A Summer Wedding at The Oak Brook Manor- Taylor & Alex

Taylor & Alex’s wedding day was one I’ll be talking about for a long time. Not only because they were surrounded by so much love from their families and friends, but because Mother Nature decided to give them the sweetest gift.

The forecast called for rain all day long. Yet somehow, just when we needed it most, the skies cleared. Taylor & Alex were able to exchange their vows outside, celebrate with the people they love most, and take every portrait outdoors exactly as they had hoped. It truly felt like the clouds parted just for them.

As incredible as the entire day was, here are three moments that immediately come to mind… a Wedding Wednesday tradition.

#3. Their Love Language Might Just Be Ice Cream

It didn’t take long to learn that Taylor & Alex are serious ice cream fans. I think every speech found a way to mention it, and when the late-night ice cream bar opened, guests were just as excited as the couple.

But my favorite part? One of their guests surprised them with gift cards to all kinds of local ice cream shops so they could keep celebrating long after the wedding day. It was such a thoughtful gift and one of those little moments that reminded me just how well these two are known and loved by the people around them.

#2. The Ultimate Surprise for a Tampa Bay Rays Fan

Alex is a former baseball player and an incredibly loyal Tampa Bay Rays fan, so Taylor’s parents, Stacy & Joe, had a surprise planned that completely caught the couple off guard.

They gifted the couple a personalized video message and well wishes from one of Alex’s favorite Rays players before presenting them with matching Tampa Bay Rays jerseys featuring Taylor’s brand-new last name. It was such a thoughtful, personal gift that perfectly reflected who they are as a couple, and Alex’s reaction made the moment even sweeter.

#1. The End-of-the-Night Photos Everyone Wanted to Join

Toward the end of the evening, I stole Taylor & Alex away for just a few quiet minutes outside to capture a few final portraits together.

Well… “quiet” didn’t last long.

Their guests quickly noticed they were outside and before we knew it, the windows behind the couple were completely filled with friends and family dancing, waving, and cheering them on. What started as a peaceful portrait session turned into one of the most joyful, laughter-filled moments of the entire day.

It’s one of those photographs that instantly brings you back to exactly how it felt to be there.

Taylor & Alex, thank you so much for trusting us to be your wedding photography team. It was such an honor to celebrate alongside you and document every joyful, meaningful, and unexpected moment that made your day so uniquely yours.

Now grab a blanket and snuggle up, your sneak peek is live!

Ceremony & Reception: The Oak Brook Manor

Officiant: Chapelstreet Church

Flowers: Lindahl Florist

DJ: Music By Design

Makeup: Melanie’s Makeup Artistry

Wedding Dress: Crystal Bride 

Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey– Dusty Lilac

Groomsmen Attire: Joseph A Bank

Taylor & Alex, your sneak peek is here!! It was so much fun reliving your wedding day while putting these favorites together. Thank you so much for trusting me to tell your story. I hope these images make you smile as you relive the very beginning of your next chapter together and I can’t wait to share the rest of your gallery soon. 

Much Love,