What an UNFORGETTABLE night this was! Erin + Thomas celebrated their love together by having a fabulous wedding at Venue SIX10!

Their Story

“Our Story is very different depending on who you ask,” Erin told me. “If you ask Thomas, he will tell you a Made-For-TV story about his first time seeing me in a gym with my LaSalle recruiting clothes and Jordans on. Allegedly, when he saw me walk into the gym he told his players that ‘she will be mine.’

If you ask me, I’d tell you that during an extreme Vertigo crisis there was nobody else in New York City I wanted by my side but him. I even blew his phone up and cursed him out for not answering me the first time I called as proof of that. But regardless of the actual ‘story,’ our relationship started with two people looking for nothing and gaining everything. Our lives have been nothing short of adventurous over the past 7 years, especially with the addition of our beautiful daughter, Lyla Jade. We are excited to finally take this journey together and know that the best is yet to come!”

Getting Ready

I met with the girls at their hotel (the Ritz Carlton, no less!) to snag some shots of them getting ready. After Erin put on her dress with the help of her mom, she showed her girls. I’m sure the ENTIRE hotel heard the squeals that came from this room! We hopped on the bus to take portraits at the Art Institute Gardens, which I’m sure y’all know by now is one of my favorite spots in the city! From there the bus took us to Venue SIX10 so Erin could hide away while Thomas and the boys were on their way.

The Ceremony

As I had been warned beforehand, Thomas completely melted when he saw his bride walk down the aisle. I mean, just LOOK AT THIS WOMAN! We were all in awe of her radiance. Once they symbolically poured sand into a bottle, the two said their vows sealed their marriage with a big smooch! Cocktail hour was filled with clinking glasses and laughing guests as Erin + Thomas took family photos and portraits. It wasn’t long before we welcomed the parents, bridesmaids and groomsmen into the reception space just downstairs. After the couple was announced, the entire wedding party danced to Swag Surfin’ by F.L.Y. and got every guest on their feet! This wedding at Venue SIX10 was truly spectacular and fun in every way possible. We couldn’t wait to start dancing!

Surprise Proposal

There were slow songs, toasts, cake-cutting and PLENTY of dancing. The biggest surprise, however, came during the bouquet toss. Following the plan set ahead of time, Erin “pretended” to throw her bouquet, only to hand it off to one of her bridesmaids, Jade. Erin’s brother Aric then got down on one knee and PROPOSED RIGHT THEN AND THERE!!! I was screaming and smiling all at the same time. Everyone had their phones to capture this incredible moment. It’s times like these that I love love LOVE being a photographer!

We ended coverage at the couple’s wedding at Venue SIX10 with some balcony portraits looking over Grant Park. Luckily, we timed it *just* right so that we would be out there when the Navy Pier fireworks started. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful ending for this amazing couple. I loved being a part of their day and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them in their lives!

Bride’s Getting Ready Location: The Ritz-Carlton of Chicago

Groom’s Getting Ready Location: Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

Makeup: Troye Antonio

Transportation: Signature Transportation Group

Florals + Design: Kehoe Designs

Planning: Beverly Saylor from Burst Weddings

Dress: Anjolique Bridal

Ceremony + Reception Location: Venue SIX10

Catering: Jewels Events Catering

DJ: DJ Protégé