As an Odyssey Country Club Tinley Park Wedding Photographer, I was so excited to photograph Megan and Nate’s wedding. We started the day apart capturing some getting ready moments and gals and guys pictures before the festivities began. Megan decided to get ready at her parent’s home, which was very special as her fur babies were there and lots of memories with her family. All of her details were so pretty and selected so carefully. Nate had some great times with his groomsmen, getting dressed and having a few beers before it was time to head over to the Odyssey to do the wedding party portraits and of course, GET MARRIED!!
Getting Ready
I just LOVE capturing the first time the parents, especially the father, seeing his beautiful daughter before the wedding!!
The First Look | Wedding Party Portraits
Megan and Nate choose to do a first look and capture the pictures before the ceremony so that they could enjoy cocktail hour and capture the family portraits after the ceremony. I always recommend this when the ceremony and reception are at the same venue. It is your party, you should be a part of it. This moment is a special one and my favorite moments to capture at weddings.
I asked Megan and Nate about how this experience was for them, as many couples are hesitant about seeing each other before the wedding.
Nate said: “I do not regret seeing each other before the wedding. I really enjoyed that we were able to share that moment together before our ceremony. It felt a bit more intimate. Rather than potentially getting overwhelmed/distracted with all of your guests during the ceremony. It was just me and my future wife. Which was very nice. I enjoyed that quite a bit.”
Megan said: “The first look was one of the most magical moments of them all. Honestly, I was very skeptical about doing this at first because I though it would ruin the walking down the aisle experience, but I am SOO happy we did this. Walking toward Nate while his back to me was one of the most emotional parts of my day. After the entire morning getting ready, I was so anxious about seeing Nate and wondering what he would think of my dress and everything. When he turned around, I just melted (not just because of the heat). His reaction was perfect, he looked amazing, and it was just a peaceful moment where we really got to soak everything in .. alone. Thinking about it now gives me the chills because I remember exactly how I felt and the look in his eyes. Simply beautiful, and I would recommend this to everyone. “
The Ceremony
Megan told me that “One of my favorite moments was walking down the aisle with my dad. That was very emotional for me because my dad is my best friend, and he’s walking next to me. Then, I look forward and see my future husband… and even though I already saw him for the first look, this was super emotional because now everyone was watching and I kind of just felt like I was floating. I also loved how personal our ceremony was because my Uncle Doug (my dad’s brother) married us. He met with us beforehand and he really took the time to put what was important to us in the message. The entire day was just beautiful!”
Let’s Party!
Megan and Nate told me that they LOVED having all their favorite people in one place, that is was amazing to look around during dinner and see everyone that you love and care about together to celebrate and share in all these special moments. I asked the happy couple if they had any advice for other couples who are planning a wedding they said to consider hiring a day of coordinator so that some can be in charge of the day and letting people know where they should be and when. They said not to sweat the small stuff, complaining will get you nowhere, even when it is 100 degrees on your Spring wedding. Chicago set some record this memorial day weekend, it will surely not be forgotten and is now something to laugh about!! Enjoy the wedding planning process. Plan the wedding together, it is more fun than trying to do it alone. Lastly, try to enjoy each moment, it will go by so quickly. Soak in each and every moment!!
I had such a great time capturing Megan and Nate’s wedding. We had a lot of laughs and there are so many fun moments to share. I can not wait to share more!! Congratulations Megan and Nate, I wish you lots of love and laughter as you begin your happily ever after!!
The Vendors
A BIG thank you to such a great team of professionals who helped to make Nate and Megan’s wedding unforgettable!!
Makeup – Jessica McKane Hair – Red Styles – (Elayna)
Florist- Langes Flowers (Lemont) DJ – Tone Productions
