Rachel was checking out the view from her room when I arrived.
Her mom was there, too, and helped Rachel get into her gorgeous Jenny Yoo dress.
The final detail- Rachel put on her earrings and was ready to head out to meet Tyler.
Tyler and his nephew, who was serving as ring bearer, were ready to go, too. Hi-fives all around!
Rachel was beaming as we made our way to the lily pond in Lincoln Park Zoo where she was meeting Tyler before the wedding. Check out her awesome bouquet, designed by Jesse at Event Creative. Love those colors and shapes.
Tyler was positioned and ready to go, waiting patiently for his bride-to-be.
Rachel’s security team made sure she made it to the lily pond safely.
And we did make it there safely, after all.
Rachel and Tyler first met when they were working for the same advertising agency.
They were partners on the same project for a few weeks, and the rest is history!
And Tyler’s nephew was thrilled to be watching his uncle and future aunt make out for photos. He was obviously swept up in the emotion of all the mushy gunk.
But he was a real trooper and put on his best smiles for the wedding party pictures.
Time to get hitched! Everyone jumped into their cars and headed to Cafe Brauer for the ceremony.
I jumped out of the car, camera clicking away, but not everyone was excited to see me. I’ll get you sooner or later!
The guests grabbed their programs and found their seats.
And Tyler took his position at the front of the room.
Rachel couldn’t contain her excitement as her dad walked her down the aisle.
Her father gave her away…
…and she took her place next to Tyler as the ceremony began.
3… 2… 1…
Time for a break.
A friend of the couple gave reading that entertained everybody.
He was hilarious!
Rachel’s mom and dad were all laughs and smiles during the ceremony.
Rachel and Tyler made their wedding vows to each other.
Tyler’s brothers, who served as groomsmen, watched on.
The rings were exchanged…
…and the deal was sealed!
Congratulations!
Cocktail hour followed the ceremony. Rachel’s Chicago people enjoyed drinks…
…and mingled with Tyler’s Texas people, who hail from his hometown of Lubbock.
It was a beautiful day to enjoy a drink on Cafe Brauer’s patio.
The guests all enjoyed the company and the drinks. Blue Plate Catering took care of the food and drinks for the day.
Caught red-handed!
The guests finished up their drinks, then made their way inside for dinner and dancing.
Rachel and Tyler, making their big entrance.
They started things off by having their first dance together.
And then it was time for the speeches.
Their sister-in-law delivered a toast for the newlyweds.
Then Tyler’s brother took the mic.
Next up was Tyler’s older brother, who gave everyone a laugh.
Then the dancing began!
Rachel from Toast & Jam got the dance floor hoppin’.
Things went to a whole new level when a dance-off got started. I give you contestant #1:
Now, who brings the bunny hop to a dance-off?!?! These brave ladies brought it.
But Tyler topped ’em all with his sweet wave dance.
While I was finishing up with the dance-off, my second photographer for the day, Robert Karlic was outside, where people were playing with sparklers. He takes the credit for these next two pictures.
I had a great time photographing your wedding day, Rachel and Tyler. I wish you both all the happiness in the world as you begin your life together as a married couple. Congratulations!