Mary & Charlie’s stories is one of my favorites from this wedding season. I don’t like to pick favorites because every wedding is so different and personal based on the couple, but this one has special meaning for me.

One day, back when it was very cold outside I met Mary & Charlie for a consultation. Mary proceeded to tell me a story that broke my heart and reaffirmed why I’m a photographer! She had her heart set on my photography for her wedding but, I was a bit out of her budget. So like any other savvy bride, she looked into other photographers. She and Charlie found someone whom they believed would do them justice and fit their needs. So off they went to an engagement session. Unfortunately, Mary & Charlie were not at all pleased with the end result of their session. So they reevaluated their photographic wants & needs and came to me.

***NOTE*** It’s important to make sure your photographer shows you an ABUNDANT amount of work. Not just a handful of nice photos. Look at albums, prints, websites, etc…Also express to your photographer what you’re looking for, if they’re good then they’ll asses whether or not they’re the right fit for you. For example, I am primarily a photojournalistic photographer. I don’t shoot large group shots of every table at your wedding. If that’s something that’s important to you, well I might not be the photog for you and that’s OKAY. Finding the photographer who is tuned into your style and personality is WAY more important than pinching pennies. This is your ONE DAY. Make sure you invest in the things that will last!

Okay, my rant is over, back to the story! 😉

So, when Mary & Charlie told me this story I just HAD to be their photographer. We worked out a budget that fit their needs and I was able to capture their amazing day. Mary has been a PHENOMENAL bride! We started a friendship during her wedding planning process, so that when I arrived on their wedding day we already had a strong bond that helped the day go SO smoothly! We have since carried on our friendship and I hope it will continue to flourish in the years to come! Mary & Charlie are exceptional people and I hope their photographs reflect how amazing their day was! Thank you Mary & Charlie for allowing me to help your wedding dreams come true!

The Details

Hair: Jen (a friend of a friend)

Makeup Artist: Donna Cuoco

Dress: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff from Spybaby Bridal

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

Venue: Ceremony: University United Methodist Church

Reception: Justin’s Grill

Florist: Ron’s Creative Florist, Cicero

Transportation: My aunt. We drove faster than any limo to (almost) be on time and had a lot of fun. The best part of it all was walking out of the church and finding beer cans tied on the back in lieu of tin cans!

DJ: Black Tie Entertainment

Cake: Pascale’s Bakehouse

Wedding Planner: Me!… and several incredible women in our lives.

Their Songs:

First Dance: Mike Schmid-“To Show You My Love”

Father/Daughter: Fred Astaire- “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”

Mother/Son: Nat King Cole- “Unforgettable”

Introductions: “Whoomp! (There It Is)….a last minute change by our groomsmen!

Bride & Groom:

What was the most memorable moment of your day? We both agree that seeing each other for the first time when I walked down the aisle was the most memorable moment and one of the best of our lives. It was amazingly surreal.

What was your favorite detail? The Spanish-style mantilla veil my mom made by hand.

Any advice for future bride & grooms? Enjoy the process no matter how un-enjoyable it may seem at times. I kept telling myself and those around me (who seemed much more stressed out than we were) that in the end we’d be just as married as the rest of ‘em. It helped keep things in perspective

Funniest memory from your wedding day? It was, by far, THE cake incident.

If you had to do it all over, would you change anything? There are a few details that could have been different but in the end wouldn’t have changed the outcome so we would have liked to slow down and have had more moments to soak it all in.

What was your favorite wedding purchase? Our honest immediate response was Mabyn and Tim! We were completely at ease knowing they would do an amazing job and they made the day even more fun than we expected. Then we realized they were actually our favorite investment, not purchase. Mary’s favorite purchase was her wedding gown and Charlie’s was the wedding rings. They were the moments when we were hit with the feeling that we were actually getting married!

Where did you go on your honeymoon? Maui! We were able to spend a week in paradise by the pure grace and generosity of our family.

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This is one of my faves from the day, reflection & spanish veil! The colors just dance!

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Mom was so sweet!

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Mary’s Mom (above) made her veil! Look at that detail! Amazing!

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Charlie’s reaction when he first saw Mary walking towards him! *sigh* Love!

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Mary & Charlie allotted A LOT of time for formal photos in between so that meant PLAY TIME for Mabyn!

Mary is absolutely STUNNING! I couldn’t help but take bridal after bridal!

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Mary & Charlie love their beer (who can blame them?) So their formals reflected their love…for beer…haha!

Inside joke, You never would have known there’s a trashcan behind them ;oP oooo I’m bad! Love you two!

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Hahah, I love these guys! Are you hitchin’ to wing night?

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There were so many details!

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The toasts I’ve witnessed this year have been fantastic! Mary & Charlie’s was no exception! Look at these moments!

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Charlie, you’re such a cheeser!

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During the prayer…sooooo sweet!

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Ok, this has to be one of my favorite moments caught on film! Mary’s cake wasn’t quite right, so instead of being bridezilla she shrugged her shoulders and went on with the night. Then when it was time for the cake cutting and she couldn’t get the slice to come out…her solution was…THIS!

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How’s the cake hunny? WHAMMY!!!

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