It’s time to celebrate Kelsey and Justin again! These two were married last summer at an intimate wedding ceremony with their closest family members and friends present. This year, they got to do it all again – but bigger – with their loved ones at Gaslite Manor Banquets!
It’s been an honor to photograph both of their wedding days – last year and this year!
From the Couple
We first met in 2015 in college at a party! Our initial conversation sparked common interests 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. We can weather the storms when the sun isn’t shining and truly be there for each other when we are in need.
In 2019, 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 second wedding day was a traditional Greek wedding, and we loved it! The day started at Hotel Arista where everyone got ready. The first look took place on the hotel balcony, and it was windy but oh so beautiful. I remember thinking in the early moments of this wedding day how lucky Kelsey and Justin were that everything worked out this way with both of their wedding days… They were able to have a wedding in 2020 that focused on Kelsey’s Lutheran traditions and a wedding in 2021 that focused on Justin’s Greek traditions. How perfectly fitting for this couple!
After the first look, we traveled to Mayslake for wedding party photos, and then it was Greek ceremony time. This was the first Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony that Kyle and I have ever photographed, and we loved the experience. After the ceremony, we traveled to Cantigny Park for photos. And guess what?! Luck was in Kelsey and Justin’s favor once again and we missed a little rainstorm before the skies cleared for some gorgeous photo time.
Once photos wrapped up, we traveled to the final location of the day – Gaslite Manor Banquets – where the Greek reception celebration took place. It was the perfect reception for Kelsey and Justin with the most heartfelt speeches and dancing, lots of Greek dancing!
Every part of this wedding day brought Kelsey and Justin’s timeless and classic wedding style to life. We loved celebrating with these two again and wish them the best in their marriage together!
Creative credit goes to…
Kelsey’s Attire: Martina Liana at Wolsfelt Bridal – Aurora, IL | Justin’s Attire: Calvin Klein | Wedding Party Attire: David’s Bridal | Hair: Monica Cardenas | Makeup: Alicia Lange-Whittle | Jeweler: Macy’s | Getting Ready Location & Guest Accommodations: Hotel Arista – Naperville, IL | Ceremony: Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church – Westchester, IL | Wedding Officiants: Father Nicholas Dahdal & Father Andrew Karamitos | Reception Venue & Catering: Gaslite Manor Banquets – Aurora, IL | Florist: Carousel Flowers by Shamrock Garden Florist – Elmhurst, IL | DJ: Admit One DJs – Naperville, IL | Transportation: Midwest Coach Limousine – North Aurora, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: Chicago Video Guru – Aurora, IL | Cake: DeEtta’s Bakery – Naperville, IL
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