“Chris + Kristen have set an early Spring wedding date, therefore we scheduled a very early Spring engagement photography session with them. After further discussing their shoot date and the likely chilly Spring weather, we decided on photographing them inside the couple’s historic home. Kristen mentioned she loved our high-fashion engagement photography style, so within the comfort of their home we choose a few indoor rooms and ventured outside for some outdoors portraits in their front and back yards. We had a great time in your home – thanks C+K in inviting us over. Enjoyed talking and getting to know the two of you even more after we wrapped up the shoot toasting to the St. Patty’s day holiday.

 

We are looking forward to C+K’s wedding day celebration and reception set to take place in St. Charles at Hotel Baker in the oval Rainbow Room. The unique circular ballroom offers both old-world elegance and romantic charm. The lovely lighted dance floor, richly detailed mahogany columns, circular balcony, and views of the setting over the Fox River, we are looking forward to shooting this wedding. Plus, what a picture-perfect setting for Kristen’s described victorian decorated and themed wedding day style. We can’t wait for the celebration. Hope you enjoy the pictures Chris and Kristen. Talk to you soon.”

 

 

 

Chris + Kristen are tying the knot in early May. The couple booked their wedding reception at Hotel Baker located in St. Charles Illinois. Hotel Baker is a luxurious and elegant West suburban hotel and wedding venue situated on the shores of the Fox River. Originally built in 1928, the hotel with it’s recent restorations creates an ambience reminiscent of its former formal splendor. With both architectural and historical significance, the wedding venue Hotel Baker has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Congrats goes out to Valentin + Nicole who were married this winter in downtown Chicago. Oh, how we love working with creative people and Val + Nikki most definitely are that. Remember when Nicole brought creativity to her and Val’s high-fashion engagement session with us last Summer? As you can see, that was just a small taste to the ideas and creativity she incorporated into the big day. A few details we especially enjoyed capturing as their Chicago wedding photographers were the couple’s first glance in Union Station, fun but frigid moments outside in the snow, the numerous and amazing reception details, dancing, performances, tears, smiles, the fun times with V+N guest’s friends and family, interpreting the guest’s photo booth marker board notes, and so much more. Nicole + Val added to their wedding coverage our popular reception Rock the Drop photo booth. Nikki decided to customize the guest’s experience and mix in a creative guestbook idea all in one. Her photo prop was bringing along dry erase marker boards where guest’s were to leave a surprise message to the bride and groom on signs during their portrait. Everyone joined in, the booth was crowded, and the sign idea was a hit.

 

Nicole’s executed her and Val’s winter wonderland theme wedding fabulously deciding on wintery yet monotone, white and metallic elements of snowflakes, icicles, white puffy snowballs, ice cubes, fur, feathers, crystals and metallic embellishments in the reception, bridal party jewelry and ceremony’s decorations. The reception’s ballroom was luxurious, dreamy and a nostalgic setting with draped metallic white fabrics and had a punch color with dark & light blue up lighting. Val + Nicole’s first dance was magical… complete with real falling snowflakes overhead! A sleek and modern, a Winter wonderland setting with vintage elegant touches. V+N did an amazing job planning the perfect Winter wonderland themed wedding.

 

I asked Nicole if she’d like to share any special memories that I could blog about from the day. Every couple we are photographers for and their memorable day’s are all so very different and it’s interesting in learning the couple’s inspiration behind the day, perhaps a favorite memory, or if they find they have any inspired advice to provide to other brides who are in their planning stages. Read on to learn what Nicole had to say in response…

 

The bride Nicole writes: “I am a very detail oriented and sentimental person. So that being said, almost everything in the wedding was custom designed. The fur wraps on the bridesmaids and flower girl were sewn for them from etsy, with their names inside. The bridesmaid necklaces were designed by me. Each girl had a unique vintage snowflake pin embedded and I used quartz in the necklace. My shoes were purchased online, but the beading was taken out and replaced with fox fur trim. I also used vintage snowflake clip earrings as shoe clips. I had always envisioned a Winter wedding since I was a little girl…something about the winter is just so romantic to me. That being said, my absolute dream was to have it snow during our first dance. Val and I worked with Jay (our dj & event/lighting) to make my dream a reality. I absolutely wanted to put together a wedding that I’d never seen and so I went to pull in my inspirations. I got to thinking and imagined what about winter I love and I wanted the atmosphere to have a “cool” affect with blue lighting but everything else white. My overall inspiration for the day was a combination of vintage ( feathers / crystals ) and modern ( lighting / design ). My favorite memory of the day was meeting Val at Union Station for our first glance. It allowed me time in the limo while Miller + Miller was setting up to take 5 min alone to soak in the day. It was also the only time Val and I really had alone so I enjoyed it!”

 

Val + Nicole, we had a wonderful time spending the big day with you and getting to know both over the past year. In seeing these photos, it makes us want to see snow falling outside the window right now. We enjoyed documenting your wintery white wedding’s details. From your vintage fashion and decadent cake and treats, to the flowers, stunning room and the decor, the entire event and your creativity was amazing. We wish the best to the both of you.”

 

 

 

 

Nicole and Val’s suburban and Chicago wedding vendors included:
Ceremony: St. Hyacinth Basilica Chicago church wedding ceremony , 3640 W. Wolfram, Chicago
Winter Reception: Venuti’s, Addison
Prep Locations: Parent’s homes in Roselle and Des Plaines
Dress Designer + Bridal Shop: Demitrios from Brides by Demitrios, Schaumburg
Bridal Shoes: White satin shoes purchased online but designed by Nicole with added embellishments of fox fur and vintage earrings
Hair by: Michael from Rockstar Salon, Roselle
Bridal Makeup by: Cynthia from Cynthia Sally
Vintage Birdcage Veil: Edward Berger Veil
Bridesmaids Shoes: The ladies selected their own heels
Bridesmaids Dress: Mackenzie Michaels
Tuxedos: GQ Formalwear Tux, Schaumburg
Limo Bus: Limo Envy
Menu: Guests on the night of had the choice of Ribeye, Chicken Breast Francese or Orange Roughy served with twice baked potato and asparagus
Cake + Sweets Table: Oak Mill Bakery
Flowers: Palomino Floral Designs, Schaumburg
DJ, Fabric, Lighting and First Dance Snowfall by: Jay of Something 2 Dance 2, Schaumburg
Hawaiian Honeymoon: Oahu, Waikiki Beach in Hawaii
Reception Photo Booth and Backdrop: Miller + Miller’s Rock the Drop photo booth ( contact us about this upgraded photo service we offer, your guest’s will love it )

 

 

Be sure to view our featured blog photos from our Summer session downtown with
Nicole + Valentine photographing them in our high-fashion Chicago engagement photography style.

 

 

 

Looking to reserve a limo for your wedding or bachelorette party? Check out Val’s family owned limousine company called Limo Envy. Limo Envy covers the Chicago area limousine market from the City of Chicago to the burbs. With a massive fleet of livery options, we recommend contacting them for both weddings and other events because they offer limos for as little as 6 and up to a 56 passengers. Visit Val’s company’s web site by clicking the preview images below, use this link www.limoenvy.com or call them at 773.357.5466.