Location: Winnetka, Illinois, United States
Setting: Backyard
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
The number of guests: 150
Wedding theme/style: Vintage, glamorous, artful
Jaime and John met at a campus concert, where she was swept away by his drumming skills. Their connection was undeniable, leading Jaime to leave Virginia behind for a life with John in Chicago. In a full-circle moment, John proposed at the very spot they met, ensuring their tale had a romantic continuity.
Their wedding unfolded in the upscale setting of John’s parents’ backyard in Winnetka, Illinois, nestled in the North Shore. This venue was thoughtfully chosen for its blend of relaxed charm and stylish sophistication, all set amidst the natural beauty and personal artistry of a family home.
Everly Collective, the photographer captured their day with an eye for the genuine and the spontaneous. Each image tells a story, from the laughter shared during the ceremony to the soft glows of the evening. Their ability to catch the relaxed elegance of the setting added depth to the couple’s vision.
Jaime looked stunning in a flowing gown paired with chic Gucci shoes, her hair elegantly styled with unique floral arrangements that set a whimsical tone.
John was wearing a blue suit, a vibrant reflection of their vintage theme, standing out against his groomsmen’s neutral attire. Blue floral tie and the white rose as a boutonniere were complementing the bride’s look.
Their first look was a private, heartfelt moment. In a beautifully tender gesture, John played on the piano for Jaime, adding a deeply personal and romantic touch to their first moments together on their wedding day.
The ceremony was a true reflection of Jaime and John’s personalities – chic, intimate, relaxed, and brimming with natural elegance. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery amidst blooming hydrangeas, around their close friends and family, the couple shared their vows.
The cocktail hour buzzed with excitement as guests mingled, enjoying custom drinks with ice stamped with the couple’s initials. Vintage attire added a unique flair to the gathering, with paper umbrellas providing shade and charm.
The reception was a vision of vintage glamour and earthy whimsy. The tables were adorned with delicate flowers, set under the sailcloth tent with the warm light of strung bulbs. Every detail, from the custom matchboxes to the color-coordinated settings, echoed Jaime and John’s unique style.
The evening glowed with candlelight and the lively energy of a DJ-led dance floor, while instant photos clicked away, capturing spontaneous moments. Laughter mingled with music as a champagne spray marked the pinnacle of celebration, embodying the day’s joy. It was a night where each flickering candle flame mirrored the warmth of new love and shared lives.
Advice from couple:
• Hire a really good wedding coordinator like Samatha with Wed by Danica. We found out post wedding that a server company scammed multiple couples and families and no servers were going to be showing up to our wedding as well. So another lesson would be, use a reputable company with solid reviews or even ask around for referrals!
PHOTOGRAPHER Everly Collective | PLANNER & COORDINATION Samantha West Weddings, Wed by Danica | CATERING Ema Restaurants | CAKE Petal and Moon Pastry | MUA Valentina Bridal Co, Felicia Deleon | HAIR Ramsay Ramirez | FLORAL Two Sisters Events | DRESS Anthropologie Weddings, Costco | SHOES Gucci | STATIONARY Lullabelle Design | LINENS Windy City Linen | TENT, LIGHTINGS Blue Peak Tents | DJ J.Larroc | RENTAL Hall’s Rental
