To say I was excited about Christina and Julian’s wedding would be an understatement. I had met Christina when she was working at Designed and Detailed Event Planning and we had become friends over the years. She had originally planned to marry Julian, her high school sweetheart, in April of 2020. Just a couple of weeks before the big day the city of Chicago was shut down for all events due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it was very disappointing for everyone. This couple was so easy going about it and just rescheduled for August adhering to the new “rules” for weddings and events in Chicago and planned for an intimate wedding with their nearest and dearest family and friends. We started the morning out at a beautiful Air BnB in Chicago for some pre-wedding pictures, getting ready and special moments with parents, family. Julian and Christina read letters they had written to each other before doing a first look and then we were off for some city pictures. Just the two of them and the photo/video and planning team. It was so special. The wedding ceremony and reception dinner would be held at Carnivale in Chicago. A vibrant and colorful venue that fit this couple’s personalities and love of food perfectly. The day went off without a hitch and I was delighted to be a part of it!
I always ask all my couples who do a first look before the wedding ceremony if it was special. Christina told me that “I do not regret seeing each other at all. It helped calm my nerves seeing Julian. It was just us two and was a perfect moment. Julian told me that it helped “ground us and made things feel real!” We decided to do the first look at the location where the wedding party was getting ready before we headed out for some amazing Chicago wedding pictures. It was perfect, and I love the mirror that was there so I was able to capture both faces for some of the pictures!!
My favorite moment was when this guy, who was playing his saxophone on the sidewalk near one of our photo stops, played some wedding tunes for the couple. It was magical and it seemed like these two love birds escaped to an imaginary private place all to themselves for a quick dance. <3
Christina also shared that this was one of her favorite moments too! She told me: “My favorite moments were taking pictures downtown. We chose it to be just the two of us and I loved it that way. We had our first dance outside of the Wrigley Building, which happened randomly. Due to the Covid Pandemic Guidelines, we were unable to have any dancing at the venue, Carnival. So having this moment just happened meant a lot to us!!
I always ask couples if they have any advice to offer other couples who are planning a wedding. Christina said: “We had a small 30 person wedding. We kept it small and intimate so we got a chance to talk to everyone and enjoy our close friends and family. I would recommend finding a time for just you two. There is a lot of moving parts and just slow down for a moment to take it all in and enjoy each other. Julian told me: “Take your time, listen to each other, and love each other. Remember little moments in your relationship whether good or bad and enjoy the memories. Remember why you fell in love, and why you continue to love.”
A special THANK YOU to all the vendors who came together to help make this day picture perfect!!
Venue and Catering by Carnival Chicago
Wedding Day of Coordination by Designed and Detailed Events
Makeup by Chicago Makeup Professionals
Hair by Alex from Hair Born Salons
Florals by Flowers for Dreams
Video by Kathy Ramirez Films
Transportation by Windy City Limos
Thank you so much Christina and Julian for allowing me to capture the memories of your wedding day. I wish you nothing but LOVE and a lot of LAUGHTER as you begin your happily ever after!
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