Romantic Boho Eaglewood Resort & Spa Wedding in Itasca, Illinois | Jessica + Mike

It’s an honor to share Jessica and Mike’s romantic Eaglewood Resort wedding day today!

We’ve been patiently waiting for this wedding day since Jessica and Mike got engaged in May 2019… After a two-year engagement (see their engagement session here) and postponing their wedding day, these two have definitely jumped through hoops and done it all with a smile and kind hearts. We love them for that! Gosh, it was so special and brings me joy that we were trusted to document their wedding day with both photography and videography.

From the Couple

The start of our story: Mike and I both worked as youth counselors at a residential treatment facility for at-risk youth. We didn’t know each other well, but we would see one another around frequently. As time went on, Mike and I kept running into each other at work. There was this overwhelming feeling that I needed to get to know this person. I was seeing someone else at the time, but Mike was so respectful and patient and never pursued me until my situation changed.

Once it did, I found out that Mike had been interested in me all along, but he kept it to himself in order to respect my current situation. The connection sparked pretty quickly and we began spending a lot of time together.

Fast forward a few months… Fourth of July weekend came and Mike had gotten his dream job as a police officer in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and had to move right away to start the police academy. We had to decide if we were going to make this relationship official and put in the hard work that it would take to make a long-distance relationship successful. We agreed that we were all-in. Six months later, I took a leap of faith and chose to continue pursuing my degree at Loyola University Chicago so that we could take on these new adventures together.

The proposal: On May 10th, 2019 I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work, and we planned a party for that evening to celebrate. Both of our families, friends, coworkers came up to celebrate and we were having a great time. What I didn’t know was that everyone in that room knew what was coming but me! Mike played our song so when it came on the speakers, I was excited and knew he must have done it to be sweet as he has many times before.

When I went to hug him, he seemed a little nervous. Then I noticed everyone standing around us with their phones out… But it still didn’t hit me until he got down on one knee! Mike nailed it – I was completely surprised with so many of our favorite people there with us to celebrate!

Here we are now: 6+ years, a puppy, and one postponed wedding later. We have built a life that I could not be more grateful for. I use Mike as an example when I am talking to my friends about never settling for less than they deserve. He has shown me what true, healthy, imperfect love is supposed to feel like through his intentions, his patience, and his ability to consistently communicate to me in the love languages that I need.

The Wedding Day

Yay, Jessica and Mike’s wedding day was finally here! We arrived at the Eaglewood Resort while the couple and their wedding parties were getting ready for the day ahead. Jessica was putting her finishing touches on her vows while Mike hung out with his friends. The excitement was building for the day ahead! Before we knew it, it was time to get Jessica into her dress and ready for the first look.

I loved Jessica and Mike’s first look! It was an intimate, sweet moment between these two and you could not match the smile on Mike’s face. As they embraced and shared in those quiet moments together, you could see that they were home with one another and ready for the day.

After the first look, we set out for wedding party photos at the Eaglewood Resort. Their wedding party was a blast to spend the afternoon with and gosh, the kiddos were adorable! Just wait until you scroll and see those photos.

Then, it was the moment everyone had been waiting for – the wedding ceremony! Jessica and Mike shared an outdoor ceremony and personal vows while surrounded by their loved ones and their pup, Jax. Jax was the pup of honor, and it was adorable! Peep the photos with Jax post-ceremony… I’m obsessed!

Once things were official, we spent a little time on the golf course for sunset photos. These photos were a dream. I truly think they capture Jessica and Mike’s love and adoration for one another. These are some of my favorite sunset photos we’ve taken this year!

As the sun went down, it was time to celebrate and dance the nice away! My favorite part of the reception was the surprise Jessica had for Mike! She brought in a catered cigar bar to surprise him, and it was so unique. She’s been keeping it a surprise for two years. I think we can all agree that it was worth it!

Jessica & Mike – Thank you for trusting us to document your wedding day and for sharing your day with us! We adore you two (and Jax!) and your love. Wishing you so much happiness in your marriage!