September 25, 2020
Last year, I did a promo that gave me the opportunity to shoot for a day in downtown Chicago. It was a lot of fun, and it also allowed me to meet two amazing couples, both of whom hired me for their 2020 weddings. As you know, things didn't go as planned for a lot of people this year - my poor Illinois brides as well. One of the couples pushed back for another year, but the other were able to make the most of the restrictions and rules, so right now, meet Amanda and Jacob!
When I first met these two, I got lost trying to find them. Turns out we were in two VERY different locations, but despite that awkwardness, we finally got together and were able to shoot their engagement session. I saw a couple of things during that session. Yes, one of them was the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile, but the other was how enamoured these two are with each other. The way Jacob looks at Amanda hasn't changed between last September and now, and Amanda was so excited/thrilled/over-the-moon to be marrying the man of her dreams. Wishes do come true!
Because of COVID, I had to find a last minute second shooter, and my awesome friend who dabbles in a couple different wedding services, Hien, was excited to come with me to the wedding. We spent the night and shot the wedding the next day. She did a great job and realized how much work wedding photography is. And we had fun working together.
Spending the day with Amanda and her friends was a lot of fun, too. When we arrived, they already had the bridal suite decorated for the newlywed's return that night. A couple popped balloons (and bottles of champagne!) later, we were off to the banquet hall for the first look and photos. So much love between this couple, and just enough silliness thrown in for good measure!
Originally, Amanda told me that they weren't allowed to do dancing at the reception because of the restrictions in Illinois, but that rule had been lifted by the time the wedding took place. After dinner and dancing, we did a bit of sparkler fun before heading home. It was a LONG day, but so worth it.
Best of all, we got to see two people who love each other very much pledge their lifelong commitment to each other. And despite all the changes and shakeups that took place beforehand, is always the most important thing of all!
Congrats Jacob and Amanda, it was a pleasure to spend your big day with you!
Invitations - Zazzle.com
Hair - Charlene, American Hairlines, Channahon, Illinois
Makeup - Eva, Hairs 2 the Bride, Arlington Heights, Illinois
Bridal Designer - Justin Alexander
Shoes - Badgley Mischka
Jewelry - Dareth Colburn
Rings - Rogers & Hollands
Dresses/Tuxes - Wolsfelts Bridal, Aurora, Illinois
Venue - Concorde Banquet Center, Kildeer, Illinois
Flowers - Bella Fiori Flower Shop, New Lenox, Illinois
Officiant - Pastor Dave Hedlin, Peace Lutheran Church
 |
| ^Hard at work :D |
 |
| ^Pop! |
 |
| ^Gorgeous bride. |
 |
| ^Hurry up, boys! |
 |
| ^We got some hot dogs in, after all! |
 |
| ^Great "that's how we did it" shot ;) |
 |
| ^Awwww, you guys! |
 |
| ^Just a few more portraits before dinner! |
 |
| ^If you look REALLY close, those are gummy hot dogs on Jacob's groom's cake ;) |
 |
| ^Dancing isn't illegal anymore ;) |
