All the fairytale wedding vibes are here with Emily and Milan’s wedding photos! This romantic wedding was a dream with Emily and Milan, and it was an honor to play a part in their day at Providence Vineyard this summer!
You might remember these two from their engagement session last fall. We all loved their engagement photos… But gosh, I think their wedding photos are the sweetest icing on the cake! I’m so excited to share more about this couple and their fairytale wedding day on the blog!
From the Bride
Milan and I met the first day of our junior year in college at Loyola University Chicago. It was the night before on August 24, 2014 that I was frantically trying to finish my schedule for the semester. On a whim, I decided to add a Psychology minor and was trying to find a statistics course to fit into my course load. One class appeared on my search and I wasn’t thrilled when I saw it… A 3 hour night class on Monday evenings. It’s safe to say that I’m far from a night owl, so this was a tough decision to make. Take the course and work towards adding a Psychology minor or just settle for my Biology degree… I’m glad I took the class.
I arrived to Mundelein Hall 20 minutes early to snag a seat near the window. We were 10 minutes into class when (in what I now know was perfect Milan late arrival fashion) the cutest guy walked in, gave the instructor a big smile, and sat right in front of me.
After class ended, I made a quick exit for the stairs to walk home. I noticed that the handsome guy from class was keeping up pace with me… As we were 50 feet or so outside of Mundelein Hall, I hear someone behind me shout out, “Hey! Do we have homework?” And the rest is history.
We went on our first vacation in June of 2015 to his family’s condo in Siesta Key, Florida, the summer before our senior year of college. This vacation scenery was a dream, the sunsets were so colorful overlooking the crystal blue water and white flour sand. Milan walked me to a spot on the beach as we were watching the sunset and told me he was going to marry me someday, and I said, “I know.”
Senior year of college, Milan encouraged me as I prepared to take the dental school admission test and supported me every minute I studied. We graduated college together, and my path took me to dental school. For 4 years, Milan and I had a long-distance relationship. It wasn’t always easy being so far away, but Milan never failed to be my biggest champion and support system.
In December of 2019, Milan wanted to take me on a vacation back to Siesta Key before I graduated from dental school. In the same spot on the beach where he first told me he loved me and was going to marry me, the most incredible man got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him.
Milan and I (& our 3-year-old yorkie, Gracie!) now call Lake Geneva, WI home. We love going on walks together, taking our boat out, making dinner, our little herb garden, traveling, and spending time with our families.
The Wedding Day
This wedding day was a first for us at Providence Vineyard! We’ve been ooh-ing and ahh-ing over this new venue and oh so excited for Emily and Milan’s wedding day. For this day, Kyle and I loved working alongside our friends (and fellow married couple!), Joe and Michaela. Joe was our second photographer for the day, and Michaela was the florist while Kyle and I shot video and photo… It’s so fun when all the stars align, and we can create together with dear friends on wedding days. What a joy!
We started the wedding day at the venue where Emily and Milan were getting ready in the on-site suites. So much excitement was in the air – it was contagious!
Before we knew it, it was time for Emily and Milan to share a sweet first look and privately exchange their vows to one another. These were such beautiful, intimate moments, and I’m thankful that we could document them. I remember thinking during these moments that I was so happy Emily and Milan could share a few minutes of quiet and truly undivided attention together in the middle of the hustle and bustle on their wedding day… I know they’ll forever cherish those very moments!
After the first look, it was time for wedding party photos and fun! It was a hot (and a bit windy!) July day, but we were grateful for the gorgeous venue so that we could stay away from the heat as much as possible. Once photos wrapped up, Emily and Milan gushed over the reception details coming together and freshened up before the ceremony.
Emily and Milan shared a sunny, outdoor wedding ceremony at Providence Vineyard with the vineyard surrounding them. Their ceremony combined Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. It was perfect for Emily and Milan! These two were officially MARRIED!
After the ceremony, we photographed the newlyweds with their families and then took a few newlywed photos inside the venue. That staircase photo gives me all the heart eyes – you don’t want to miss it below! Then, it was time to photograph all the lovely, romantic reception details. We were in awe of all the details from the incredible flowers and blush pink glassware to the floral table overlays and custom Nesic Estates Winery wine bottles and more… Everything was a fairytale dream!
Then, it was time to celebrate! By the time the reception rolled around, everyone was ready to have some fun and let loose! We loved documenting the excitement, especially the Serbian dancing. We were also thankful to sneak Emily and Milan out for gorgeous sunset photos in the vineyard before the party really started, too! I mean, the photos of these two at sunset were a romantic dream.
At the end of the evening, Emily and Milan’s guests gathered for a fun sparkler send off. It was the perfect note to end this wedding day on! A few days after this wedding day, Emily sent me this, and I had to share… “What an absolute honor it was to have you and the guys document our special day! I had so many friends in our bridal party and family members compliment how professional and fun you all were! You were so thorough and organized and made everything fun and a breeze! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, it was such an incredible day.”
Emily + Milan – Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for trusting us to document your Providence Vineyard wedding day! We hope you enjoy these photos (and the wedding video coming soon!) for many years to come. Wishing you all the happy married years together!
Creative credit goes to…
Emily’s Attire: Martina Liana at Marien Mae Bridal – Lasalle, IL | Milan’s Attire: Jim’s Formal Wear at Marien Mae Bridal – Lasalle, IL | Wedding Party Attire: Sorella Vita + Jim’s Formal Wear | Hair: I Do Hair by Kimberly May – Chicago, IL | Makeup: Dani at Hannah Elisabeth Beauty – Chicago, IL | Jeweler: Eva Clausen | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Providence Vineyard – Hebron, IL | Wedding Officiant: Rich Rubietta | Guest Accommodations: Bella Vista Suites – Lake Geneva, WI | Wedding Coordinator: Simply Detailed Wedding | Florist: Michaela Mantarian Floral Design Co. – Kankakee, IL | DJ: After Hours Music – Chicago, IL | Transportation: Jones Travel | Reception Rentals: Parker Drive + Dish & Decor Vintage Rentals | Photo Booth: Lake Geneva Party Rental – Lake Geneva, WI | Photographer & Videographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Catering: True Cuisine – Wood Dale, IL | Cake: Gooseberries Catering – Burlington, WI | Invitations + Paper Goods: Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper + Elmwood Paperie | Favors: Nesic Estates Winery
[…] All the fairytale wedding vibes are here with Emily and Milan’s wedding photos! This romantic wedding was a dream with Emily and Milan, and it was an honor to play a part in their day at Providence Vineyard this summer! You might remember these two from their engagement session last fall. We all loved their engagement photos… But gosh, I think their wedding photos are the sweetest icing on the cake… Read more! […]