Sometimes introducing yourself to a pretty girl pays off. When Chris spotted Joanna in the orientation line for law school he knew he had to say something, who knew that he was actually about to meet the girl of his dreams?! That was the day their love story began, leading up to their wedding day where they would be married in the courtyard of the very same law school only steps away from their first introduction. Everything played out perfectly, from the weather to the locations around the city, from the bunnies hopping through the grass during the ceremony to the delicious dinner and reception at Spiaggia, all complete with a beautiful couple. It’s easy to see that Joanna and Chris are most at ease when in each other’s presence, they have a genuine affection for each other and their families. Being a part of this wedding was wonderful, and I am thrilled with the photos as well.
Even their fish was excited for the big day.
Joanna had a sixpence for her shoe.
Her mom couldn’t resist doing a little cleaning before we left.
Chris was tying his bow tie…
The guys waited for the girls at the Cancer Survivor’s Garden.
First look!
The courtyard of Northwestern Law school was a beautiful location for their ceremony.
We stopped for a couple of photos in the historic lecture hall.
We gathered the entire group on the steps of the MCA for a group photo on our way to Spiaggia, awesome!
Joanna’s mom grabbed a dance with the groom.
They wore themselves out.
Congrats Joanna and Chris!
Hair and makeup: Kerre Berry
Florist: Exquisite Weddings (Alexandra Jusino)
Ceremony location: Courtyard at the Northwestern School of Law
Reception location: The Private Dining Rooms at Spiaggia
Cake: Flour Cake & Pastry
Caterer: Spiaggia
Dress: Jim Hjelm
Accessories: Shoes – J.Crew; Necklace – Borrowed from Mother; Veil – Etsy
DJ/Band: Neil Dixon Smith (Guitarista); Nate Seider (Style Matters)
First Dance: “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Father/daughter & Mother/son: “Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Chris: When Joanna was walking down the aisle toward me. She was beaming.
Joanna: Chris got a bit emotional when we started saying our vows during the ceremony. It was unexpected and very sweet.
What was your favorite detail?
Chris: Bunnies hopping around behind Joanna during the ceremony.
Joanna: Our mini terracotta pot placecard holders!
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Chris: The groomsmen banter while waiting for the girls to show up for pictures was consistently hilarious.
Joanna: The random skateboarder teenagers sending us well wishes as we were taking pictures around town.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Keep your eye on the prize.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
No, everything came together beautifully.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We ate our way around Italy and it was delicious!