The first time I met Melissa and Will, I was absolutely smitten with them. They are truly a great match … a couple with the perfect mix of sweetness and goofiness in their relationship.  I remember leaving our consulation thinking, if they don’t book me, I am going to be SO sad because I adore them. Needless to say, I was counting down the days until June 15th when I could document their wedding because I knew it was going to be just perfect.

When I arrived at Melissa’s house in the morning the sky looked …. dark … and the forecast promised rain. All day. Sigh … definitely not what I had hoped for and certainly not what Melissa had in mind for her wedding day. But she and all of her nine bridesmaids were all smiles as they got ready, and we secretly prayed that the weather would hold out for us to take photos outside.

And just as Will and Melissa were pronounced husband and wife in front of their dearest friends and family at St. Christina Catholic Church, the clouds parted and the sun came out. :)

Melissa + Will – I cannot express how much it means to me that I was chosen to document your beautiful wedding. Your friends and family made us feel right at home, and we loved every minute of sharing in your day. I hope that you are both are enjoying the r&r time and soaking up the St. Lucia sun. Much love + xo.

Melissa thought of everything for her wedding and had the most amazing details. I mean these blue shoes … swoon worthy.

Melissa’s something old was the same pearl necklace that both her mother and grandmother wore on her wedding day. Something tells me these pearls might be a secret to a wonderful marriage. ;)

I had so much fun with the girls getting ready. Everyone was beyond sweet, and our conversation as Melissa got into her dress had everyone laughing non-stop. Bridesmaids … you know what I’m talking about. ;)

Will …. you looked so dapper!

St. Christina’s Catholic church was so pretty and such a great location for Will and Melissa to pledge their love to one another.

The new Mr. and Mrs. I adore it when bubbles are present.

The wedding party was so amazing. It was pretty warm out during our pictures, and the guys were such troopers despite the heat and me fibbing that we were almost done …. every minute or so.

The Waterfall Park in Worth was the perfect backdrop for photos. So perfect that four other weddings arrived not long after we started shooting.

Melissa … gosh you are just too gorgeous … inside and out!

This is definitely a favorite from the day! I mean hello, adorable.

I could shoot all day in the garden at Chicago Gaelic Park.

Melissa’s bridesmaid Samantha from West Town Bakery made all of the gorgeous cakeballs and Melissa and Will’s stunning cake. And everything tasted just as amazing as it looked.

These Irish dancers were absolutely incredible. I was so impressed.

To see EVEN more from Melissa + Will’s Chicago wedding, watch the slideshow below or click the link.

CHURCH // St. Christina Catholic Church | RECEPTION // Chicago Gaelic Park | PAPER (INVITATIONS + ESCORT CARDS) // Good Times Invitations | FLOWERS + CENTERPIECES  // Catherine’s Garden | DJ // Tone Productions | CAKE // West Town Bakery | MAKE-UP // Mario’s Hair + Spa | HAIR // Mario’s Hair + Spa | DRESS // David’s Bridal | BRIDE’S SHOES // Nordstrom BRIDE’S PEARLS // Her own | TUXES // Men’s Warehouse | BRIDESMAID DRESSES // David’s Bridal | FLOWER GIRL DRESS // David’s Bridal | VIDEOGRAPHY // Vanilla Video | PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT // Nicole Morisco // PHOTOGRAPHY // Brittany Bekas Photography