I may say this for every wedding I shoot but I truly mean it when I say that this was one of my absolute favorite weddings of 2015!!  This day was filled with some amazing Greek wedding traditions, some gorgeous Cantigny wedding photos, and SO much FUN!!  Kalli and Eddie met while working together.  A while later Eddie’s friends were going to meet up with him for his birthday at a bar and Kalli was invited.  Somewhat awkwardly…or perhaps you could say it was fate, Kalli showed up and no one else but Eddie was there yet.  The two sat and chatted and sparks began to fly.  The love these two have for each other radiates, which is what makes them not only fun to photograph but to be around in general.

I started the morning hanging out with Kalli as she got ready.  She had the most beautiful white robe on which photographed beautifully.  Brides, this is often something that gets overlooked.  Instead of being photographed in a tank top and shorts, consider getting an elegant silk robe for your getting ready pictures!  Before Kalli got in her wedding dress, her mom and her exchanged letters with each other and it was the sweetest moment to capture. We then headed to the Greek Orthodox church where Kalli and Eddie had a wonderful ceremony.  Kalli’s three brothers have some serious musical talent and they sang throughout the ceremony.  After the ceremony, we headed off in a trolley to the Cantigny gardens in Wheaton where we captured some stunning Cantigny wedding photos.  With that comes my second advice for brides, if you are having your ceremony and reception in areas that don’t provide the most scenic background, do your research and find a place where you’d like to have your bridal party and portraits taken.  It will be worth all the time and effort!

The real party began once we arrived at the reception which was held at the Chicago Marriott in Naperville.  The entire reception was filled with so much fun, laughter and of course, Greek dancing!  It was truly a wedding to remember.  Kalli and Eddie, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your big day.

Ceremony: St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church | Reception: Chicago Marriott Naperville | Videography: George Street | Flowers: Debi’s Designs | DJ: Soundscape (Sam Poulos) | Dress: Essence of Australia | Wedding Photo Location: Cantigny Park