Elaine and Chris’s fall CD&ME wedding day is here!
This wedding day reflected the start of fall in so many ways, and we loved celebrating Elaine and Chris’s love all day long. I connected with this couple last year after they found my work on Instagram, and we hit it off from the start. After taking Elaine and Chris’s engagement photos last fall, I knew their wedding day would be nothing short of amazing!
From The Bride
We first met in fourth grade and had classes together until 8th grade. After junior high, we went in different directions, attending different high schools and colleges. We met again 10 years later in 2018, when we both ended up at the same bar in Lincoln Park. After convincing one of my friends to go talk to Chris, we were reintroduced.
The proposal was something that Chris really prioritized to be a surprise. He only informed immediate family members and picked out the ring with the help of my mom and his mom. On July 3, 2022, we went for brunch at a restaurant on the lake and went for a walk along the lake after. Chris told me to turn around so he could take a picture of me with the skyline in the background, and he got down on one knee when I turned around. I was so surprised and excited.
We both love to explore new places, food, meeting new people, and just experiencing life together. We both love living in Chicago due to the vibrant culture and variety of things to do; such as going to the Wicker Park farmers market, exploring different restaurants and going to the lakeshore.
Favorite Part of The Planning Process
Our favorite part of the planning process was developing the guest list and seeing how many people have had an effect on our lives, both as a couple and individually.
Advice for Engaged Couples
We think the best piece of advice for couples is to not expect life to be without conflict, relationships are about compromise and supporting each other.
The Wedding Day
Elaine and Chris’s wedding day kicked off with the girls getting ready at Elaine’s childhood home and the guys getting ready at Chris’s dad’s home. The sentimental start to this wedding day warmed my heart!
Once everyone was ready for the day, we traveled to downtown Frankfort to catch some fall colors and document Elaine, Chris, their wedding party, and their families. The fall colors really started showing off by this late September wedding day! We loved documenting those fall colors and sweet moments for Elaine and Chris. They shared an intimate first look with a few tears, and the photos bring us right back to that moment. After the first look, the wedding party and their families joined us for photos and fun.
As photos wrapped up and the ceremony drew closer, we traveled to CD&ME where the wedding festivities took place. It’s so easy to see why Elaine and Chris fell in love with CD&ME and chose it as their wedding venue. It’s a gorgeous venue and was the perfect backdrop for their fall wedding.
Elaine and Chris shared an absolutely beautiful outdoor ceremony at CD&ME surrounded by their wedding party, families, and loved ones.
After the ceremony and before celebrating at their reception, we snuck away with the newlyweds for a few sunset photos. And when I say sunset photos – I mean some of my favorite sunset photos this wedding season! The light was warm and beautiful and perfect for a few quiet minutes with the newlyweds.
Thinking back to the moments throughout their beautiful fall wedding day makes me smile. We couldn’t have been more grateful for the perfect day to celebrate Elaine and Chris! I hope they cherish these photos and moments for many years to come.
Elaine & Chris – Thank you for asking us to document your wedding day at CD&ME! We adore you both and absolutely loved creating these photos (and video!) for you. Cheers to many happily married years ahead!
Creative credit goes to…
Elaine’s Attire: Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique – Tinley Park, IL | Chris’s Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Party Attire: Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique – Tinley Park, IL + The Black Tux | Hair + Makeup: Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry – Chicago, IL | Jeweler: Joel Singer Jewelry – Chicago, IL | Wedding Officiant: Mary Danahy | Venue: CD&ME – Frankfort, IL | Guest Accommodations: Wingate by Wyndham – Tinley Park, IL | Venue Coordinator: Catherine Storbeck | Florist: An English Garden – Tinley Park, IL | DJ & Photo Booth: Sound Sonic Professional Entertainment – Chicago, IL | Transportation: Best Chicago Limo Service – Chicago, IL | Reception Rentals: Rural 27 – Manhattan, IL | Photographer + Videographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Catering: Scrementi’s – Steger, IL | Cake: Creative Cakes Bakery – Tinley Park, IL | Stationery: Etsy | Favors: Ivory & Sage Co. – Chicago, IL