An endlessly beautiful wedding ceremony in the Cantigny Park Rose Garden, followed by a stylish celebration at Sanctuary Events in Plainfields.
We had such a fun time photographing Lauren & Johnny’s Autumnal wedding at Cantigny Park. As you’ll see, they put together a gloriously elegant occasion that felt genuine, and magical, all at the same time. Today we would like to introduce you to the happy couple, and share their special day.
Cantigny Park was the super charming setting of Lauren and Johnny’s nuptials earlier this year, and what a unique and memorable setting it was! The beautiful gardens and colorful botanicals created the most elegant of backdrops to many a special moment on the day, most notably, their first look. An occasion that we know our couple is glad that they decided to partake in, and one that came across so sweetly on camera. With Lauren gliding through a gorgeous, leafy garden arch towards Johnny, a man waiting patiently for the big reveal. And as he saw Lauren for the first time in her bridal gown, you could see the love in his eyes, and the pride he felt seeing his bride. For the couple, it was an essential moment because as Lauren says, “It was probably the only time we were alone on the most important day of our lives”. Something which is often a shock to so many couples on their big day.
The wedding ceremony itself was a joyous, family affair with so much love floating in the air. And you could see just how close bride and groom were to each other’s families. A closeness that was even evident during Johnny’s proposal, when he and Lauren’s Mum decorated the family home for Christmas, and set up a pretend family photoshoot. There were ornaments and lights hanging everywhere as the family gathered for their portrait. And it was during this cozy moment that Johnny proposed to Lauren, surrounded by her adoring loved ones. Aww!
There were so many cute touches during the couples’ exchange of vows. From puppy page boys and babies in floral covered trailers to the elegant arch they backdropped their “I do’s” with – there wasn’t one element of their nuptials that hadn’t been carefully, and lovingly thought of. Following the vows, we guided the couple and their nearest and dearest towards a special spot we’d marked out for their portraits. Together we created a really wonderful selection of keepsake moments, alongside some fun, goofy shots. Their family and friend were such a hoot and really made it easy for us to get the best out of them. But above all, Lauren and Johnny looked just so natural together.
While the newlyweds were busy looking a million dollars on camera, their vendors and loved ones were hard at work preparing their reception venue for them. Sanctuary Events was the location for their celebrations, and it was expertly decorated in a stunning blend of blues, golds, and greenery. Which worked so well against the exposed brickwork of the warehouse style wedding venue.
Family and friends all partied together on long tables furnished with an abundance of greenery on centerpieces of varying heights. Together, their guests laughed and cried at the many toasts from loved ones, before settling down to enjoy the first dances. Always a special moment for us! Lauren and Johnny had chosen an underrated classic for their first dance as man and wife, Blue by Monaco. A song that suited the vibe of the day so perfectly. After came the father and daughter dance, which was performed to ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ by Frank Sinatra. And the mother and son dance, which was soundtracked by ‘Landslide’ by Fleetwood Mac. And believe me, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house after those three sentimental moments.
The crescendo to the evening, and the ceremonial exit for Lauren and Johnny, was a sparkler send off. A picture perfect scene that will live long in our memories and an image of which we’re sure will take pride of place in the newlyweds’ future home.
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team and create that timeless keepsake of your big day that you’ll love forever. My team and I of Chicago wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
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