The bridesmaids jumped on the bed with Danielle – dressed in matching button down shirts – giddy with excitement. Each of them knew that this day was years in the making, and they were thrilled to finally see Danielle marry her soul mate.

Nick and Danielle were destined for this day when they met at age 12. While it seems like an entirety has passed since then, a solid foundation of love was built over years growing up together. They share a special love. A love full of kindness, dedication and trust. A love that is the envy of those around them.

Last Saturday, they vowed to accept each other and love each other with all their hearts. Forever. And right then, friends, family and Danielle and Nick knew life was nothing short of perfection.

Danielle and Nick – My heart is exploding with happiness for you! From the moment we met, I knew I was in for a great day, but I had NO idea. No idea how perfect it would be.  Thank you for giving me complete trust to tell the story of your first day as husband and wife. You made me fall even more in love with what I do because of it. I hope you are soaking in all the beauty, culture and amazing food of Italy … and don’t come home without a leather jacket. :)  Much love and gratitude – Brittany

The morning started off at Danielle’s parents’ home. Danielle and her mom, Janice had thought of every detail including beautiful custom hangers for all of her bridesmaids’ dresses.

Danielle’s friends and family were so much fun, and they made Nicole and I feel like a part of the group all day long. Any group of girls who are in for jumping on the bed are pretty fun in my book.

Danielle radiated with happiness and beauty on her wedding day. Danielle, you are absolutely stunning!!!

Janice, Danielle’s mom, hand-beaded Danielle’s veil and let me tell you … it was so gorgeous.

While I was with Danielle and the girls, Nicole was off documenting Nick and his groomsmen.

Nick is kind, outgoing and dedicated. And he looked extra dapper on his wedding day in his Theory tuxedo.

Danielle and Nick married at St. Mary’s church in Lake Forest on a beautiful June afternoon.

Nick and Danielle’s families were so excited to finally become one big family after all these years.

Officially, husband and wife!!!!

Danielle and Nick are the type of people who surround themselves with friends and family who celebrate all that they are and all that they aspire to be. Their friends and family were seriously the best, and I loved spending the day with them.

Following the wedding ceremony, we stopped at the Alfred Cadwell Lily Pool for wedding party and bride and groom photos in Chicago.

Guests celebrated Danielle and Nick at Germania Place in Chicago. Janice and Danielle designed a beautiful space and Joseph’s Florist created the stunning floral centerpieces that transformed the space.

Nick’s dad explained that Danielle is Nick’s greatest treasure. Throughout the evening, Nick kept sneaking little glances at his bride and it only reaffirmed this.

The first dance is one of my favorite parts of the wedding reception to photograph because it is pure, authentic moments of happiness and love.

The Blue Water Kings Band had everyone on their feet dancing all night long.

 

Many thanks to this amazing creative team who brought this wedding together…

CEREMONY : st. mary, lake forest // VENUE : germania place // CATERING : kenmare catering // FLORAL : joseph’s florist // BRIDE’S DRESS : allure // BRIDE’S SHOES : ivanka trump // BRIDE’S JEWERLY : bloomingdales // BRIDE’S VEIL : diy by bride’s mom // BRIDE’S + BRIDAL PARTY HAIR + MAKEUP : tamara hair and makeup artistry // GROOM TUX // theory via nordstrom //  GROOMSMEN + RING BEARER TUX : savvi formalwear // BRIDESMAID DRESSESS : ralph lauren // FORAL + CENTERPIECES: joseph’s florist  // BAND : bluewater kings band // WEDDING CAKE : oak mill bakery // TABLE NUMBERS : diy by bride // INVITATIONS : invitations by pink // MENUS : diy // PROGRAMS : diy // ESCORT CARDS : diy // FLOWER GIRL BASKETS + RING BEARER PILLOW : diy by the bride’s mom // PHOTO BOOTH : magic moment photo booth // UPLIGHTING + DRAPING : joseph’s florist  // VIDEOGRAPHY : robert cawthorne // PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT : nicole morisco // PHOTOGRAPHY : brittany bekas photography