Laura spent 18 years of her life looking out her kitchen window at her backyard in Glen Ellyn, in a home that surrounded her with love. So when it was time for her to commit to Kyle for a lifetime, she wanted it to be in a place that was surrounded by love as well, and Laura knew exactly where that would be. The Haberer’s would be hosting this intimate backyard wedding at their home in Glen Ellyn.
Despite a cloudy gloom and an early Fall chill in the air, this intimate backyard wedding was filled with nothing but warmth and joy. Laura and Kyle included their families and friends, with the guest list capping at 40. They both got ready at the Westin Hotel in Lombard where both the bride and groom were relaxed, smiley, and surrounded by their people.
Laura was breathtaking, there is no other way to put it. She floated through the day in a WToo by Watters Lange gown from BHLDN – a gown that just beckoned her to stop and twirl a few times. The bridesmaids wore rain boots to the first look location at the Blackwell Forest Preserve. Laura borrowed her Mom’s from Target. Even her borrowed rain boots were the perfect accessory to the day and such a fun addition to her wedding day story. Kyle wore the sweetest smile on his face upon seeing his bride for the first time. I never take for granted to fact that I get to witness these first looks. They are such raw, deep, emotional moments that always make me catch my breath.
Our next step was Laura’s Glen Ellyn home where the finishing touches were being put on the back yard for the wedding. The landscaping was just beautiful – it was clear Hope and Mike, Laura’s parents, put so much love and effort into planting the seed (many probably!) for a gorgeous background. A copper arbor adorned with macrame and an unreal bouquet from Janet Gallagher Floral Design was an absolute one of a kind setting for the ceremony. Just across the backyard was a tent for 40, and
“Club 220” (the endearing name given to Laura’s childhood home) honorary pins for each guest.
Kyle’s eyes welled as Laura walked down the aisle with her Dad. Laura’s oder brother, Joe, said one heck of a ceremony, the audience with laughs in their bellies only until the vows, where they turned to sobs. A reading I’ll never forget highlighted “the only thing more beautiful than young love, is old wrinkly love“. The air was thick in emotion and happiness for this special couple.
After first dances on the dreamiest intimate dance floor, the group sat down for dinner, speeches, and another heartfelt way to celebrate their big day – an open story time from all of their guests.
Kyle and Laura made sure their wedding reflected what they wanted their marriage to – an intimate space filled with love and joy and the people that mean the most to them. It was truly a beautiful backyard wedding for an absolutely wonderful couple.
*If you’re reading this and thinking of hosting your own intimate backyard wedding, I have one piece of advice for you: DO IT (and please please let me third wheel along <3 )
Vendor // Love
Planner // Kay Kendall • @champagne_events
Flowers // Janet Gallagher Floral Design
Hair + Makeup // The Bae Bash • @thebaebash
Dress // BHLDN • @bhldn
Bride’s Shoes // Magosisters • @magosisters & her Mom’s rainboots ❤️ (Target)
Suit // Suit Supply • @suitsupply
Groom’s Shoes // Allen Edmonds • @allenedmonds
Catering // My Chef Catering • @mychefcatering
Rings // Concierge Diamonds • @conciergediamonds
Meg, These photos are fantastic. You captured all the magic at Club 220. The bride sought you out and, now that I’ve met you and seen your work, I’ll happily refer you in the future. Cheers!
Kay Kendall
Champagne!ing
Event Production
Awww thank you so much Kay! Your wonderful planning and execution skills surely helped make it a smooth and unforgettable day! Can’t wait to work with you again in the future <3
Meg