Jennifer & Stephen - A Black Tie Gala at the Chicago History Museum - November 11, 2006


I had the privilege photographing an incredible wedding on November 11. Besides the fact that I got to work with a tri-fecta of my favorite colleagues (Ali Phillips from Engaging Events, Amy Crum at Blumen Design, and the incredibly talented catering group over at Blue Plate Weddings), besides the fact that everything about the wedding was exquisite and flawless, besides the fact that the bridal party and family were completely welcoming and gracious, I also got to witness the love story between two people who are just remarkable together: Jennifer and Stephen.

We started at the Peninsula Hotel with Jennifer and the girls...



Jennifer is doppelganger for Grace Kelly...



Every detail Jennifer picked out fit her style perfectly. Understated, elegant, and classic.







The minute I met Jennifer's father, I knew where Jennifer got her graciousness and warm heart.



Jennifer is simply one of the most elegant brides I have ever photographed.





Off to the church...



Of course you could just see how lucky Stephen felt as he watched her walk up the aisle...



And the excitement he felt in this moment...











It is also my experience that really great couples have friends who are just as thrilled *for* the couple as the couple is to have found each other. As they receded down the aisle the cheering was incredible!





We had a bit of a break between the ceremony and the reception so I went with the wedding party and the family back to the Peninsula. It was a lovely opportunity for them to relax and spend time together. As a special treat, they toasted the newlyweds with a taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch, which is believed to have been aged 50 to 60 years!



The reception took place at the newly renovated Chicago History Museum. Jennifer and Stephen and I took a little time to play near some of the exhibits before the reception kicked off.





As I said earlier, the details were just beautiful. Blumen did such a great job on the flowers and created beautiful centerpieces using fruit and greenery and flowers. Stunning.







Raspberries and champagne by Blue Plate Weddings...



Ali and her staff helped coordinate all of the details perfectly...



Jennifer and Stephen honored the memory of Jennifer's mother with a photo of this incredible moment between Jennifer and her mother when Jennifer was young.



I love this moment between Jennifer and Stephen as they shared their first dance...





Jennifer's father gave an amazing toast and spoke about the memory of Jennifer's mother and her love for Jennifer.



The Father/Daughter dance...



Jennifer and Stephen as they thanked their guests...



The end of the night...


Posted: Sat - November 11, 2006 at 03:07 PM          

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