Tracy and Dan’s summer wedding at the Morton Arboretum is here!
There’s just something about this couple (hi high school sweethearts!) and their wedding day that has my heart! Tracy and Dan are kind, compassionate people. We cannot speak more highly of these two. To know them is to love them, and it’s an honor to share their wedding day!
From the Couple
We are high school sweethearts and started dating at ages 15 and 16. We were in band together and got to know each other on a trip to Florida with our class. Dan proposed in the Great Smokey Mountains on a hike to a waterfall. We enjoy hiking, traveling, biking, kayaking, and trying new restaurants together. We have a sweet puppy named Doc. Dan and I are so excited to be getting married!
Favorite Part of Wedding Planning
We’re starting to get excited as things come together. We are excited to have our day to celebrate us and how far we have come and how much we care for and love each other.
Advice for Engaged Couples
Be patient with each other and try to compromise. Enjoy the process as well!
The Wedding Day
Tracy and Dan’s wedding day started out with hazy, cloudy skies in Chicagoland. The girls and guys gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Lisle to get ready for the day ahead. Once everyone was ready for the day, we made our way outside for the first look. Tracy and Dan shared the sweetest, most emotional first look. I’ll never forget photographing this moment and capturing the love they share for one another, the nerves melting away, and their excitement for the day ahead.
After the first look, we made our way to the Morton Arboretum where all the wedding fun was taking place. We loved making a couple of stops for photos – one at the magnolias and one at the spruce plot. When I photographed Tracy and Dan’s engagement session last fall, we loved exploring the Morton Arboretum and picking out favorite spots for their wedding day. We instantly fell in love with the spruce plot and knew we had to stop there again on Tracy and Dan’s wedding day. As you can see from the photos, the spruce plot did not disappoint on their wedding day!
Once pre-ceremony photos with the couple, wedding party, and family wrapped up, we made our way to the Thornhill Education Center at the Morton Arboretum for the ceremony and reception. Tracy and Dan shared a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking the lawn, trees, and nature behind the Thornhill Education Center. I’ll never forget photographing the sweet moments and emotions they shared during the ceremony. These moments were incredibly meaningful, picturesque, and perfect for these two!
Then, it was time to celebrate! Tracy and Dan envisioned an evening of celebration surrounded by nature and their closest family and friends. It was all of that and more! And I cannot forget to mention that we loved sneaking out for a few minutes of sunset photos with the newlyweds… The best moments!
All in all, Tracy and Dan’s wedding day was one for the books! From the amazing couple and simple wedding day to the beautiful scenery and fun celebration – it was a wonderful day! These two are the best people, and we’re honored to know and love them.
Best Wishes for the Couple
Tracy & Dan – Thank you for asking us to photograph your wedding day! We loved capturing these moments for you two and love you both so much!
Creative credit goes to…
Tracy’s Attire: Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique – Tinley Park, IL | Dan’s Attire: Formally Modern Tuxedo – Orland Park, IL | Wedding Party Attire: Azazie + Formally Modern Tuxedo – Orland Park, IL | Hair: Studio B. – Chicago, IL | Makeup: Danielle Marie Makeup – Chicago, IL | Jeweler: Windy City Diamonds – Chicago, IL | Getting Ready Location: Hyatt Regency Lisle Near Naperville – Lisle, IL | Venue: Morton Arboretum – Lisle, IL | Wedding Officiant: Reverend Russ Sorensen | Guest Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Lisle Near Naperville – Lisle, IL | Florist: Shamrock Garden Florist – Lombard, IL | DJ: Toast and Jam – Chicago, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Catering: Ginkgo Catering – Lisle, IL | Cake: DeEtta’s Bakery – Naperville, IL | Stationery: The Knot
