perfect season, color, or venue in mind, we did know that we wanted something simple, elegant and a true reflection of us; a celebration full of personal details. We made sure to incorporate these special details from the transportation we used, menu items we picked as well as day-of surprises such as our ‘meet the maids/meet the men’ display, Green Bay Packer Championship Belt garter toss and foam finger ‘click the glass’ game. At the end of the day, all of these details came together better than we could have imagined. The reactions from our family and friends made all the planning, DIY and thought we put into each unique detail beyond worth it.

Reception Venue: Weidner Center for the Preforming Arts | Ceremony Venue: Pilgrim Lutheran Church | Photography: Mark Hawkins Photography | Florist: Petal Pushers | Videography: Studio272 | Catering: Kreative Katering | Cake: The Runaway Spoon | Wedding Coordination: Silhouette Events | Invitations: Watermark Stationary | DJ: Dreamin’ DJ | Trolley Transporation: Lamers Bus Line | Bride’s Gown: Maggie Sottero | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jasmine Belsoie Bridesmaids | Suits: Calvin Klein | Bride’s Jewelry: J. Crew, Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka | Etsy Vendors: Table numbers . Cake topper . Hair flower . Bridesmaids’ hair flower . Bridesmaids’ earrings . Bridesmaids’ bracelets . Tie clips . Bridal gown hanger

I’m behind thrilled to introduce today’s vendor. She’s a dear friend, and someone whom I look up to on a regular basis. I was lucky (and blessed) enough to meet her when I attended Making Things Happen back in December 2010. Her zest for life and authenticity are magical. And, the best part is that her personality – authenticity and all – are obvious in every photo she takes. The Midwest is lucky to have her (but know that she loves to travel for weddings, too).

Where are you located and do you travel for weddings?

I am located in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. I often travel for my weddings also, about 50% of my weddings are destination!

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is Real, Clean and Crisp images that define who each of my clients are.

How did you get interested in photography? Did you start out in weddings?

I got started in photography because I loved scrapbooking (yes I am nerdy) and bought a better camera to take better photos. Then it snowballed into shooting 10-30 weddings a summer. Now I shoot a unique 15-20 a year.

What do you think sets you apart from other photographers in the industry?

What sets me apart is my client experience and just the fun that we have. I am not a serious, move your head here, pose there photographer. I use movement in my images. We laugh. We laugh a lot. I want my clients to know that I want to be there every step of the way as a resource for questions, ideas and support. Lastly, it is my hearts desire for your photographs to represent YOU as a couple. What you do for fun. What your life is like. I work hard to pull that into your images and create timeless pieces for you to have on your walls.

What is your favorite thing to photograph?

My favorite thing to photograph is when my couples walk out of the ceremony and have 5 minutes to themselves. I think this time is SO precious and it’s SO beautiful. We often don’t slow down enough to drink in the moments. Especially on the crazy awesome and busy wedding day. I make it a point to offer opportunities for my Bride’s and Grooms to take snippets away from the big and crazy party and focus on the most important part…..them actually becoming husband and wife that day.

What other hobbies and activities make your heart sing? What do you do for fun?

For fun I love Colorado. I love being on a lake on a boat. I love dancing. I love mentoring and encouraging others. I love God and quiet time in prayer. I love making others laugh and styling photo shoots. I love my cute pup and my amazing husband. Clean design and Anthropologie fire me up!

P.S. That adorable couple above is Emily from Southern Weddings Magazine and her fiance. How cute are they, right?!

Lemongrass Photography

From the Photographer:
Megan, the bride, is a wonderful photographer in Indiana, so it was such a blessing to be asked to photograph her wedding! Megan and Brandon met in high school, have been together 7+ years, and are full of so much true love. Brandon absolutely adores her, and it was so beautiful to see them together. The day was full of rain, the kind of rain that never lets up. Megan was so relaxed and laid back, she grabbed some rain boots and an umbrella and headed out. We lucked out with some very light rain for the portraits, and in the end it really gave us some beautiful images. I couldn’t be happier for them!

Event Venue: Avon Washington Town Park – Pavillion Center | Caterer: Green St. Pub and Eatery | Photography: Lemongrass Photography | Favors and Gifts: RJ Honey, LLC | Florist: Flowers and Treasures | Invitation Designer: Pink Lily Press | Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal | Band: Gypsy Revival | Makeup Artist: Elements of Style | Hair Stylist: Salon Nouveaute | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Bakery: Hilligoss Bakery

Adorabella Photography

From the Bride-to-be:
Our engagement photo shoot with Charity was one of the coolest things we’ve ever gotten to do as a couple, and that’s saying a lot considering all the traveling and other adventures we have experienced over the past few years! We LOVED the location of our shoot and even the end of summer heat couldn’t ruin our fun. Charity did a great job of capturing “us” and telling the story of our relationship with her photos. Since posting our engagement pictures on Facebook I’ve had countless people comment that they are ”the most gorgeous pictures they’ve ever seen” and “oh my gosh, just imagine how fabulous your wedding pictures are going to be!” We loved every minute of our shoot and we were so impressed with Charity’s gentle but precise directions. We are not models but she sure made us look like ones! Undoubtedly our best memory from the day was when we were wrapping up the shoot with a scene where Tom and I were both sitting on an old fence…which collapsed right in the middle of a shot! We were laughing so hard I don’t think Charity knew if we were hurt or embarrassed (I was wearing a dress!) but she politely waited to laugh until she knew we were not injured…then we all laughed hysterically! We will always look back fondly on that day and marvel at the way Charity captured our feelings for each other in such beautiful pictures. Her pictures are worth a million words!

From the Bride:

Nate and I got engaged 7 years after we started dating and I had definitely spent a good portion of the years leading up to the proposal day-dreaming about our future wedding. We always knew we wanted to have an informal wedding that really reflected us as a couple. Some of our favorite memories included hosting dinner parties and playing lawn games with friends in the backyard. We thought that replicating that casual setting on a larger scale with our all-time favorite people would be the perfect way to celebrate our marriage.

We set out searching for an outdoor venue in the Twin Cities, where Nate and I had lived together for almost 5 years before moving west to San Francisco. We ended up taking a gamble and chose a venue sight unseen and are so happy we did! Our venue, Camrose Hill Farm in Stillwater, MN was an absolute stunner. A historic dairy farm owned by florist Cindie Sinclair, Camrose had the picture-perfect rustic charm we were searching for. The venue had an outdoor space for the ceremony, an area to play lawn games, a covered pavilion for the reception and a rustic cabin for the wedding party to get ready in. The property even had a bonfire pit so we could roast s’mores. We were sold!

For dinner, we knew for quite a while that we wanted to serve pizza. Our favorite restaurant in Minneapolis serves wood-fired neapolitan pizzas and we were lucky to find a wonderful caterer, Nate Lane of Thyme to Entertain, to make delicious pizzas just like them for our big day. Farmington Bakery made fantastic pies and cookies and Nate’s mom made “our” pie. (We couldn’t imagine our wedding without one of her creations.)

After a lot of the big pieces were taken care of, we could focus on the little details. Our tastes tend to skew a bit more modern/graphic yet we had chosen a very charming, shabby-chic venue so my challenge was to find a way to merge these aesthetics. (I think our theme ended up being “modern + rustic” if that makes any sense at all!) The Invitations and Save The Dates I’d designed essentially set the stage for our color palette: a simplistic combo of black, grey and a pop of red. From there, everything started to fall into place. (We ultimately had to scrap a lot of my big décor plans due to a limited budget, but thankfully the venue had so much built-in charm that it really didn’t need any decorating. Score!)

We were very lucky to have lots of help, support and participation from good friends and family members in order to pull everything together. Our families put a great deal of effort into assembling decorations and helping with logistics. One of our close friends officiated the ceremony which made it extremely special and personal. (The ceremony ended up being our favorite part of the day!) Another close friend, Caleb Hawley is a talented musician and he and his band totally rocked the reception.

Our laid-back affair came together better than we could have predicted. It was full of emotion, lots of laughter, our favorite people and a number of happy surprises. We never wanted to have a traditional, cookie-cutter day and I’ve been told we were successful. We’re so glad that the fabulous photographer Emily Steffen and  videographer Matt Brue of Capture Studios were there to capture the day from beginning to end. Nate and I are excited to be able to relive our big day through images for many, many years to come.

Venue + Florist: Camrose Hill Farm | Photographer: Emily Steffen Photography | Videographer: Capture Studios (Here is our great highlight video that they did) | Caterer: Thyme to Entertain | Bakery (Pies + cookies): Farmington Bakery | Dress: Nicole Miller from Nordstrom Wedding Suite | Band: Caleb Hawley | Hair: Erin Dennison |Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG, Amsale, Modcloth, White House Black Market, Priscilla of Boston | Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss

Lindsey Pantaleo

From the Groom:
Our love story is a simple and blissfully happy one. We met through a mutual acquaintance and immediately hit it off. We’ve often joked that our first date was not merely the best first date that either of us had ever had, but the best first date in the history of first dates! We went out for a romantic dinner and a movie at my place, and spent most of the night sharing our thoughts on what we wanted out of life and out of a relationship (We also shared a veritable litany of hilarious jokes). It was the first time that either of us ever talked to another person who completely understood and loved everything we had to say. When the second date, by some miracle, turned out to be even better than the first, both of us knew we were going to be together for the rest of our lives.

We knew we were a duprass, a couple whose lives and identities are inextricably woven together and who live completely for one another. The deepest foundations of our love revolve around trust, forgiveness, and support. Though we both firmly believe in practicality and compromise in a relationship and completely shun the idea of unrealistic “fairy-tale” love, we strive every day to be unwavering champions for one another. We try to acknowledge, accept, and forgive faults within ourselves and one another, even laughing about them when the time is right, while always keeping the focus on celebrating one another’s gifts and personalities. It is our life’s mission together to always keep talking and making time for each other, thanking God for each other, forgiving one another, and learning about and from each other, letting the source of our romance come from the depth of our personal connection. We are determined to prove to this world that happy, life-long marriages are still possible, and we hope that our marriage can tell a story more romantic, more passionate, and more inspiring than any fairy tale has ever told.

Ceremony Venue: Christ Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Oak Meadow Country Club | Floral Designer: Beehive Florist & Gifts | Cake Designer: Kathy Manion | Photography: Lindsey Pantaleo

Cheryl M Photography