I don’t know about you, but my friends are extensions of my family. Therefore when my longest standing friend got engaged, it was as if a sister (or what I think it would feel like if I had a sister) had told me the wonderful news! Not only have I known Sarah since High School, or possibly even Middle School, but we have been close throughout the years, despite the distances. So, it is with extreme joy to bring to you my favorites from Sarah and Rich’s wedding day this past Saturday.
A couple of days before the wedding Sarah told me that her co-workers were wondering how quickly the photos would be ready. Not that I was surprised by this question, but the reason was because they couldn’t wait to see Sarah in a dress. I think it’s safe to say that hoodies are a staple in her wardrobe, not dresses and heels. So, on that note, you may start to understand just how grand the day was…
Adel and her assistant from Spoil Me Salon worked with Sarah and her Bridesmaids and Mother in the early hours.
After Sarah was finished and the others were getting dolled up I caught Sarah on her phone. I thought maybe I’d catch her texting Rich some cute reminder or something, but no…
…she was shopping for shoes. I hope you bought those. I love the color! ha ha ha.
This ring shot was purely for my amusement… Chicago Wedding… Illinois… get it… yep, I went there… not to worry, I took more.
Sarah had numerous shoes to wear throughout the day. I’m not sure I knew about the shoe addiction before that day, but now we all know. ha.
There’s the bride hoodie that was more present the night before, but it still helped insulate her for the trip to the venue.
And in no time at all, it was time for the last details. Rich’s sister helping to make sure Sarah’s pendant is secured.
Then it was off to Uncommon Ground.
Sarah found Rich and gave him a hand with his tie. Rich looked dashing in his Tux!
Next up I swept them outside to the roof deck for some formal photos. These two were troopers as it was mighty chilly. You’ll see that Sarah kept her coat and boots on for some of these but also braved it in others. I’ll say, we are all Midwesterners…. and a hearty bunch at that…. but my thumb did go numb at one point, which is when it was safe to say we should go inside.
What does that thermometer say in the back…. brrrrrr….
Although it was totally out of season, the roof deck gardens still had some really interesting features for us to use for the photos.
How adorable is Sarah here?
The way Rich looks at Sarah just makes me smile.
Love.
And soon it was time to meet back up with the rest of the bridal party.
A few laughs were had to ease the tension…
… then onto the ceremony. Officiated by Rich’s sister and with Sarah & Rich’s sisters and closest friends supporting them on stage, they exchanged vows and rings and took a bow.
You two couldn’t make it look any easier! Congratulations.
I can’t say enough good things about Travis and the staff at Uncommon Ground. They run a good show and mix some amazing drinks. And at this point all the guests were tended to with apps and drinks before the meal.
Nommmm, being a guest as well as the Photog has some wonderful perks. Bloody Mary’s are my current weakness, so I was pleased… mighty mighty pleased.
The Bride and Groom were toasted and their love was highlighted by wonderful speeches from their family and friends.
A fist bump was also exchanged between the Bride and her dad!
Cheers!
The bride can have her cake, eat it…
… and have cupcakes too. Oh yes, she can. Thanks to West Town Bakery & Diner
Nom. Nom. Nom.
The staff never ceased to amaze me. When I ordered this espresso drink, they added just the perfect touch…
Adorable.
Making it official on paper…
… and on the dance floor.
“We are family….” a Haynor tradition.
As the event came to a close, there is no doubt in my mind that Sarah and Rich have the love and support from their family and friends to take on anything that comes their way. With love and laughs I wish you all the best for the journey ahead.
Congratulations Rich and Sarah!
Special thanks to these other vendors for your fine goods:
Uncommon Ground on Devon – http://www.uncommonground.com/pages/devon_home
Spoil Me Salon – www.spoilmehairsalon.com
West Town Bakery and Diner – http://www.westtownbakery.com/
Monitor Formal Wear – www.monitorformalwear.org
Earmark on Etsy (Guestbook) – http://www.etsy.com/shop/Earmark
Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company – http://brynmawrjewelrycompany.com/
Engaged? 2013 and 2014 dates available. Contact me directly at: jennaltonphoto@gmail.com
Tags: bloody mary, boots, brick wall, bride, Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company, cake cutting, Chicago, cupcakes, dancing, dress, espresso, father of the bride, fist bump, foam writing, garden, gerber daisy, groom, guest book, hair, heels, Illinois, jewlery, kate spade, make up, marriage certificate, mittens, Monitor Formal Wear, monopoly board, necklace, pendant, portraits, restaurant, ring shot, rings, roof deck, Salon, shoes, shopping, speeches, Spoil Me Hair Salon, stairs, tie, toast, toms, tradition, tuxedo, Uncommon Ground on Devon, We are family, wedding bands, West Town Bakery & Diner, winter
There were fantastic prizes in the raffle as well as some wonderful big ticket, live auction items.
Around every corner I found guests conversing and socializing….. and just having a good ‘ol time.
The students and teachers also had a couple of stations to show people some of the ideas they have been learning about!
They all did such a great job!
Some delicious food was served and it was almost time to start the program.
… and then it was time for the program to begin…
The teachers and students got the crowd involved and energized immediately!
Elissa, Executive Director, had many thanks and praise to announce to the audience.
And the audience’s participation was phenomenal.
The testimonials from current and former students were moving.
And based on Kayla and Kevin’s stories at the podium, it is clear how much Breakthrough is making positive changes in young people’s lives.
Jenn Alton Photography 