Alexa and Tom were married on their family farm, Ivanhoe Farms just outside of Chicago. The farm is absolutely stunning and was the perfect backdrop for their elegant affair. The farm has been in their family for generations and is full of stunning antiques and heirlooms, an amazing place for a wedding. Alexa wore a timeless Vera Wang gown while the men wore classic tuxedos. After their small church ceremony the couple released Monarch butterflies before they departed in the family's vintage Rolls Royce. The cocktail hour was poolside accompanied by a trio of strings and floating floral arrangements. Later the guests danced to the TVK Orchestra under a high top tent. It was truly an elegant affair and we had such a blast shooting in such a unique destination with such wonderful families. We can't wait to get back to Chicago!


Check out their entire slideshow here!

Thanks so much Style Me Pretty for featuring Ana & Javier's amazing Miami wedding! Style Me Pretty is a go to for wedding inspiration and a must for all brides, check it out the full post here.

One our way home after an amazing wedding & honeymoon, so many images and details to come...

I am in Nevada and trying to wrap up all the details for our wedding- yay! Now we are officially less than a week away!
I just picked up the July issue of BRIDES Magazine and am so excited to have Liz and Steve's backyard wedding featured. Thanks so much BRIDES and go check it out!

The Cheeca Lodge of Islamorada played host to Megan and Joe's intimate destination wedding. Not only were Megan and Joe beautiful together, but so much fun and full of happiness. It was an emotional and heartfelt day that later transformed to full blown dance party- everything a wedding should be!
This was our last wedding before we head out to Nevada to get ready for our own wedding- yay!! Couldn't have had a better couple to end with- Congrats Megan & Joe!


Have I mentioned how much I LOVE outdoor receptions?

Venue: Cheeca Lodge Islamorada
Dress: Mia Couture
Flowers: Floral Fantasy
DJ: Ron G of Mike Sipe Ent.
Click here for their full slideshow

Here is a glimpse of Betsy and John's Islamorada Wedding... have a lovely weekend!


Venue: http://www.pierres-restaurant.com/
Dress: Monique Lhullier style: Amelie
Hair Flower:  Silverpencils (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Silverpencils) Style: Champagne Brunch Small Bridal Hair Flower
Hair and Make-Up: By Lisa Lee of Alluring Faces (http://www.alluringfaces.com/weddings.html )
Floral: Floral Fantasy & Gifts
Cake: Bob's Bunz-Islamorada Bakery
Rings: Michal B. (Matthew's Jewlery Store - http://www.matthewsjewelrystore.com/ )
Invitations, Menus, Programs, Favor Tags:  Papeterie (http://www.papeteriestore.com/ )
Save the Dates: Serendipity Beyond Design (http://www.aboutserendipity.com/ )
Bridesmaid Dresses;  J. Crew
Groom and Groomsmen suits: Men's Warehouse
Entertainment/DJ: Mike Sipe Entertainment
Signing Board: JavaJaneDesigns (http://www.etsy.com/shop/JavaJaneDesigns)

I have been so busy with weddings every weekend that I haven't had much to plan and blog about our own wedding. Today, May 11th, we are officially a month away! It is amazing how quickly 2 years (Yes, engaged for almost 2 years!) has flown by and all the things that I put off til 'later' are now upon us. While I am intentionally not blogging all the details just yet (have to keep some things a surprise) I do promise complete blog posts detail by detail after the wedding. I have already learned so much about planning and weddings and how it is all so much fun and all so hard! I think that planning a wedding is an ultimate self exploration and you learn so much about partner as well. While I still have yet to feel what it is like to experience the day I have taken over a year to plan, I have learned enough to know it will be over in the
blink of an eye!
That is why, for us, photography was absolutely number one (shocker!). Deciding on a photographer for our wedding was beyond challenging. Not only did we have many talented friends offer to help us capture our day, but there are so many talented photographers I admire and I am incredibly indecisive! We wanted our friends to be at the wedding as 'friends' and wanted a photographer whose style reflected the type of wedding we are choosing to have and how we want to remember it. After months of debate and soul searching we both excitedly agreed that we wanted none other than Jose Villa to capture our day. He is one of the most talented photographers and artists in the business and his work is one of a kind. Jose's style embodies everything I was looking for... it is real, natural, breathtaking and romantic. He loves outdoor locations, details and one of a kind events- simply perfect! Here are a few of the many reasons we love Jose so much and can't wait to have him at our wedding


(all images copyright Jose Villa)

Need I say more? I love living behind the camera, and for maybe the first time ever can't wait to be in front of the lens!!! Check out Jose's blog for more gorgeous wedding inspiration.

Here is a glimpse of Ana & Javier's wedding album...

There's nothing quite like the glow of a happy bride...

Question:
I am recently engaged and although I am very excited about planning the wedding, I already feel overwhelmed. Everyone has an opinion. While I want everyone to feel included, I’m beginning to feel like it is not “my” wedding anymore…
Answer:
The emotions around a wedding can be complicated. Despite the happiness, some couples feel a loss of freedom and identity as they negotiate with their family and friends, and with each other. The challenge is to avoid a block in the lines of communication.
An engagement is a time when people learn new things about each other – patience is essential. Intimacy is also important. Commit to quiet moments that will allow you to retain your sense of autonomy and to reconnect with your partner on a very basic level.
For a bride, remember to focus on elements that are truly “yours” – the wedding dress being one. Your dress should be the ultimate statement of “you” on your wedding day.

Crazy flare!!