The first wedding of the season is always my favorite.  There’s a buzz in the air, an excitement in my stomach, and a day full of wonderful moments I get to capture ahead of me. It’s the kick off to summer in my mind, and the kick off to the very best season: wedding season.

Mike + Clare had the most beautiful homes in River Forest, Illinois, about 3 minutes away from each other,  that were the perfect getting ready places and left a picturesque backdrop for our pre-ceremony portraits.

The groomsmen looked as dapper as ever and overcame the day’s small hiccup, an un-tied bow tie,  with youtube videos – I’ll have to add this to my list of “swiss army knife” skills to learn! Mike was as calm as a cucumber and didn’t know what was about to hit him…his bride in a gorgeous Vera Wang princess gown.

Clare was an absolute vision and one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  She gave the Rolls Royce a run for it’s money, let me tell ya.  She went with the flow of the day and seemed to only care about one thing, getting to the church to marry the love of her life.

After the ceremony concluded, we headed to Dominican University  where Clare’s Grandma had a tree in her name – the tree was used as inspiration for the wedding suite! We then headed to Kinzie Street Bridge , the perfect location to capture the heart of the city in the background.  And lastly to the University Club of Chicago for the reception!