Emilija and Kent’s beautiful summer wedding day at The BRIX is here!! I will forever be gushing over this couple and their wedding day.
I connected with these two over the winter and had a blast meeting them in Emilija’s hometown of Lemont for engagement photos this spring. From the start, these two have been the kindest, most compassionate souls who love to have fun with each other. I’m honored that they chose me to photograph their engagement and wedding day!
From the Couple
We met on a dating app during November 2020 in the middle of the pandemic. We talked for a few days and decided to meet up on a beautiful November day in Chicago. It was the one 60-degree day in November that everyone else in Chicago also wanted to enjoy! Kent had a “no Friday first date rule” but ultimately broke that rule just this one time. And boy are we glad that he did! We were almost inseparable after our first date.
After almost three years of dating, Kent pulled off the biggest surprise and proposed in Lurie Gardens in Millennium Park in Chicago. Kent’s brother and sister-in-law were in town for the weekend and decided they wanted to go on a segway tour. After lunch and drinks at a rooftop bar, Kent proposed while we were on our way to the fake segway tour. It was the easiest yes! After proposing, Emilija turned around to see her and Kent’s entire families standing behind them. We continued the celebrations on a boat ride on Lake Michigan. It was honestly the perfect proposal and the perfect weekend!
We both love going to and watching sports, cooking and grilling, checking out new bars and restaurants all around Chicago, playing tennis, and hanging out with family.
Favorite Part of the Planning Process
I’ve loved saving all of my favorite ideas on Pinterest and seeing them eventually come to life on our wedding day. Both my brother and sister have also very recently gotten married so it’s been fun for all three of us to be planning our weddings at the same time! – Emilija
In all honestly, my favorite part so far has been the tastings for our catering. Uncle Bub’s brisket is phenomenal! – Kent
Advice for Engaged Couples
Don’t stress the little stuff! Be decisive but have an open mind. Enjoy the engagement process because it goes by way too quickly.
The Wedding Day
Emilija and Kent’s wedding day brought us back to a favorite venue, The BRIX! It’s so fun that Emilija found my work through a past wedding at The BRIX. We love this venue, and love coming back again and again – Emilija and Kent’s wedding day was no exception!
The day started with everyone getting ready. The couple, wedding party, and family were all laid back and excited for the day ahead. I love walking into wedding days like this – where you can feel the excitement for the day! Before we knew it, the venue was decorated and everyone was dressed, so it was time for the first look. Emilija and Kent shared a private first look and exchanged wedding day letters and gifts. These moments were so tender and sweet!
After the first look, the wedding party joined us for photos throughout the venue and outside. Gosh, The BRIX is just a favorite for all that it has to offer! I loved embracing the warm August day for these photos and bouncing a little bit between indoor and outdoor photos to cool off from the heat.
Emilija and Kent shared a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their family and friends. The ceremony included the traditional Lithuanian sash with Emilija and Kent’s name on it – a sash custom made in Lithuania that was used during the ceremony and later as decor at the reception. What a wonderful ceremony to officially make these two husband and wife!
My favorite parts of this day included all of the Lithuanian traditions – the Lithuanian sash during the ceremony, the sash tunnel, the salt/bread/wine tradition, and the traditional folk dance. Emilija and Kent have been telling me about these traditions as we’ve planned for their wedding day. Bless these two for even sharing videos with me of what these traditions are on wedding days! I was extra excited to photograph these traditions in real life. These moments were meaningful to this couple and Emilija’s Lithuanian culture. It means the world to me that I could photograph them!
Another very special part of this wedding day was how Emilija and Kent shared their love for their family and friends. Their wedding party was full of their siblings and siblings-in-law, and I loved that! All of their siblings got to walk down the aisle with their significant other, so sweet. This couple was surrounded by their family all day long, and it was incredibly special!
Emilija & Kent – Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us!! We adore you both and loved photographing your wedding day! You two are amazing people, and I know you will cherish married life with each other.
Creative credit goes to…
Emilija’s Attire: Honey Bridal – Chicago, IL + Alyssa Kristin – Chicago, IL | Kent’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Wedding Party Attire: Birdy Grey + Men’s Wearhouse | Hair + Makeup: Feeling Pretty Inc – Chicago, IL | Jeweler: Dana Rebecca Designs – Chicago, IL | Getting Ready Location: The BRIX on Fox – Carpentersville, IL | Venue: The BRIX on Fox – Carpentersville, IL | Wedding Officiant: Pastor Kyle Severson | Guest Accommodations: Chicago Marriott Northwest – Hoffman Estates, IL | DJ: DJ James Mastrino | Transportation: Chicago Marriott Northwest – Hoffman Estates, IL | Reception Rentals: Mortar Designs – Carpentersville, IL | Photo Booth: The BRIX on Fox – Carpentersville, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: Blush & Briar – Chicago, IL | Catering: Uncle Bub’s BBQ – Westmont, IL | Bartending: 11th Hour Bartending – Aurora, IL | Cake: Costco | Stationery: The Knot
