It was a beautiful fall day just outside of Chicago when I arrived at the Monte Bello Estates for the start of Mary & Matt’s wedding day. They were both getting ready is separate spots inside the beautiful private space and the energy was electric with bridesmaids bustling back and forth, make-up being done and hair being finished. Mary was so excited from the moment I walked into her getting ready suite and could not wait until the first look so she could see Matt!

Speaking of the first look, that was one of my favorite moments of their wedding day. Matt walked up to Mary and as she turned around and he saw her for the first time, they both had the biggest smiles on their face. They chose to handwrite their own vows to one another, but wanted to share them just between the two of them privately instead of with everyone during the ceremony, so they read them to each other during the first look from their traditional his & hers vow books. I loved that and it was such a great way for them to create another special and meaningful moment together on their wedding day to look back and reminisce on.

After the first look and taking some more portraits of the two of them and their bridal party, everyone headed over to the church where Mary’s Dad walked her down the aisle to Matt and there was not a dry eye in the room. Mary was wiping tears away, Matt was wiping tears away and so were both of their parents. As the priest professed them husband and wife, a bagpiper began to play, which was Mary’s surprise to Matt! He escorted them back down the aisle as they left the church as husband and wife.

Everyone then headed back to Monte Bello Estate for the real party to begin. Guests sipped on their signature cocktails, the Mary Mule & Matt-hattan, as these two made their grand entrance & shared their first dance. After the sweetest speeches by Mary’s dad, Matt’s Best Man & Mary’s Maid of honor & sister, Rebecca, (where more tears were shed), everyone hit the dance floor and got down to the coolest wedding entertainment I’ve ever seen – dueling pianos!!! Felix and Fingers put on such a show, with the funniest banter and awesome hits as they jammed out on their electric pianos! Everyone was having a blast on the dance floor and it was packed all night long!

Mary & Matt, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your wedding day. It has truly been a joy getting to know you both during this wedding planning journey!! From an epic engagement session in Chicago where we bonded over our many shared interests, to your episode of People Magazine’s The Perfect Fit, to now your wedding day! I hope you love and cherish these photographs and the memories they represent for decades to come! Much love, Jen. xx.

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