One of the hottest Saturdays of the year couldn’t stop this Stonegate Manor Wedding! Jenny + Greg tied the knot with all of their friends + family present right around the corner from Chicago. Well… around the corner of Lake Michigan, that is!

Their Story

“Greg and I met at a mutual friend’s birthday karaoke party four years ago,” Jenny told me. “He sang Beyoncé’s Formation and Greg has kept me laughing as ever since! We fell in love over too many plates of incredible food all over Chicago, having the best conversations, and being surrounded by the greatest friends and family. We love living in Logan Square with our sweet 9 year old pup named Lucy. Greg proposed at the site of our first date (Billy Sunday) with our close friends and family waiting in the wings to come celebrate! Excited and ready to lock that guy down surrounded by the best!”

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

Jenny got ready at a hotel with her friends near the venue while Greg hung out with his buddies at Stonegate Manor. There were a lot of first looks we needed to coordinate– including one with Greg + the bridesmaids, Jenny + her dad/brothers/groomsmen, and finally with Greg + Jenny! We took some portraits around the venue before finally hopping inside for some air conditioning. It was 95 degrees with nearly 100% humidity, and somehow Jenny + Greg looked incredible for the ENTIRE day!

Stonegate Manor Wedding

Having a big family and lots of friends with kids meant a large processional! This wedding had the most amount of children under 10 years old that I had ever experienced, which I think made it all the more fun. We all watched Greg wipe a tear away as Jenny finally came down the aisle with her dad. During their ceremony, the couple passed their rings around for all guests to touch during the readings and the vows. I had never seen this tradition before and I thought it was so cool! Once the couple kissed and walked back up the aisle, everyone made their way to the reception space to cool down and escape the heat.

Cocktail hour eventually lead to the reception, which began with some super fun entrances from the wedding party. After hearing some heartfelt speeches from those close to the couple, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Henry, Jenny’s godson! She told me that they truly couldn’t overlook the fact that a special person in their life was turning 5 on their wedding day.

The couple’s first dance and parent dances took place outside (thank god it had cooled down by then!), followed by an anniversary dance that lead to the winners being handed the bouquet! I love this tradition so much. I’ve actually since told other couples about this idea because I think it’s so sweet and fun. Everyone danced the night away, but not before I stole Jenny + Greg for some sunset photos. These two are the kindest folks in the world and I wish them nothing but happiness! This Stonegate Manor wedding was definitely one for the books. Congrats :)

Venue: Stonegate Manor / Hair + Makeup: Alder Hair Studio / Florals: Stella Event Design / Dress: BHLDN / Catering: CK Catering / Dessert: Mimi’s Cupcakes / DJ: John Correll Professional DJ Services / Guestbook: Fetephone