Andrea and Ryan explored the Garfield Park Conservatory admiring the beauty of the plants surrounding them. It was one of their first dates, and they were just getting to know each other. As they wandered through the desert room, and Andrea swooned over the variety of cacti, they learned they both cheer for the White Sox, are total science geeks, and that they both love the outdoors. Their chemistry was instant.

More than five years later, as the October sun dipped behind the trees at the Garfield Park Conservatory, Andrea and Ryan stood before their friends and family to pledge their love to one another. The conservatory is near and dear to their hearts, as it was the place their love began to grow, and they wanted to share this special place with those they love.  As they vowed to always be each other’s best friend, they promised they could face anything life brings their way as long as they remained connected at the heart.

Andrea and Ryan – My heart is bursting at the seams for you both!  You are such dear, dear friends and it means the world to me that you asked me to be such an integral part of your wedding day. I love you both so much, and I hope that Colorado was nothing short of perfection.

Andrea and the girls spent the morning hanging out at the Courtyard Marriott in River North.

I was in love with Andrea’s wedding gown.

These shoes …. well …. I was giddy with excitement when I saw them.

Andrea’s sisters are beyond sweet, and they made sure everything was perfect for Andrea.

Andrea, you are gorgeous, and you were even more stunning on your wedding day.

Meanwhile, Ryan and his groomsmen went to an old school barber shop for some straight razor shaves. Nicole was there to document it.

Ryan has some serious style, so on his wedding day, I wasn’t surprised he pulled out all the stops.

Andrea and Ryan opted for a first look at the Adler Planetarium to ensure we had plenty of time for photos.

Ryan was blown away when he saw Andrea.

I swear it was the windiest day ever during our first look, but Andrea and Ryan battled the wind so that we could capture some Chicago skyline shots.

While I was capturing these ….

Nicole snapped this moment which I just love.

We met the wedding party at the Garfield Park Conservatory for more photos. I have been friends with Ryan and most of the guys for years, so it was beyond special to photograph them for such a special occasion.

Andrea’s bridesmaids were so much fun, and they all looked so gorgeous in their mismatched dresses.

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a photographer’s dream especially when you have a great group like Ryan and Andrea’s friends with you.

Ryan looked extra handsome on his wedding day, and he was glowing with excitement to finally call Andrea his wife.

A favorite!

Andrea is a beautiful person, inside and out. She was extra gorgeous on her wedding day, as I knew she would be.

Ryan and Andrea planned their wedding in less than four months! Once Ryan proposed, he didn’t want to wait for Andrea to be his wife.

This bouquet designed by Carolyn of the Bread and the Butterfly in insane. Just saying.

While Andrea and Ryan both lived in Chicago and New York together, a majority of their relationship has been spent living miles apart in two separate cities. Their relationship is a testament to hard work and true love.

Friends and family gathered for an outdoor ceremony at Garfield Park Conservatory.

Andrea couldn’t wait to get down the aisle to marry Ryan.

But first, she shared this moment with her dad.

The late afternoon sun was golden and warm.

Andrea and Ryan wrote their own vows. I can’t even begin to describe how beautiful their words and promises to each other were. They are two of my dearest friends, and I was fighting back the tears from behind my camera.

They have a huge passion for science, so their ceremony included information about their wedding bands from a scientific perspective like how Ryan’s ring was made from a meteorite.

The first kiss as Mr. and Mrs.

Jenna of Jewell Events Catering ensured that the reception space looked flawless, and her team created a delicious menu for Ryan and Andrea’s guests.

Amidst the greenery on the tables, little dinosaurs roamed about.

Guests dinned at long tables under this beautiful art installation.

Rather than a traditional toast, Andrea’s sisters prepared a rap about Andrea and Ryan. Andrea loves rap music, so she was delighted with their creative toast.

Friends toasted to the beauty of their relationship and their love for each other.

Friends and family indulged on a sweet candy treats, a huge Italian cannoli and Italian cookies.

The first dance …

Jay had guests dancing all night long.

As the evening went on, stunner shades were passed out to everyone on the dance floor.

venue: garfield park conservatory // catering : jewell catering // floral + centerpieces : the bread & butterfly // bride’s shoes : nordstrom //  dj : jay contraveos // photography assistant : nicole morisco // photography : brittany bekas photography