“Larry + Kelly are an adorable couple and what an incredibly fun time everyone had on their beautiful wedding day! Starting off the day, was their indoor church ceremony which took place at Kelly’s home town church in Burr Ridge at Trinity Lutheran Church. A special added touch, Larry’s home town reverend from Central Illinois traveled a few hours East to the Chicagoland area to speak as the second presiding reverend for the ceremony.

 

After the ceremony, Kelly + Larry set aside time at Kelly's grandparent's home estate which hosted the bridal party photos. The grandparent's cattle ranch, also in Burr Ridge and nearby both the church and reception venues, was a beautiful place for some personally memorable photos for Kelly. With memories of visiting the ranch for many years since her childhood, it was extremely meaningful to capture photos from her wedding day at her grandparent's property. The rain held off only long enough for a few photos outside by the home's private pond. Moving indoors, a spent a few minutes capturing photos in the home's dark wood and magnificent study. This regal room's interior was impressively decorated ... perfect for some luxurious, bridal photos. L+K look like royalty!

 

The reception took place at Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge and wedding guests were surprised with the unique and creative touches which were added around every corner… the fun just kept coming! While the couple was working, studying and traveling abroad, and eventually living in Denver, Colorado, Kelly’s mom Kim played a tremendous part in the planning of their wedding day. Kim was a big help in personalizing the decor and coordinating extra guest activities into the wedding day ( matching closely to L+K’s personalities… the newlyweds love traveling, the outdoors, spending time with friends + family, and making the most of life. )

 

As the saying goes, something new ( look closely as Kelly dressed in three wedding dresses ), something borrowed ( she borrowed her mom’s hoop skirt for her second / reception dress ) and well… there were a lot of things blue! A number of shades of pool blue were incorporated into the bridesmaid dresses, table decor, walls and ceilings within the reception’s ballroom, with blue ambient uplighting, tinted champagne flutes, a pool blue fondant dressed wedding cake, pillows, candles and fun blue paper lanterns in the attached to the reception lounge area. Guests enjoyed glow sticks, sombreros, hula hooping, and late night snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, fruit & veggies, and the specialty ordered groom’s cake. Not to mention, our reception photo backdrop, was an option amongst the guest’s extra after dinner activities beyond the lively dance floor.

 

If you are a frequent visitor to the Miller+Miller photo blog, you might notice something new… the black & white images from Larry+Kelly’s reception’s photo station backdrop. The Rock the Drop is what we call our Miller + Miller photo booth. The “drop” is an optional added fun reception, photography element and upgrade available for a couple of hours at the reception. We have five Rock the Drop weddings in 2010. As you can see, personalities are on display and guests really bring the life of the party into these photos. The drop was a hit and a fun was had by all. Larry, Kelly, Valparasio University college friends ( L+K met at Valpo ), and family visiting from out of town all rocked photos in our reception room’s backdrop photo station. Sombreros, cotton candy, cocktails, friends and smiles… it was a celebration.

 

Larry and Kelly we wish you both the best of luck in life, love and happiness. We enjoyed your wedding day and the mix of fun, elegance and style. Congratulations, you two and we’ll talk to you soon!!

 

 

 

Reception Venue + Cake: Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge, www.marriott.com
Church: Trinity Lutheran Church, Burr Ridge, www.tlbr.org
Wedding Dresses ( Ceremony + Reception ): White Satin Bridal, www.whitesatinbridal.com
Lighting Specialist: Precision Sound and Lighting, www.precisionsoundandlighting.com
Videography: Dennis Sagel from Beiteverso Productions, www.slickart.net
Bridesmaids Shoes + Dresses: David’s Bridal, www.davidsbridal.com
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse, www.menswearhouse.com
Hair: Salon Efthimia, www.salonefthimia.com
Wedding Veil + Bridal Shoes: White Satin Bridal, www.whitesatinbridal.com
Flowers: Bride’s Choice, (630) 512-0450
Honeymoon: Dominican Republic, Bavaro Princess in Punta Cana, www.bavaroprincess.com