Who knew that a volleyball could mean so much… if we all thought we could meet our soul mate just by joining a volleyball team the beaches would be overrun. But lucky for Jon and Kelly a few long summer days and some well timed serves did just that, they fell in love and now they are married! The sun was shining all day for us, we had an awesome time visiting some Chicago landmarks with the bridal party, then we headed to the church to get them hitched. The reception was not only at the very unique Architectural Artifacts, but Jon’s attention to detail was well received from the awesome comment cards to the well-chosen rock-a-billy band. And I must also mention Jon’s suit was superb- easily the best one I have seen all year. I have a feeling that their love story may inspire quite a few new sign-ups on the team this summer, congratulations Kelly and Jon!
Michael started out with the guys at Southport lanes (great idea!).
The girls were having fun getting ready at the hotel.
Time for the first look! (some great tilt-shift shots captured by Michael)
Kelly’s dad got stuck with all the coats…
Then we headed to the North Avenue beach where Kelly and Jon first met.
Wedding day volleyball!
They had the coolest food stations for each variety in Chicago (chinatown, little italy, etc.).
The Cadillac Casanovas did an excellent job with the music (and the singer’s hair is truly impressive).
We gathered everyone for a giant group photo…
Congrats Kelly and Jon!
Second photographer: Michael Litchfield
Hair and makeup: Teri Kuhlman and Kerre from The Bridal Team
Florist: Cattails for bouquets and boutonnieres. Centerpieces by Jon’s mom.
Ceremony location: Bethany United Church in Chicago
Reception location: Architectural Artifacts
Officiant: Pastor William Bordonaro
Cake: Sweet Mandy Bs
Caterer: C Catering Boutique (they are fantastic!)
Dress: House of Brides
Accessories: Nordstrom
Band: The Cadillac Casanovas
First Dance: Love Me Tender by Elvis (performed by The Cadillac Casanovas)
Father/daughter & Mother/son: Sleepwalk (rockabilly instrumental performed by The Cadillac Casanovas)
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Kelly: Starting the day with photos and the first look. I was so excited to see Jon!
Jon: Seeing Kelly and her dad walking down the aisle. Kelly looked beautiful and her dad was bawling.
What was your favorite detail?
Kelly: Architectural Artifacts just happened to put to comfy red chairs by the stage that wound up being the perfect place for Jon and I to sit during the speeches. It was a happy accident.
Jon: We had a very extensive menu, so we named all of our different dishes after family and friends. It was so easy to do and people loved it.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Kelly: Jon and I just acting goofy during the photos.
Jon: Kelly’s dad and one of my groomsmen dancing together. I was quite a sight.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Kelly: Focus your wedding on making your guests happy. If your guests are having a great time, you will have great time.
Jon: Make your engagement as short as possible. Six months is plenty of time to plan a wedding and our friends who did one or two year engagements just extended the hassle and challenges of planning a wedding.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Kelly: I would have had a microphone by Jon and I for the vows. Some people could not hear them.
Jon: I would have invited more guests. We didn’t believe the standard “15% of guests decline” or that guests would back out at the last minute but it happens. I feel bad when think I about the people we could have invited but didn’t in order to could keep the head count manageable.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We spent a week in Playa Del Carmen right after the wedding. We leave for two weeks in Italy in March.