Introducing the newlyweds, Kelsey and Justin! You guys, this was my first wedding in SIX MONTHS (thanks coronavirus), and it’s so good to be back. I loved Kelsey and Justin’s late July intimate wedding day!

You probably remember this couple from the wedding day I met them at two years ago or from their gorgeous fall engagement photos last year. They are kind and oh so fun to be around! I’m thankful to know them. Best yet?  I’m honored to photograph both of their wedding days – one this year and one next!

From the Bride

We first met in 2015 in college at a party! Our initial conversation sparked common interest and values. After a few days of casual dates and spending time together, Justin asked me out, and we started dating a few days after we met. There wasn’t one moment that stood out knowing that we were “the one” – there were many! Through the years of us dating and our experiences together, there comes a point when you think, “I could live with this person and experience this joy for the rest of my life.” Not every day is perfect, but we’re perfect together because we can weather the storms when the sun isn’t shining and truly be there for each other when we are in need.

Last year, Justin planned with our now maid of honor to propose out in California. I thought it was just a nice weekend getaway to be a tourist in a different city. We enjoyed the sights of San Francisco and when we were out on a nature trail, Justin surprised me and popped the question in front of the Golden Gate Bridge! I was in complete shock because they were hinting to me that it would not happen until later on in the year but couldn’t be happier that it happened sooner rather than later.

The Wedding Day

Kelsey and Justin’s wedding day started out with a quiet first look at Lilacia Park in Lombard – just blocks from the church where they would be getting married an hour later. I loved setting up the first look and seeing these two for the first time on their wedding day myself. It was such a sweet moment to document their smiles and a few tears, too! After a few photos around the pretty little park, we traveled to their home church – St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lombard – for their wedding ceremony.

These two shared an intimate wedding ceremony with only 27 people in their presence, including myself and their pastor. And I loved being there to document it! After they officially joined the newlywed club, we took family photos and traveled to our second photo location – Lake Ellyn in Glen Ellyn.

I loved being back at Lake Ellyn with the newlyweds. At the start of July, I visited Lake Ellyn for a session with one of our couples, Melissa + Adam, and knew it would be the perfect fit for Kelsey and Justin’s intimate wedding day photos, too!

The park was quiet, and I fell in love with the magical mid-afternoon light shining through the trees. Wait until you see all the photos of this gorgeous couple below!

Kelsey and Justin – Thank you for sharing your sweet, intimate wedding day with me! It was a joy to document your day, and I can’t wait to celebrate again with you two, your families, and your wedding party next summer!

 

 

Creative credit goes to…

Bride’s Attire: Fashion Nova | Ceremony: St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – Lombard, IL | Wedding Officiant: Pastor Pete Imlah | Florist: Carousel Florist by Shamrock Garden Florist – Elmhurst, IL

P.S. – Wanna read more love stories and get wedding inspiration? I love sharing more wedding days here!