This wedding day was a dream! 

Meet Colette and Alfonso. They are the sweetest couple, and the perfect match. These two light up a room with their charming, kinds, and silly personalities, and I love them so!

These two met at Western Illinois University in 2007 during art history class. They had mutual friends at the time but had never really talked much. Over the next seven years, they ran into each other several times, but it wasn’t until Alfonso was in downtown Chicago celebrating a promotion at work when Alfonso thought of Colette and reached out to her… Throughout the following week, they texted back and forth, and Alfonso finally asked her out on a date – to a Chicago Bears game. Colette said yes, and this was their first official date! I love their story as it is a true testament to God’s timing and how things work out in life when you least expect it. These two had known each other for seven years before their relationship blossomed and continued to grow into what it is today.

In April of 2017, Colette and Alfonso were having a bonfire at their home – something they love to do during the spring, summer, and fall months. It was just the two of them, their pup, and a beautiful evening. Colette didn’t think a proposal would happen anytime soon since they had just settled into their new home, but Alfonso completely surprised her… In their backyard enjoying one of their favorite things together! And you know what? The proposal wasn’t even planned – Alfonso just said the moment felt right, so he decided it was the perfect moment in their story to ask Colette to marry him. Goodness, these two are the best!

Colette and Alfonso are dog parents (hello!), so of course I love them! But really, they are awesome dog parents who love to take their pups for walks, try new places to eat, and spend time outside. Family is everything to these two, and they truly value the time spent with their loved ones. These two believe life is too short, so you have to enjoy it together. Yes, yes, yes!

I loved connecting with this couple at the start of this year, and I have loved every moment spent with them leading up to their wedding day and beyond. And you may even remember their adorable engagement session in the downtown Frankfort, Illinois area, too – you can see it here!

On the day of their wedding, it was a cold November day, but the fall colors were in full swing, and we were thankful. Thankful for love and marriage and lifelong commitment. Thankful for family and friends and loved ones. Thankful for fall. Thankful for Colette stumbling across my work on Instagram. Thankful for an incredible vendor team. And thankful for so much more…

The day started as Colette and Alfonso got ready at The Westin Chicago Northwest – just up the road from their home. I loved how these two chose to have their wedding festivities in their “backyard” and in an area that means so much to them. It’s so fun to think about how often they will drive past their reception venue (and maybe attend other events there, too!) and attend services at the church they were married in throughout the years to come – all in their little local community. I love it!

As the morning rolled into the early afternoon, Colette and Alfonso shared a Catholic ceremony uniting them in marriage before we braved the chilly fall day for photos. I loved their wedding day style that brought together burgundy, greens, and golds – LOVE! And of course, all throughout the day I absolutely loved working alongside their day-of coordinator Hayley Hawkinson. This lady rocks! And soon enough, it was time for Colette and Alfonso to join their reception festivities to celebrate!

Like always, I had a few favorite details on this wedding day… First, I loved how Colette and Alfonso chose to gift Colette’s mom a necklace with diamonds from her grandmother. Another favorite detail of the day was the Mexican trio band that played during their cocktail hour – it was the perfect addition to the evening. And finally, I truly loved documenting Colette and Alfonso with their loved ones on their wedding day. These two fiercely love and are fiercely loved by their tribe, and this was so evident on their wedding day.

Colette + Alfonso… Thank you for asking me to be a part of your wedding day! I will be forever thankful you stumbled across my work on Instagram… It is a joy to know you and call you both friends! Enjoy all of these photos!!

Bride’s Attire: Volles Bridal & Boutique – Lake Zurich, IL | Bridesmaid Attire: White by Vera Wang at David’s Bridal | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Ryan Seacrest at Macy’s | Hair: Jojo’s Hair Studio – Warrenville, IL | Makeup: Deanna Lewis Makeup Artist – Naperville, IL | Getting Ready Location: The Westin Chicago Northwest – Itasca, IL | Ceremony: St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church – Itasca, IL | Reception Venue: The Westin Chicago Northwest – Itasca, IL | Guest Accomodations: The Westin Chicago Northwest – Itasca, IL | Transportation: Cloud 9 Limos – Elk Grove Village, IL | Wedding Coordinator: Hayley Hawkinson at Hawkinson Events – Oswego, IL | Florist: Fabbrini Flowers, Inc. – Hoffman Estates, IL | Mexican Trio: Trio Los Primos De Mexico – Chicago, IL | DJ: Toast & Jam – Chicago, IL | Reception Rentals: Fabbrini Flowers, Inc. – Hoffman Estates, IL | Videographer: RAC Visual – Chicago, IL | Catering: The Westin Chicago Northwest – Itasca, IL  | Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery – Chicago, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: DIY | Calligrapher: Alyx Braun – Southern California