Luxury Chicago Wedding | Lauren & Derrick

‘You may kiss your bride…’ Those are the 5 words every couple has been anxiously awaiting since the moment the he popped THE question. The moment when you are finally husband and wife. And seeing Lauren and Derricks happiness as they excitedly walked down the aisle together, holding hands while everyone cheered, told it all. But honestly as beautiful as that moment was, it wasn’t my favorite moment of their day. It wasn’t decorations, or the flowers, or even Lauren’s stunning dress either. My favorite wedding day moment would have to be right after the bridal party and families formal photos. When everyone went inside to enjoy cocktail hour and it was just the two of them (well and me behind the camera of coarse lol). The few moments when they were not surrounded by their family and friends and had a moment to just take in the gravity of what just happened. That they are now married! For these two those moments were filled with sweet smiles, silly laughter and loving embraces. It’s like the nervousness and wedding day jitters just melted away and they could just focus on each other for a few precious moments.

(Sidenote to any future brides: I always encourage my couples to pencil in time to just be together on your wedding day. You won’t regret it!)

Lauren and Derrick got married on August 24th, 2019 at the beautiful European Crystal Banquets just west of Chicago. As you can see this wedding was GORGEOUS! It was honestly a struggle picking out my favorite photos for this blog post. I had to keep reminding myself I can’t post their entire wedding gallery. 😫😂 It was basically one of those weddings that photographers dream of! It had everything you need. A super excited, fun, kind couple! ✅ A STUNNING, well decorated venue. ✅ A well executed timeline. ✅ And Super sweet and extremely helpful family and bridal party. ✅ Oh and an added bonus of great reception music and a super LIT 🔥 reception turn up.✅✅✅ After tear jerking ceremony (where I may or may not have shed a few tears 😭 ) it was PARTY TIME! I went from wiping away tears behind the camera to dancing and singing along to some of my favorite lyrics (don’t worry guys I made sure to still keep snapping 📸). Theirs was definitely one of the most memorable weddings of the year.

Lauren & Derrick,

I truly enjoyed every moment of working with you two. From our consultation and engagement session all the way through to your beautiful wedding day you guys have been such a dream! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of such an important moment in your lives and I hope it doesn’t end here. I hope I get to be your photographer for life. I also pray that God blesses your union with a lifetime of peace, joy, laughter, and prosperity. But most of all an abundance of love! ❤️

Love your photographer FO-Life, 😂

Janelle