Her dress was ready for pictures! Dawn was wrapping up her hair and makeup when I arrived.
Dawn was so expressive! A photographer’s dream!
Dawn’s little sister was waiting patiently while everyone was getting ready.
I caught the hotel’s handyman in the act. The AC was out and it was hot out!
Dawn’s unique personality was showcased through some of the well thought-out details of her wedding day attire.
She asked me to photograph her sister all covered in bubbles!
I love this shot of her!
Dawn and her mother share a moment together before heading out.
We snapped a quick shot in the elevator on our way out.
The trusty ole’ blue line…
which we took to get to the ceremony! Love it!
The train pulled up after a short wait.
The flower girl looks so cute here. She’s a pro at riding the el!
We arrived at the California stop to catch a rickshaw!
I had my own rickshaw for photos! My driver showed up in style.
Dawn caught a rickshaw for the rest of the journey. It was a mini wedding day parade!
This chuppah was stationed in Palmer Square waiting for their arrival.
A mariachi band provided music for the ceremony. They were amazing.
Ben and Dawn see each other for the first time before heading down the aisle hand in hand.
And we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather for the ceremony.
I loved the fabric draped from the trees. The ceremony site was gorgeous.
I had fun playing with the fabric and leaves during the ceremony!
Love this one.
Dawn’s family.
Ben’s father.
Dawn’s brother served as ring bearer. So handsome!
Some family members helped hold the chuppah in place during the ceremony.
Dawn and Ben did a beautiful job of incorporating tradition from both sides of the family into their ceremony.
Their mothers join them.
Mazel Tov!
They did it!
and into the rickshaw!
The mariachi played as Dawn and Ben rode off.
We went back to their house to take some photos before the party.
We took some beautiful engagement pictures at their home and garden earlier in the summer, and I was looking forward to shooting there on the wedding day.
I didn’t have to tell them anything. They just did their thing!
Adorable!
You can’t have a pitchfork and NOT riff on ‘American Gothic’!
Dawn and her brother are very close… it was a big day for them both.
Those in the know partied with these two.
Her grandfather.
Dawn greets him before the family photos.
It was fun crowd!
Ben had to maintain his energy for the day. Good thing they have plenty of nourishment in their front yard!
Some of their details.
Nature was used as a unifying element throughout their day.
A great design, used for the favor boxes. DIY all the way!
She asked her mother to bring some Southwest Airline swizzle sticks for the bartenders to pass out.
Her father was in charge of the hora chairs!
They danced around the mariachi band and headed to the dance floor to start the hora!
LOVED it!
Dawn was having the time of her life.
The reception was also held in Palmer Square. The family all pitched in to decorate, set up and make this day great!
A family sing along.
Dawn dances with her grandfather.
The sun went down as the dinner and speeches began.
Ben’s brother got pretty emotional during his speech.
The lighting was ridiculous. It made things easy for me!
Dawn and Ben break in the dance floor.
Some night sky.
Dawn and her father.
But really, eating cake with your fingers is the best way to do it.
A thumbs up from the bride means you better take a slice of cake!
And then everyone hit the dance floor.
Lots of love throughout the day.
I think some important advice was being doled out here.
Dawn had such great energy throughout the whole day. She never slowed down!
It was great working with you both. All the best as you begin your life together!