I love being able to photograph a friend’s big day. When I Jenny asked me to capture her Big Delicious Planet wedding, I could not have been more thrilled or excited!

Actually, I started crying. When Jenny first contacted me about being her photographer, I was actually already booked on her date. She had sent me a long, heart-filled message about why they were eloping and keeping everything intimate. I was so upset that I couldn’t do it that I burst into tears on my kitchen floor as my heart broke in two. I thought for sure that the universe was plotting against me. You could only imagine my EXTREME excitement when Jenny texted me to tell me that they had moved the date! And I was available! I cried again, of course, but this time because of how happy I was.

Their Story

“We met in college!” Jenny told me. “Boring! But no seriously, we did know one another in college but we didn’t start dating until after we graduated. We had always had a crush on one another but it was never the right timing. When we both moved to the Bay Area in Northern California after college, we finally made it work (with the help of many friends’ encouragement!). Nathan charmed me with his knowledge of wine and job at a local winery. After a few dates among the vines and hanging out in San Francisco and Berkeley, it was happily ever after! Our relationship has survived many moves–first out to the Bay Area, back to Boston for Nathan’s medical school, and back West for medical residency. It was near the same vineyard Nathan worked at many moons ago that we got engaged in January 2020.”

Getting Ready

We started the day at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago. Jenny’s friends and mother helped her put on her dress as they all giggled about the day. I was asked to snag a photo of some important wedding items, including her mom’s blue necklace and an old handkerchief. After everything was zipped up, tied in a bow and ready to go, Jenny and I walked over across the bridge to the Langham. Nathan was already was already waiting for us (as planned, of course) with his back turned and a wide grin. Their first look lead to hugs, tears, and some great photo ops for me!

Beach Portraits

Whitney, a friend from high school, was waiting back at the hotel to drive us to our next location for portraits. She even had a little driver’s hat! Whitney is a close friend of Jenny’s, so she was very emotional when she saw Jenny in her wedding dress. On our way to North Avenue beach, Whitney handed Jenny + Nathan her iPad and played a surprise video! It was a compilation of well-wishes that other friends had sent to Whitney beforehand. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever seen someone give a couple.

We soon arrived at North Avenue Beach for a few portraits. It was crowded, of course, but we found it fun! Jenny + Nathan were the only couple taking photos in the area at the time, so they got a lot of attention from folks congratulating them. A few spins and smiles later, it was right back in Whitney’s car so we could head over to their Big Delicious Planet wedding.

Big Delicious Planet

Once we snagged a few formal family photos, one of Nathan’s friends began to play the guitar and the ceremony began. As expected, there were a lot happy tears from just about everyone in attendance (including myself). Some readings, “I do’s,” and a kiss sealed the deal. It was official! The rest of the evening was a breeze. Any wedding at Big Delicious Planet is bound to impress– the food is even more incredible than the space. At one point I watched their wedding coordinator pick some flowers that would later end up garnishing some of the dishes! It was so amazing to see this urban farm-to-table come to life. They even have their own bees for honey!

I loved every minute of this Big Delicious Planet wedding. From the moment I met up with Jenny to the 3+ hugs goodbye, the whole day was a whirlwind of emotion. Whenever I’m feeling sad, I know I have these great photos to look back on to make me smile.

Getting Ready Location: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago

Hair + Makeup: Salon 1800

Dress: BHLDN

Suit: J. Crew

Florals: Sprout Home

Day of Coordinator: Chelsey of Big Delicious Planet

Ceremony, Reception, Catering + Cake: Big Delicious Planet