We photographed Claire and James’ engagement session in undesirable conditions one October morning. It was cold and wet and the sun was nowhere to be seen. Yet, the session turned out to be beautiful. I think the universe thought they pulled off an amazing engagement session in that weather, let’s give them rain on their wedding day. What a coincidence, right?

The day started off at the Hotel Indigo in Naperville, one of my favorite getting ready locations for our local brides in the suburbs. James and the guys were looking dapper in their tuxedoes. Their deep-rooted friendships are obvious as the day was filled with smiles and laughters from their morning drinks to their night-time dance offs. Claire and her ladies were absolutely mesmerizing when I entered their room next. Tears of joy and awe greeted Claire as she came out of the bathroom on her wedding dress. Her mother and sister certainly almost made me cry.

With umbrellas in tow, we took separate wedding party photos around the Naperville Riverwalk. As a wedding photographer, I’ve learned to work with my couples and strategize during the timeline planning to maximize portrait times. It’s a coordinated effort to ensure the couple don’t see each other if they don’t want to have a first look before the ceremony. We pulled it off successfully!

They wanted to do a “First Touch” and read their vows to each other sight unseen. It was a beautiful, private moment, except for the 2 photographers and 2 videographers in the room capturing it all, of course! I don’t even remember exactly what was said, but I remember the smiles, the tears and the radiating feeling of being so much in love while the cameras were clicking and lights were flashing.

Since it rained, the outdoor ceremony was moved indoors at the Arrowhead Golf Club. Despite plans changing, I don’t believe the level of excitement would have changed. The room was full of their beloved families and friends who took time out of their lives to celebrate such a big moment. As soon as the rain stopped, we managed to get a few full wedding party photos outside. And how magnanimous they all looked!

My favorite part of the wedding day has always been the couple’s portraits! These are the moments you post on your social media or hang on your walls so I definitely bring my biggest A game to these! The sun finally showed up right when it was around golden hour. I literally convinced Claire and James to come out to the best part of Arrowhead Golf Club in the middle of the dinner. The flowers were in full bloom and there I took the dreamiest, fairytale-like wedding portraits I’ve ever taken.

Without further a do, here are some of the photos from their wedding!

Vendor Love

• Ceremony/Reception Venue: Arrowhead Golf Club
• Getting Ready Location: Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk
• Flowers: Busy B’s Floral
• Hair and Make up Artists: Blush and Braids Beauty Bar
• Wedding Dress: The Altar Bridal
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
• Men’s Tuxedo: The Generation Tux
• Videographer: Old North Film Company
• DJ: Impulse Entertainment
• Transportation: M&M Limo Services
• Invitation Suite: Minted