I’ve been sitting for a while now trying to find the words to describe this wedding. The first thing I want you to know about Sarah and Aaron and their families is when they married each other they also married their families. I hope that tells you something about how close each of them is to their families.
I always try to build a strong and solid connection with my couples because it allows me to get close and capture intimate moments. Sarah and Aaron went way beyond that, the made me feel like a part of their family, their brothers and sisters made me feel like a part of the family as did their parents. That is an amazing feeling – a true testament to the kind of people they are. Aaron is super fun, down to earth and very nice, asking us how we were doing and if we needed anything. And Sarah is just an absolute sweetheart with a gold heart! I’m very happy to call them friends and thrilled they found each other!
Sarah + Aaron had a beautiful ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral with a reception to follow at the Hilton on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This is where they also got ready – they had rented out the entire two top floors of the Hilton for the guys and girls to get ready. There was so much beautiful light coming in through these giant windows – it was a photographers dream.
After the ceremony we visited the lakefront to capture some skyline photos then headed back to the Hilton where we had access to the helipad – YUP, THE H.E.L.I.P.A.D. Wow! Talk about incredible views – it was an amazing experience and we created once in a lifetime photos.
If all that wasn’t enough I walked into the almost ready grand ballroom, at the Hilton on Michigan Avenue, where the reception was held and was blown away by what I saw. It was like a fairytale come to life. It all made sense since Sarah is a huge Disney fan and an accomplished singer – she even has a very talented friend and bridesmaid who works for Disney (hi Alyssa!) On top of all that – the speeches and toasts were incredible. “Forever – is composed of Nows” was the theme of Lizzie’s toast to Sarah + Aaron. Caitie’s speech was equally emotional and personal and Nick’s was really great as well because him and Aaron had been friends since they were little. Every bride and groom deserves speeches and toasts like these.
…And then Sarah surprised Aaron with a song and everyone cried (again).
It was an amazing and emotional day for everyone – truly an epic wedding. I’m writing way too much (sorry). Enjoy the photos!! Cheers to Aaron + Sarah!
ps – major props to Moya Makeup for doing a fantastic job on the ladies makeup. The crew from Red + Olive Films was also there creating an amazing cinematic film – can’t wait to see it!
