Now THIS was a day to remember! Jen + Kyle’s amazing Big Delicious Planet wedding was filled with so many smiles that my face hurt by the end of the evening.

Their Story

“Kyle and I both went to undergrad at Bradley University,” Jen told me. “Although we didn’t know of each other back then. I moved back home to Buffalo NY to complete grad school and came to Chicago for the summer. My best friend Nadine was living in a duplex in the city and Kyle was living on the top floor. Every year for the 4th of July, Kyle would invite all of his friends to his lake house. One of Kyle’s best friends, Keith, was dating Nadine, so of course Nadine wanted me to come along for the holiday weekend. Kyle begrudgingly agreed. Not only was I joining the trip, he also had to drive me up there. Despite his inconvenience, the weekend was filled with lots of fun. Kyle ended up asking me out! He was a bit drunk when he did and later forgot. So two weeks later, he ended up asking me out again.

That whole summer we enjoyed spending our time together. Before I had to go back to grad school, I asked Kyle if he wanted to try a long distance relationship. We decided to give it a go! Fast forward to two years later, I moved back to Chicago to be with Kyle. After dating for 6 years, Kyle popped the question back where it all began- at the dock of his Lake House.”

Getting Ready + Portraits

Jen got ready at Hotel Lincoln on a cloudy afternoon in August. Once her dress was zipped up and she hugged her parents, we met Kyle outside so he could see his bride for the first time. It was subtle on the surface, but I could tell that his emotions were running wild. He quickly wiped away a tear before wrapping Jen in a big embrace. After a few intimate portraits, we snagged Mac the pup + the rest of the family to take more photos over by the Grant statue near the South Pond. GOSH THAT DOG IS CUTE!! Of course, no Chicago photo session is complete without some shots downtown! Luckily we were able to get some amazing photos at the LaSalle Street Bridge and Fulton River District before it started pouring!

Ceremony

The rain put the ceremony inside at their venue, which ended up being for the best. Any local will know that Chicago in August can be brutally hot. The extra humidity made this midwest city feel like a jungle. The air conditioning was DEFINITELY more than welcome at this Big Delicious Planet wedding. After the bedeken and ketubah signing, Jen walked down the mini aisle beside her father. Kyle met them at the altar, and from there they were married by Rabbi Scott Gellman of Temple Sholom under a chuppah the couple made themselves!

Reception

After the newlyweds stepped on the glass (lightbulb, actually) and kissed, everyone grabbed a cocktail and met outside. Lucky for us it had stopped raining! We heard some moving speeches by Kyle’s sister, Jen’s father and Kyle’s best man. From there, the wedding guests sat down at the dinner table to enjoy a magnificent feast. Let me tell you– this Big Delicious Planet wedding will not be one I will soon forget. Even with the rain, I truly felt like the day was perfect. I got to spend time with a wonderful group of people as we celebrated Jen + Kyle. Mazel tov, you two! :)

Getting Ready Location: Hotel Lincoln

Dress: Loretta Bridal Boutique

Suit: State and Liberty

Florals: Goldie’s Flower Shop

Ceremony, Reception + Catering: Big Delicious Planet