A Summer Wedding at Cantigny Park- Katie & Bryan

What a beautiful day celebrating Katie & Bryan! From starting the morning at Katie’s childhood home, to the sweetest first look with her dad, a trolley that deserves an honorable mention all on its own, and incredible live music filling the Woodside Pavilion, there was so much to love about this day.

And while the weather kept us on our toes, Katie & Bryan were completely game to roll with it! We shifted plans, took advantage of every little pocket of dry weather we were given, and ended the day with SO many beautiful memories captured. Here are three of my favorite things from their wedding day!

#3. Taking Photos at Katie’s Childhood Home

There was something so special about getting to begin Katie’s wedding photos at the home where she grew up. On a day that marks the beginning of such a big new chapter, getting to photograph her there felt incredibly meaningful. I loved being able to capture a little piece of the place that holds so much of her story before she headed off to marry Bryan!

#2. Our 20-Minute Window After the Ceremony

When we walked out of St. Cletus after Katie & Bryan’s ceremony, it wasn’t raining! We knew we had a small window before the rain moved back in, so instead of immediately hopping on the trolley and heading to Cantigny, we pivoted and started taking portraits right there at the church.

I am SO glad we did! We had about 20 minutes to photograph Katie & Bryan and their wedding party outside before heading to Cantigny, and sure enough, the rain arrived once we got there. We were still able to create some beautiful portraits using the covered areas around the mansion, but knowing we had already captured so much during that little window gave everyone such peace of mind. Katie & Bryan were completely game to flex the schedule, and it paid off!

#1. Katie & Bryan’s First Dance

There is just something about a first dance. I loved watching Katie & Bryan step onto the dance floor together and seeing all the time they had put into practicing come together so beautifully. After a full day of anticipation, celebration, schedule pivots, and so many people surrounding them, it felt like such a sweet moment for the two of them to simply be together and take it all in.

Katie & Bryan, thank you SO much for trusting me to capture your wedding day! I loved getting to celebrate alongside you, roll with everything the day brought us, and document so many meaningful moments from beginning to end. I’m so grateful you had me there!

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

Ceremony: St. Cletus Catholic Church

 Reception: Cantigny Park & Golf- Woodside Pavilion

Wedding Coordinator: Wedding Company 817

Flowers: Walden Floral

Videographer: Reel Love Video

Cake: Le Chocolat Du Bouchard

DJ: Funktastic Productions

Hair: A Shear Encounter II

Makeup: Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair

Wedding Dress: Bella Bianca

Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey

Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Katie & Bryan, thank you again for having me and the RWP team be part of such an incredibly special season in your lives! It has been such a joy getting to know you two and getting to capture these memories along the way. We’re wishing you both the absolute BEST as you step into married life together and hope this next chapter is filled with so much joy, laughter, and adventure. 

Much Love,