Elizabeth was at her parents’ brand-new home, getting prepared for her marriage to Andy.

It was finally time to put on the dress.

She was surrounded by her family and friends, including her maid of honor who carefully helped her button up her dress. Elizabeth’s dress was special- her grandmother had worn it at her own wedding.

And the bracelet completed the look! Elizabeth and her girls did a double-check to make sure they hadn’t forgotten anything.

Meanwhile, Andy was in his hotel room getting ready with his groomsmen. His father was there, too, taking pictures.


Andy’s a huge baseball fan, and gave his groomsmen bats as a gift.

Andy shared a quick dance with his mom on his way out the door.

Back at Elizabeth’s place, the trolley was pulling up outside the front door.

Her mom and a friend were waiting at the foot of the stairs to get a glimpse of the bride.

She made her way down the stairs…

…and into the front room where her father was waiting for his first look at his daughter on her wedding day.


One final, important thing to do before leaving… give Ty, their family dog, some love!

Elizabeth and Andy had their first meeting at Burnham Harbor.



Elizabeth’s family owns a boat, and we decided to go there to start off our pre-wedding photo session.

They had to prepare for this one.

Ahoy! Andy helped his bride on board.



It was tempting to think about taking the boat out for quick sail….

…but we had a wedding to go to! Elizabeth and Andy geared up and we jumped back on the trolley to go to our next destination.

Next stop: The Lily Pond at Lincoln Park.


I took some of the best photographs of the day while the soon-to-be married couple were joking with each other.

Playing around is fine, but don’t get carried away!

Andy flexed for the camera.

And she gave him a big squeeze.

A gorgeous shot of Elizabeth by Leah.

The wedding party joined us for some group shots in this scenic location.


And then back on the trolley!

This group was a lot of fun, and Elizabeth was having a blast with her bridesmaids.

We still had plenty of time before the ceremony, and even had time to stop for a drink at John’s Place in Lincoln Park.


Andy and Elizabeth aren’t the only people who love John’s Place!

What’s better after beer than a cupcake? We stopped by Sweet Mandy B’s and ordered up some sweet treats.

Mmmmmm….

Yum, indeed.

While the girls enjoyed their cupcakes, the guys grabbed their bats…

…and headed to the park for a quick baseball practice.

It’s outta here!

Elizabeth left the group at this point, riding in a classic car from Classic Chassis to pick up her parents before heading to the church.


Elizabeth was beaming as we pulled up to the church.

Once inside, Elizabeth’s grandmother (the one whose dress Elizabeth wore) got her first look at her granddaughter in the heirloom dress.

It was a very special moment.


Meanwhile, the guests began to arrive at St. Josaphat Parish for the wedding ceremony. Elizabeth and Andy provided fans for any guests who might get too warm during the summer ceremony.

The interior of the church was gorgeous. It was the perfect backdrop for Elizabeth as her father walked her down the aisle.


Elizabeth joined Andy at the altar and the ceremony began.

Andy’s mom performed a vocal solo as part of the service.


Elizabeth and Andy gave their vows, exchanged rings…

…and then shared a kiss. Congratulations!!


Husband and wife exited the church…

…and climbed into the same car that Elizabeth and her parents rode in before.

Andy’s brother and one of their groomsmen raced us to the reception.

Elizabeth and Andy were ready to start the party!

The happy couple had a special treat lined up next. The wedding party all met up for a quick architecture tour along the Chicago River before going to the ceremony.

Andy opened up a celebratory bottle of champagne…

…and his brother followed suit. It’s a party!

It was a beautiful evening for a cruise, too.



The newlyweds thanked their wedding party for being with them on their big day.

The guests watched the deck of the River East Art Center as the boat arrived at the end of cocktail hour.

Andy’s dad was right there with his camera, ready to go.

Elizabeth and Andy took a few minutes to greet a few of their guests before heading inside for a fantastic dinner prepared by Paramount Events.

After dinner was finished, Elizabeth and Andy hit the dance floor…

…and they shared their first dance as husband and wife.

Elizabeth’s dad took the microphone to thank everyone for sharing the day with him and his family.


Andy’s brother, who also served as best man, gave a speech in honor of his brother and new sister-in-law.


Next up was Elizabeth’s Maid Of Honor who gave a toast in honor of her friends.

Andy’s mom couldn’t help but smile through all the speeches.

Elizabeth then shared a father-daughter dance with her dad.

And then everyone hit the dance floor!


Dustin from Toast & Jam was spinning the tracks that kept people dancing all night!


The celebration was a complete success! Melissa from Clementine Events did an amazing job of making sure everything went off without a hitch.


What a party! Thanks for inviting me, Elizabeth and Andy!

Congratulations on your marriage!