From a sweaty proposal halfway up a mountain to a super sophisticated wedding surrounded by loved ones, this is the story of Jamie & Matt’s special day.
As wedding photographers in Chicago, we’re blessed to be able to go to visit some stunning locations and meet some wonderful people. The wedding of Jamie and Matt at The Haley Mansion was the perfect example of this! Two kind-hearted and genuine people very much in love, getting married in one heck of a beautiful place! We felt privileged to be able to capture their big day, and today we would love to share it with you.
The Real Wedding of Jamie and Matt at The Haley Mansion
Our couple, Jamie and Matt, grew up in the same town and even attended the same high school, but didn’t know each other growing up. However, serendipity stepped in later in life and brought them together while working within the same company in their 20s. Love flourished between them, and after 6 years of romance, thoughts soon turned to marriage.
An Unusual Response to a Very Big Question
It was during the height of the pandemic that Matt decided to pop the question to Jamie, whilst on a trip to the Rocky Mountains. Flights at the time were a lot less expensive than usual, and as they were both working from home, Matt and Jamie decided to take a little trip to Colorado. Their vacation took them to the incredible Rocky Mountain National Park, where they embarked on a thrilling 10-mile hike. 5 miles into the hike, the couple stopped near a waterfall to admire the view, and catch their breath. Jamie was, at this point, thoroughly sweaty and out of breath. It was then, while she was gathering herself for the next 5 miles, she saw Matt get down on one knee and propose. Shocked, surprised, and more than a little fatigued, Jamie said, “I hate you, I can’t breathe right now.” Suffice to say, she eventually said yes, and they excitedly continued their hike.
When Bridal Shopping, You Need to Trust Your Instincts
Many things became harder to do during the height of the pandemic, and one of them was certainly wedding dress shopping. Especially if you wanted more than one guest to be with you. Jamie knew she needed all 8 of her bridesmaids, and her mum, to be there to help her find ‘the one! Thankfully, Here Comes The Bride boutique in Glenwood Heights was able to help her out, and arranged an after hours appointment for her, and the gang. Together, they sipped Mimosas and shared snacks, all lovingly provided by the boutique.
Before visiting the store, Jamie had done her bridal gown research and made a try-on list of gowns that she knew she liked. The first gown saved to that list was an A-line from Allure, and before she entered the store, she had a feeling it was the gown. It happened to be the first dress she tried on, and she loved it as much as she thought she would. But Jamie still carried on and tried the other gowns on her list, plus others suggested by the stylist. But in the end, none of them felt the same as the first one. As Jamie said, “I need to learn to trust my instincts more often” — because sometimes you just know!
Matt Couldn’t Resist Shedding a Tear
Jamie and Matt wanted to keep some parts of their big day as traditional as possible. And so, the couple chose not to see each other before they exchanged their vows. A decision that they were both so pleased they made because when they did finally see each other at either end of the aisle, it was a magical moment.
Matt had sworn that he would be too nervous to cry, but when he saw Jamie for the first time walking towards him, he couldn’t hold back the tears! It was so romantic, and a moment we felt privileged to have witnessed.
Get Your Groomsmen in Line
When you have a large wedding party, it can sometimes be difficult to wrangle everyone together. Especially when you want to take group shots of everyone. Jamie and Matt certainly experienced this on their big day, with 8 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen (plus page boys) to get in order. For us, as wedding photographers in Chicago, this wasn’t our first rodeo, and we were soon able to organize all those lovely ladies in lilac. But the boys in suits, on the other hand, were a little more difficult to get in line! But with our calm, direct instructions they were soon on their best behavior! And together we created some wonderfully fun group shots.
A Stunning Wedding Venue Surrounded By History
If you haven’t added The Haley Mansion in Joliet, Illinois to your wedding venue visit list yet, you really should because it is just so special. Complete with elegant chandeliers, pristine marble floors, and panoramic glass windows that overlook the lush gardens — there is not one inch of this historic property that isn’t picture-perfect. And this stunning venue provided the perfect backdrop to so many special moments during Jamie and Matt’s big day. In particular, their first dances’, which were all so sweet. Especially the first dance of Jamie and Matt, which was to Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton, a very touching song that beautifully soundtracked the occasion.
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.
We welcome you to browse our portfolio of wedding photography, videography and if you would like information about our investments please click here. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Chicago, or beyond, and you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
