Haley + Jake were gifted the most gorgeous winter day for their Chicago Winery wedding. The cold couldn’t stop them from having the best day of their lives!

Their Story

“We grew up in the same neighborhood in Aurora, IL and officially met in the second grade when we were in the same class. I (Haley) had a crush on Jake, but it wasn’t necessarily reciprocated. We went all the way through high school together but didn’t run in the same circles. Then, in our senior year of high school, we ended up in the same prom group. A few of his friends were going with my friends. After that, the prom group started to regularly hang out with each other through the summer after graduating high school and during college breaks.

During the summer of 2016 (the summer after our freshman year of college), I ended up hosting a little get together for a friend’s birthday and we really connected. We then hung out (as more than friends) through the rest of that summer and were supposed to part ways because he went to Iowa State and I went to Auburn University. We definitely did not part ways. He and I kept in touch and I ended up inviting him to my sorority’s semi-formal that fall. It was there where he asked me to be his girlfriend! So we went through the majority of college in a long distance relationship. We moved to Chicago after we graduated. Roughly 3 years later, we then moved to Iowa. Jake proposed after our first year in Iowa on Labor Day weekend and now we live in Wisconsin. It’s been a great tour of the Midwest!”

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

The couple got ready separately at the InterContinental on Michigan Avenue with their wedding parties. Haley had a few first looks before seeing Jake: one with her bridesmaids (with lots of happy tears) and the next with her dad (also with lots of happy tears). In fact, Haley even cried off her eyelashes! After the couple had their first look, we hopped on their transportation and took photos around the city. It was so fun to have such a big group! Even though it was barely above freezing, everyone was a good sport about the cold weather.

Chicago Winery Wedding

After Haley + Jake officially tied the knot at St. Michael Church in Old Town, we drove over to Chicago Winery for their reception. Guests mingled and snacked during cocktail hour while the couple privately cut their cake. Once all everyone took their seats, the couple entered into their first dance. We heard some really great speeches, especially from Haleys dad. He had written a poem for the couple and made copies for everyone. Special parent dances followed, and soon everyone was on their feet. It may have been cold outside, but that dance floor stayed *hot* for the rest of the night!

Venue: Chicago Winery / Hotel: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile / Hair + Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team / Florals: Belles & Thistles / Dress: Wolsfelt’s Bridal / Suit: Men’s Warehouse / Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop / DJ: Big Sand Productions / Church: St. Michael Church in Old Town