Ellen and JP’s wedding day had finally arrived! They had a big day planned, and I was excited to be celebrating with them. When I arrived at Aloft Hotel – where Ellen was getting ready with her bridesmaids – I found the bride making some last-minute additions to her vows.
Andrea from Flawless Beauty and Nicole of Renee Feldman had finished with makeup and hair, respectively, and all that was left was for Ellen to put on her beautiful Paloma Blanca gown. Ellen’s mother was on hand to help out with all the important details.
After getting into her dress, Ellen read a letter that JP had written her, sprayed on a little perfume, and we were out the door and on our way to Holy Family Church for the ceremony.
Ellen was escorted down the aisle by her father as JP watched from the altar. The groom had a huge smile on his face, and it stayed there throughout the ceremony. After Ellen’s father took his seat, Ellen and JP took each other’s hands and the ceremony began. It was a wonderful service, as you can see in the following collection of images:
With rings and vows exchanged, JP and Ellen shared their first kiss and then walked down the aisle as husband and wife. I think the look on JP’s face says it all!
Ellen and JP’s reception was held at Cafe Brauer, which is located right next to Lincoln Park, and we planned on taking full advantage of the fact for our pre-reception portrait shoot. Ellen, JP, the wedding party and myself took our time strolling around the lily pond and park grounds, making the most of all the gorgeous backdrops we found. The weather that day was amazing, too, and I’m very happy with how these portraits turned out:
Whew! That was a lot of picture-taking, but everyone in the crew held up fantastically. From the trellis, seen here, we had just a short distance to Cafe Brauer for the reception.
Guests were served cocktails followed by a delicious dinner catered by Food For Thought. As meals were being finished, Ellen’s father led off speeches. JP’s father, the Maid of Honor and the Best Man all took turns at the microphone, offering advice, treasured memories and well-wishes for JP and Ellen.
When speeches were finished, the newlyweds shared their first dance together as husband and wife. The dancing was just getting started, as each had a parent dance right after- Ellen danced with her father and JP with his mother.
And then the party really got started! DJ Emily from Toast & Jam played the hits that got everyone on the dance floor. And what a dance party it was, too! Guests showed off their best moves and even started a conga line at one point. See for yourself!:
Congratulations on your marriage, JP and Ellen, and thank-you for sharing the day with me!
