Sidney and Brendan’s beautiful summer wedding day in Michigan City is here!
I connected with these two last year after they got engaged. Sidney and I hit it off from the start, and to say I’ve truly loved becoming her wedding photographer and friend over the past year is an understatement. These two, their families, and their wedding party made this day absolutely incredible and memorable, and a wedding day we won’t soon forget!
From The Couple
In May, we celebrated ten years together. We started dating in middle school and did long distance for five years. We truly feel like we have grown up together and that is quite special to us.
The proposal was the most magical day we both could have imagined. It was on the beach in Florida where we have spent many years on family vacations together. Both sides of the family surprised Sidney, and it was the most perfect day surrounded by love and family.
Favorite Part of The Planning Process
Being able to sip on a glass of wine on the couch and plan out what the most memorable day of our relationship thus far will be and selecting every single thing. Food tasting was also an added plus!
Advice for Engaged Couples
Enjoy the little things and be patient with each other! Not everything will fall into place perfectly, but that’s okay! Roll with the punches and focus on each other as opposed to the little things that may be going on.
The Wedding Day
I truly don’t know if there is enough room on this blog post for me to adequately share and encompass Sidney and Brendan’s wedding day! So, I’m going to try, but trust me, the photos speak for themselves.
Sidney and Brendan’s wedding day started out with each of them getting ready in houses at the beach walk in Michigan City. Their wedding day was a mini-destination from their home in Chicagoland, and I think everyone loved that detail.
Throughout the morning and getting ready, I loved getting to know Sidney’s family and friends better and getting to photograph the excitement they were feeling. I’ll never forget the moment when Sidney walked in after hair and makeup to her bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law singing “Love Story” by Taylor Swift. The perfect moment!
Meanwhile, Brendan and his guys were getting ready around the corner. As Kyle photographed him getting ready for the day ahead, the nerves were building but Brendan couldn’t be more excited to see Sidney walking down the aisle. Off to the church we went!
Sidney and Brendan were raised Catholic, so it was incredibly meaningful for their home parish deacon to perform their ceremony and celebrate their marriage with them. You could feel the love in the room as Sidney and Brendan said “I Do”. These two shared an epic church exit with bubbles and a getaway car – Sidney’s dad’s 1971 Ford Mustang GT. Everyone loved it!
After the ceremony, it was time to make our way to the reception venue – White Oak Farm Venue in Michigan City. Sidney and Brendan chose this venue after falling in love with the barns and property. Bonus, it was close enough to Chicagoland for all family to travel to for a mini-destination wedding day!
We loved spending some time in the afternoon taking wedding party, family, and couples photos before Sidney and Brendan joined cocktail hour. Then, it was time to really kick off the reception and celebrate! Sidney and Brendan had a choreographed first dance that all of their family and friends loved. And gosh, this dance floor was packed – we love to see it!
A few of the little details we loved throughout this day – Sidney wearing her grandmother’s ring, the Mustang church exit, the custom cigar bar, and the most gorgeous summer sunset to end the day.
All in all, Sidney and Brendan had a memorable and meaningful wedding day that was so true to them as a couple. They were surrounded by their favorite people all day long and shared so many tender, beautiful emotions throughout the day. The photos ahead are just a glimpse into this amazing day. We adore this couple and feel honored to know and love them!
Best Wishes for the Couple
Sidney & Brendan – We wish you two many happy married years ahead. Always lean on each other and enjoy the little moments together! It was an incredible joy to photograph your wedding day!
Creative credit goes to…
Sidney’s Attire: Grace Loves Lace – Chicago, IL | Brendan’s Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Party Attire: Revelry + The Black Tux | Hair: The Hair Spot – Frankfort, IL | Makeup: Girl on the Glow | Jeweler: Distinctive Gold – Frankfort, IL | Ceremony: St. Ann of the Dunes – Beverly Shores, IN | Wedding Officiant: Deacon Tony Schlott | Reception Venue: White Oak Fam Venue – Michigan City, IN | Guest Accommodations: Blue Chip Casino – Michigan City, IN | Florist: La Petite Florist – Chicago, IL | DJ: DJ Blk Soldier – Park Forest, IL | Transportation: Gladwell Limo – South Bend, IN + M&M Limo – Chicago, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: Brandon Wilson Films | Catering: CK Catering – Benton Harbor, IN | Cake: Desserts by Juliette – Kouts, IN | Mobile Cigar Lounge: The Mobile Cigar Lounge – Hopatcong, NJ
