Dawn and Todd | Jeremy Lawson Photography

The day had finally arrived! My very good friend (and fellow photographer) Dawn Roscoe was getting married to my other very good friend, Todd. Dawn and I have photographed dozens of weddings together and we were both excited that it was her turn in front of the camera. And what a day Dawn and Todd had planned, too. Full of fun and celebration, everything was going down in their Pilsen neighborhood, where I started the day with them.

First up was a little light reading at a barbershop just down the street from their place.

It was a short walk back to the couple’s home, where they would be making the rest of their preparations. I was right there with them, camera in hand, asking them to do all kinds of ridiculous things and pretty much distracting them from getting ready.

They both kicked off their walking shoes and pulled their wedding clothes out of the closet.

Dawn slipped into her beautiful dress…

…and Todd gave her a hand with the zipper.

In return, Dawn made sure his tie was neat and orderly. As you can see, Todd was thrilled that he got to wear a tie.

The groom looked sharp as all get-out…

…and the bride was a stunner. Another mutual friend of ours, Nika Vaughan, did a beautiful job helping Dawn with her hair and makeup.

These two lovebirds were all dolled up and ready to tie the knot!

We set out to take pre-ceremony photos, all of which were done within their Pilsen neighborhood. Dawn and Todd love living here… there are so many unique, interesting and colorful spots to enjoy, as you’ll see in this next set of images:

Just across the street from their home was a street sale. Too bad they bought all their wedding clothes so far in advance!

We could’ve spent the entire day visiting the neighborhood’s art spots.

Down the street a bit was this overpass with a great view of the skyline…

…and nothing says “Chicago” more than some train imagery.

We wrapped up the pre-ceremony shoot with a walk along the tracks. But it was time to roll! Just a hop, skip and a jump away from this spot…

…family was awaiting the couple’s arrive at the ceremony and reception venue. This lovely, secret-garden gem of a venue is owned by Honky Tonk BBQ, who also prepared the food for the party.

Dawn and Todd posed with their Matron of Honor and Best Man for a portrait…

…while some of the guests tried to get in on the action!

The ceremony site was lovely, too, and truly spoke to Dawn and Todd’s creative personalities.

The soon-to-be-married couple shared a hug in the ceremony spot…

…and soon after, Dawn’s father escorted her down the aisle.

Dawn and Todd’s niece was one of the most adorable flower girls ever.

My husband Jarrod- of Rev It Up! fame- presided over the ceremony. He was so honored to be participating in the marriage of our close friends!

With vows, rings and a kiss exchanged, Dawn and Todd were married! As they walked the aisle, their guests showered them with confetti.

Confetti is cool, but it sure does like to stick around! The newlyweds were picking pieces out of their hair and clothes for the rest of the evening!

Guests grabbed drinks and settled in at tables for dinner. There was a fantastic feast for all to enjoy: BBQ with all the fixings, a full bar and- my personal favorite- an expansive dessert table courtesy of Sweet Mandy B’s. The table featured their peanut butter cookies– have you had them? They’re ridiculous.

There were so many amazing details, and Jackie of Liven It Up Events played a big role in helping Dawn and Todd keep it all organized.

As guests finished their meals, the newlyweds took to the microphones to thank everyone for coming. And as a sign of their love and appreciation, they had a surprise…

Patty Elvis! Chicago’s best Elvis tribute artist was in the building and ready to get guests all shook up.

What a hunk-a-hunk-a burnin’ love.

When Patty Elvis’s set was finished DJ Dustin of Toast & Jam took over. He played a mix of Dawn and Todd’s favorite songs that kept guests on the dance floor all night. See for yourself in some of my favorite pictures from Dawn and Todd’s party: