The sun peaked through the skyscrapers and glistened on the Chicago River. Overlooking the city where they fell in love, Carolyn laughed with her bridesmaids in her suite at the Renaissance Hotel. Her wedding day arrived in full glory and excitement radiated through her body as she slipped into her Paloma Blanca dress.

The April weather finally felt like spring as Dan stood along the riverwalk wearing a smile that never left his face. Carolyn fell into Dan’s arms the moment she saw him, which is where she remained the rest of the day. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

They invited their friends and family to celebrate their beautiful ceremony as their hearts grew to encompass each other’s hopes, dreams and promises. In each other they found a running buddy, a cooking partner …. and more importantly, their future.  Sealed with a kiss, they promised each other forever.

Carolyn + Dan – My heart is bursting with love for you both. The respect, love and joy you share for not only each other but also your friends and family is extremely special, and it was an honor to document it. I wish you all the best as you navigate through life together. Soak up all the beauty of Maui and be sure to eat plenty of pineapple for me! With love and gratitude – Brittany

The day began with hair and makeup at the Renaissance Chicago…made better with endless champagne…

Carolyn’s bridesmaids were so much fun and full of so much joy.

I was smitten with Carolyn’s dress as it highlighted her effortless beauty.

Carolyn’s mom, Karen, was so kind and gracious…and enjoyed every minute of helping her daughter into her wedding dress…

There is nothing sweeter than capturing a proud mom when she sees her daughter on her wedding day.

While I was off with the girls, Nicole was capturing Dan and the guys.

Dan and Carolyn opted to see each other before the wedding ceremony, which allowed for plenty of time for wedding photos around Chicago.

I joked with Dan that he should save his smile, but he couldn’t wipe it off his face.

Carolyn beamed with joy when she finally saw Dan.

…. and Dan was awed by his stunning bride.

Utter happiness …

There was so much laughter, it made me giddy.

How gorgeous are these girls?! They radiated with beauty inside and out.

These blooms from Exquisite Designs were simply gorgeous.

Dan surrounds himself with guys that are funny, kind, and easy-going.

Their friends and family made us feel like we were apart of their crew.

Their love was the envy of those around them all day long.

Dan was extra handsome in his tux, but the fact that he literally smiled all day made him even more handsome.

Such a sweet love ….

Did I mention how perfect of a day we had. Chicago, thank you for showing up when it counts.

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church is beyond stunning from the outside ….

…. and the inside is even more gorgeous.

Dan was just as excited to see his stunning bride for the second time …

Everything about Carolyn walking down the aisle was beautiful.

In front of those they love the most, they committed their lives to each other.

A lovely ceremony for two even lovelier people.

For the first time as Mr. and Mrs!!!

As we took family photos after the ceremony, the Lola Event Productions and the Galleria Marchetti team transformed the reception into perfection.

I gasped when I saw this gold ombre cake from Amy Beck Cake Designs. And yes, it tasted just as good as it looks!

Exquisite Designs created these beautiful centerpieces and all of the gorgeous bouquets and boutonnieres.

 

Daniela from Lola Event Productions had every detailed covered and kept the day running ahead of schedule.

Friends toasted in their honor reminiscing about past adventures together …

… and recalling the moments they knew Carolyn and Dan would marry. Dan’s brother, Matt, knew Dan would spend forever with Carolyn when Dan started cooking. Dan never cooked more than a bowl of cereal before he was with Carolyn.

Laughter ensued.

The first dance was sweet …

and a little bit of fun!

The newlyweds spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor surrounded by endless amazing dance moves.

It was one fun party as everyone gathered on the dance floor thanks to amazing jams from Answer Back Entertainment.

Carolyn and Dan snuck outside for a couple moments alone … and ended the night with a kiss under the city lights.

Many thanks to the wonderful team who made the day so special for Carolyn and Dan.

CEREMONY : st. alphonsus catholic church // VENUE : galleria marchetti  // WEDDING PLANNER : lola event productions (daniela) // FLORIST : exquisite designs  // MAKEUP + HAIR : tamara makeup + hair artistry // DJ : answer black enterainment // CAKE : amy beck cake designs // VIDEOGRAPHER :  imagination desigers (brianne) // PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT : nicole morisco // PHOTOGRAPHY : brittany bekas photography