Laura has always followed her heart. It is one of the traits about her that her friends love most. She was living in Chicago and desperately seeking a new experience, when she decided to leave behind the predicability of her life in Chicago for a year abroad in Australia. It was an adventure to find herself and grow, and while doing so, she found the love of her life.

Their romance began in a bar in Australia. Tom and his friends from England were on a road trip across the country, when he met Laura. The conversation started over ribs, (Tom explained that the ribs at the bar were amazing), and quickly turned into an evening of chatting. They realized that a portion of their Australia travel schedules would overlap, so they made plans to meet up along the way to explore some of Australia together. Soon after, Laura and Tom were traveling together visiting exotic places like New Zealand, Bali and Thailand, and amidst their adventures, the two fell in love together.

They loved at a distance when Tom returned to the UK, and Laura was back in Chicago. And as their love grew, Laura and Tom decided to start their lives together as husband and wife in Chicago. In front of their immediate families, Laura and Tom promised to be true to each other and to love with all their hearts no matter where their adventures take them.

Laura and Tom – Your happily ever after was nothing short of perfection! Thank you for inviting me into your close group of friends and family to share in one of the happiest days of your lives. May the years ahead be full of lots of love and amazing travels. I’ll be calling you as soon as our tickets are booked to Australia. :)

Laura and Tom married at City Hall in Chicago, but before their ceremony, they shared a first look.

Tom was thrilled to see Laura, and Laura glowed with happiness.

The ceremony was extremely intimate. It was just their immediate families and the judge (and me!).

Tom’s family traveled all the way from England to witness Tom marry Laura.

Laura and Tom smiled with happiness as they slipped their rings onto each other.

Officially husband and wife.

We headed to the Lurie Gardens in Millennium park for some family photos and photos of Laura and Tom. The afternoon was simply about Laura and Tom’s love for each other.

This photo makes it look like we had the whole garden to ourselves when in reality there were 3 other weddings there.

Laura is gorgeous, and I just loved her wedding dress.

Tom looked extra handsome in his navy blue suit.

And, I was completely smitten with Laura’s bouquet.

Laura and Tom don’t take themselves to seriously, so our session was full of lots of laughter.

Tom loves the “L” tracks in the loop, so we stopped for a couple quick photos before heading to Kinzie Street Bridge.

This is a favorite of mine ….

Laura and Tom were complete naturals in front of the camera.

Their Chicago wedding reception took place at an amazing loft space that was originally a candy factory. I was completely smitten with it, and I am still dreaming of how I can live there.

Laura surprised Tom with a song from Tom’s favorite football team from England as their entrance to the party. Their guests were on the catwalk welcoming them with bubbles.

The evening was full of lots of laughter.

And toasting in Laura and Tom’s honor.

Laura and Tom have a lot of great friends and family. And while Tom’s friends could not be there, they all sent a toast in which Tom’s father read.

The first dance …

Tom’s mom (or should I say, mum), had Laura join her and Tom for a portion of their dance … which I thought was beyond sweet.

Guests enjoyed dancing late into the evening.

And just before I was about to leave, Tom showed off his best moves.