This wedding day was perfect in so many ways, and I am honored to share it on the blog today!

These two are the sweetest couple. They fit together perfectly, and they are incredibly kind souls. You may remember them from their engagement session last September in Chicago, too! I am so thankful to have connected to Anna and Geoff through Anna’s sister, Megan. I met and worked alongside Megan at a wedding in late 2016, and it was a honor to connect to her sister once she started planning her wedding. These sisters are the very best!

Anna and Geoff met over four years ago while working night shift at Loyola. Anna was a new nurse, and Geoff was a surgery resident. After a few conversations at work, they discovered their mutual interest and love for running and decided to meet on the lakefront for a run. Their favorite running spot quickly became Milton Lee Olive Park near Navy Pier! After a few years of dating, Anna and Geoff had dinner plans at a special restaurant in the city, and Geoff proposed in their apartment prior to going out and celebrating together. The next day they were able to celebrate with Anna’s family and then Geoff’s family the following week when they were in town visiting. How very sweet! Now, these two love cooking, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and running together in Chicago.

After connecting with these two and hearing all about their wedding day, it truly seemed that they had found the perfect venue for their style and wedding day – The Monte Bello Estate. The estate spans 55 acres of land and is filled with natural beauty, landscapes, a pond, and so much more. And all of their favorite people could celebrate alongside them in one place from their ceremony to reception!

This wedding day started off on a beautiful June morning – I mean, the weather was absolutely gorgeous. We truly could not have asked for a better day for this couple! I loved how Anna and Geoff started the day with their favorite ladies and guys while getting ready. The couple and their favorite people were relaxed and enjoying the morning – just how it should be! Once everyone was ready for the day, it was time for Anna and Geoff’s sweet reveal to one another on their wedding day. I loved capturing their expressions during their first look. Geoff’s face says it all and shows his love for his beautiful bride! Then, we rolled into bridal party photos and explored the estate’s land. So breathtaking!

As the evening began, Anna and Geoff shared an outdoor ceremony with readings from both of their mothers, all of their wonderful family members and friends by their sides, and beautiful sunshine pouring down around them. It was lovely! Then, they celebrated the night away at their reception.

And this wedding day’s style (I cannot forget to mention it!)… LOVE! The natural colors of light gray and ivory married with leafy greens and accents of dark maroon were absolutely beautiful. These colors and style married perfectly with the woodsey feel of the land throughout The Monte Bello Estate. I loved Anna’s woodsey, organic, and outdoor vision for her wedding day. And the florals from Petal Play Design were out of this world. It all came together perfectly!

With each wedding day, I always have favorite details that stand out to me, and this wedding was no exception. First, Anna carried a rhinestone clutch that her grandmother used on her wedding day. Anna’s ADORABLE nieces were also the flower girls on their wedding day – wait until you see them with Anna and Geoff! And the first dance Anna shared with her grandfather. On the other hand, it was wonderful that Geoff’s dad stood as a groomsman and best man along his side throughout the day. Oh, and my very favorite detail of the day was the charm honoring Anna’s late father that Anna’s mother attached to her bouquet while everyone was getting ready. Anna’s father was definitely with her and Geoff and their loved ones all throughout the day.

Friends, this wedding day was perfect in so many ways for Anna and Geoff. From the couple + their amazing people to the venue to the weather to the gorgeous details all throughout the day. These two know how to have a wedding! And their joy and kindness and happiness were pouring out to all of their people all day long.

Anna + Geoff… Thank you for asking me to photograph your wedding day. I don’t say it lightly when I say that it was a true honor to be your photographer and friend throughout the process, and I loved documenting your most special day together. You two are so loved!