Nicole and Thomas’s summer wedding day at Venuti’s is hitting the blog, and I couldn’t be more excited!
These two are the real deal. They’re incredibly kind and fun people, and they light up the room when they are together! I met these two through a past couple (hi Kelsey & Justin!) and am forever grateful for that connection. It’s such a joy when past weddings to bring these connections and for such amazing couples to trust me to document their precious milestones in life.
We’ve been planning details for their wedding day since we took their engagement photos almost two years ago. Time flies when you’re planning a wedding!! We truly loved celebrating Nicole and Thomas’s wedding day this summer!
From the Couple
We met through a mutual friend during covid where we would meet up at restaurants on the patio or at restaurant tables in the middle of the street. We had only talked in group settings until we all went on a group trip to a friend’s lake house in Wisconsin. From that weekend, we spoke every single day. Soon after our trip, we began seeing each other more and more often.
Before we knew it, Thomas was basically moved into Nicole’s condo. He soon realized his love for cats when he got to meet her cat, Xander, and a few years later we adopted another cat, Chloe, together. We went ring shopping after a little over a year of dating. Both of us knew pretty early on that this was it, and we could never see ourselves with other people. Thomas ended up proposing February 6th, 2022 at the Rosemont Ice Rink, during the song, “Marry You’ by Bruno Mars, in front of some of Nicole’s best friends. His family was watching from a restaurant rooftop, and Nicole’s family was decorating her condo for an engagement party where we all went back to celebrate!
Favorite Part of the Planning Process
We loved exploring what our venue had to offer. It was fun to customize our menu and our wedding cake to make unique to us! We also loved creating our registry, as we are in the process of building our home, we were able to add some great finds!
Advice for Engaged Couples
Our best piece of advice is to enjoy being engaged for a while before you start the planning process, because once you start, you won’t stop till the wedding!
The Wedding Day
Nicole and Thomas’s wedding day was everything you could dream of for a summer wedding day… Warm, sunny, and with a little bit of a breeze! We met up with everyone at The Eaglewood Resort & Spa where everyone was getting ready for the day. Before we knew it, it was time for Nicole to share a sweet moment with her dad then head of to the first look with Thomas. Looking back on this first look brings such a smile to my face! Their sheer joy and excitement to see each other and spend the day together is so incredibly evident in these photos and moments. What a beautiful note to start the day on!
After the first look, we made our way to Lake Ellyn for family and wedding party photos. This is one of my favorite spots in the suburbs. It’s small, charming, and tucked away in a lovely neighborhood – such a beautiful spot! I love that Nicole and Thomas loved this spot like I do! Once our time at Lake Ellyn wrapped up, we traveled to Churchill Woods Forest Preserve for some more time spent with this couple and their wedding party. All throughout the afternoon, we were so thankful for such a wonderful summer day!
Then we were on our way to Venuti’s to get these two married and to celebrate the night away! Nicole and Thomas shared a beautiful wedding ceremony surrounded by their family and friends. After the ceremony, we were able to sneak these two away for some sunset newlywed moments. The courtyard at Venuti’s was the perfect spot for these two to share a few quiet moments together. One of my favorite details about Nicole and Thomas’s wedding day was how they chose a few vinyl records to play during dinner. Something we’d never seen before and absolutely adored!!
These two and this Venuti’s wedding day were a dream! They are the best people, and we are so lucky to call them clients and friends!
Nicole & Thomas – Thank you for sharing your wedding day with our team! We adore you both and are cheering you on in life and marriage together. XOXO
Creative credit goes to…
Nicole’s Attire: Reddington Bridal – Park Ridge, IL | Thomas’s Attire: Gentleman’s Quarters Formalwear – Elmhurst, IL | Wedding Party Attire: Azazie + Gentleman’s Quarters Formalwear – Elmhurst, IL | Hair: Golden Bridal Design – Chicago, IL | Makeup: Marissa Flood – Chicago, IL | Jeweler: Jared | Getting Ready Location: Eaglewood Resort & Spa – Itasca, IL | Wedding Officiant: Grant Garvey | Venue: Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall – Addison, IL | Guest Accommodations: Eaglewood Resort & Spa – Itasca, IL | Wedding Coordinator: Courtney Flaska | Florist: Carousel Flowers by Shamrock Garden Florist – Elmhurst, IL | DJ: Amplified Events | Reception Rentals: Chicago Wedding Decoration – Chicago, IL | Photo Booth: Amplified Events | Photographer + Videographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Cake: The Baking Institute – Northbrook, IL | Stationery: The Knot
