A Dreamy Summer Wedding in Highland Park

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Location: Highland Park, Illinois, US
Setting: Ceremony: courtyard, reception: ballroom
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 150
Wedding theme/style: Timeless, simple, modern.

Olivia and Jake first met at Eastern Illinois University, quickly forming a friendship that naturally blossomed into romance. Despite the uncertainty of their future career paths and the challenge of long-distance, their relationship remained strong. When the pandemic hit, they found themselves working side by side in Olivia’s apartment, spending every moment together. It didn’t take long for them to realize they never wanted to be apart again. In the spring of 2023, Jake proposed on their balcony, sealing their commitment to a shared future.

Like most brides, Olivia had started her vision board for years before she and Jake even got engaged. She had been adding to her Pinterest board and saving inspiration on Instagram, so when the day finally came, she knew exactly what she wanted. The couple wanted a classic and timeless wedding that wouldn’t go out of style. When it came to choosing a photographer to capture their special day, Olivia and Jake had no doubts about selecting Meghan Whitlock at MW Collective. Meghan’s attention to detail and use of both digital and Polaroid cameras beautifully captured every moment, preserving their memories in a unique and stunning way.

WEDDING MORNING

On the morning of her wedding, Olivia’s preparation was filled with tender, intimate moments. She was remarkably calm, her only concern being the weather, which thankfully held out. Olivia was most excited about dancing the night away with her husband, embracing every moment of their special day.

She looked stunning in her wedding gown, a vision of modern elegance with its sleek lines and understated design. Olivia wore a stunning strapless Eddy K dress paired with white Caprice heels from Tony Bianco. She kept her accessories simple, opting for elegant pearl drop earrings from J. Crew. Her hair was styled in soft curls and left down, with the front pieces tucked behind her ears, maintaining a relaxed and timeless look. Olivia’s makeup featured a light smokey eye and a soft glam approach, perfectly complementing the understated elegance of her wedding look. She carried a beautiful bouquet of white and ivory blooms.

The moment Olivia showed her bridal look to her bridesmaids and her family was filled with joy and excitement. As she stepped into the hallway, her friends’ faces lit up with awe and admiration. Their expressions captured the heartfelt reaction to seeing Olivia in her stunning wedding gown for the first time.

Olivia wanted to keep her bridesmaids’ dresses neutral but wasn’t keen on the idea of black or champagne. Inspired by another wedding she had seen, she opted for a beautiful chocolate brown. To ensure her bridesmaids felt and looked their best, she allowed each of them to choose their own dress from any brand. Olivia didn’t like the idea of a “one size fits all” style and wanted her friends to be able to wear the dresses again in the future. This approach ensured everyone felt comfortable and confident on the big day.

Jake chose a classic black tuxedo from Proper Cloth, paired with patent leather loafers by Allen Edmonds. He completed his look with a Mizzen & Main tuxedo dress shirt, a Gucci bow tie, and a Tudor Black Bay watch, a treasured gift from his dad. The groomsmen wore sleek black suits styled with a white pocket square and a chocolate brown tie, perfectly complementing the bridesmaids’ dresses.

FIRST LOOK

The first look between Olivia and Jake was a truly special moment. When Jake turned around, his face lit up with joy and admiration, seeing his Olivia for the first time on their wedding day. The couple embraced, sharing a heartfelt hug that showcased their deep connection and love for each other.

THE CEREMONY

All the wedding day events took place at Highland Park Community House. Despite the hot summer day, Olivia and Jake didn’t plan for a long ceremony. Once the officiant began, it lasted only 12 minutes. Having attended many weddings, the couple noted that ceremonies around 15 minutes felt ideal. They worked closely with their officiant to ensure the ceremony was uniquely tailored to them.

Olivia and Jake chose “The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes for their recessional. As they were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Right at the hook of the song, it perfectly transitioned into the cocktail hour.

The ceremony was filled with love, captivating stories, and plenty of affection from their loved ones. It was a beautiful moment that the newlyweds cherished and wanted to share with everyone special to them.

Our most memorable moments from the day were either successfully hitting the dip and kiss at the end of the aisle, or our intro into the reception.

Olivia, The Bride

MOMENTS ALONE

After the ceremony, the newlyweds enjoyed a beautiful, intimate time together, perfectly captured by Meghan Whitlock. Olivia and Jake’s joy was evident in every photo, whether sharing a tender moment or walking hand in hand. Photographer’s ability to capture candid moments ensured that their love story was documented in the most stunning way.

The newlyweds also took Polaroid shots, creating perfect keepsakes to cherish forever.

COCKTAIL HOUR

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail hour. It was a perfect time for everyone to relax, toast to the newlyweds, and share heartfelt conversations.

THE DECOR & CELEBRATION

Following cocktail hour, Olivia and Jake made a grand entrance into the reception space to the tune of “Best Friend” by 50 Cent, instantly energizing the guests. The reception area was elegantly decorated, blending classic and modern elements. Crisp white linens adorned the tables, complemented by stunning floral centerpieces featuring white blooms and lush greenery. The soft, ambient lighting created an intimate atmosphere, perfectly setting the stage for the evening’s celebrations.

As the newlyweds moved into their first dance, the room was filled with the heartfelt melody of “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain. Their dance was a beautiful, tender moment that captivated everyone present, underscoring the love and joy of the occasion.

For the reception, Olivia switched into the Ruby midi dress from Selezza London and changed her long pearl earrings for the Dahlia stud earrings from Katie Waltman jewelry boutique. Olivia’s maid of honor ensured she smelled amazing throughout the night by spritzing her favorite perfume, Gucci Bloom in Magnolia.

As the night unfolded, the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away. DJ One Chance, the official DJ of the Chicago Bulls, kept the energy high, and no one left the dance floor all night. The music choices perfectly complemented the joyous atmosphere, making it an unforgettable celebration.

Olivia and Jake kept their expectations realistic for their wedding day, having heard countless times that something inevitably goes wrong. Fortunately, they had hired an incredible team of vendors who took care of everything flawlessly. The couple didn’t have to worry about a single detail; if anything did go wrong, they never knew about it. Thanks to their vendors, the day turned out perfectly.