Kim has always been a hopeless romantic. As a little girl, she would pick up the romance novels you find in the check-out line and pretend to “read” them . She was so young when she did this that while she couldn’t quite read them, she was fascinated with love and all that it entailed … so she pretended. Love inspired her. And just like other girls over the years, she and her cousin, Lilly, would plan their future wedding days envisioning all the details and hoping for their prince charming.

When Kim’s wedding day was finally here, it was exactly what she wanted with the man she dreamed for as a little girl. Nate, a goofy, loyal, charismatic guy is the perfect match to Kim’s sweet, giving personality. They navigated life together – traveling throughout Europe, flying across the country in a long distance relationship and eventually making Chicago their home. They have been through more together in their young lives than most couples go through in a lifetime, and it is because of this that makes their love is so strong, so real and so passionate.

The beautiful September day radiated with love and it was crystal clear how much joy both Kim and Nate bring to their friends and families. People met in Chicago from all corners of the country to witness Kim and Nate’s happily ever after. The day was truly a celebration of love.

Kim and Nate – I feel like a better person just to have met you both and witnessed the love you have not only for each other but for all of your friends and family. Your day – every single moment – was perfect and a beautiful celebration of your love. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your day. I hope you are both enjoying the beauty of France. Much love and xo – Brittany

Kim had the prettiest wedding details set aside for my arrival at the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel … the lace, the pearls, the sparkle …. it was all so gorgeous.

I just adore this moment between Kim and her cousin / superstar maid-of-honor, Lilly and Kim’s Mom.

Kim’s beautiful bridesmaids traveled from all across the country to be by her side.

While I photographed Kim’s wedding preparations, Nicole was hanging out with Nate and his groomsmen.

Nate was a natural in front of the camera, and I thought he looked extra handsome on his wedding day.

The girls braved the chilly, September afternoon for some photos around Chicago including a quick stop at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Kim and Nate wanted some landmark Chicago wedding photos to remember their day, so we opted for this famous dipping photo in front of the Chicago Board of Trade.

Magnificent Brides did a fantastic job with Kim’s hair and make-up. She radiated with beauty all day long.

Nicki from BCR Events did a fantastic job ensuring everything was just perfect for Kim and Nate all day long.

Kim and Nate wrote their own vows to each other …. and well … they were beautiful.

There was so much excitement as they finally put their wedding bands on each other.

Husband and wife … for the very first time!

Kim and Nate have traveled all over the world together, and their cake was the perfect representation of all the amazing cities and skylines they visited with one another.

They know how to make an enterance.

The first dance….

It was an evening full of beautiful toasts and lots of laugher …

Nate was all about capturing selfies throughout the day and into the evening…

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

VENUE : renaissance blackstone hotel // PLANNER : nicki eisenstein of bcr events  // FLOWERS + CENTERPIECES  :  a stem above // LINENS : bbj linen // HARPIST : janel lake // RABBI : michael sernfield // REVEREND : joyce shin // BAND : chicago players // BRIDE’S MAKEUP + HAIR : magnificent brides // TRANSPORTATION : masters transportation // PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT : nicole morisco // PHOTOGRAPHY : brittany bekas photography