Isabelle + Jack’s Ravenswood Event Center Wedding was truly the most epic springtime event! Even though the day was mostly cloudy, the sun definitely decided to shine during just the right moments.

Their Story

“We first met as bright-eyed freshman at DePaul University in 2011 through some mutual friends in our dorms,” Isabelle told me. “While Jack had a little crush since day one, it would take another year or so before we eventually got around to hanging out in a smaller group activity — Dungeons & Dragons, lol — and a year or two after that before we started hanging out one-on-one. But, once we did, things snowballed from a friendship into something more pretty quickly. There was lots of good food, late-night rides home from work, Jack Black movies, trips to museums, and laughing really, really hard at stupid jokes. Shortly after, we started ✨officially✨ dating! It’s been great ever since. No notes!”

Getting Ready + First Look

The couple both got ready at the Guesthouse Hotel in Uptown. I was more than happy to suggest the hotel roughly 6 months prior to their wedding. From the gorgeous rooms to their amazing + accommodating staff, this place is definitely a spot any couple should consider. However, the hotel really takes the cake for its library. Couples can actually reserve this private room, making it literally the most PERFECT spot for a first look. Isabelle + Jack definitely took advantage of this, adding in some private vows right after they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. And let me tell you– those were some EMOTIONAL vows! Everyone, including me, had tears streaming down our faces. After a few portraits around Ravenswood, we then drove over to the venue.

Ravenswood Event Center Wedding

Isabelle + Jack held a beautiful ceremony that was short and sweet. What I especially loved was how the officiant (their good friend Marty) had the couple turn and look around at their guests. It was such a special moment! After they kissed, Isabelle + Jack walked back up the aisle as their family and friends headed downstairs for cocktail hour. Once it was time for dinner, the newlyweds entered the dining room and gave a wonderful welcome/thank you speech. They actually included ME in their toast, meaning that I, of course, had to do everything in my power not to cry in front of the entire wedding. After dinner, we heard more speeches from Jack’s brother and one of Isabelle’s brothers. More emotional toasts meant more tears and plenty of laughs!

Dessert was served upstairs where their ceremony had been. No cake for these two– Isabelle + Jack were set on having ice cream from Black Dog Gelato (Isabelle is a former employee!). After a first dance and father/daughter dance, the loft space really came to life. The DJ played some amazing tunes and the dance floor was packed throughout the entire night.

We ended their Ravenswood Event Center wedding with night portraits in their 🌈NEON CAR ROOM💫! Epic doesn’t even begin to describe these photos. Isabelle + Jack will forever be my favorite “hot sandwiches.” ♥︎

Getting Ready Location: The Guesthouse Hotel / Venue: Ravenswood Event Center / Hair + Makeup: Blush and Braids Beauty Bar (Mercedes Small) / Florals: Made by the bride via Flower Moxie / Dress: Trudy’s Brides & Special Occasions / Dress Alterations: Ette the Wedding Tailor / Suit: Suit Supply / Dessert: Black Dog Gelato / DJ: Style Matters DJs