“I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn’t do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love.”
Lila and Jeremy’s hearts are full of love, and there is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. From ice skating in the park after work, to recovering from heart surgery, they are committed to each other for all of life’s ups and downs. I had the pleasure of meeting them 2 years ago at another wedding, I was struck by their kind demeanors and most certainly by their beautiful blue eyes! Photographing their wedding was so enjoyable, the wonderful details and the interior of the Byron Colby Barn made everything feel like a down-home celebration. Lilacs, great music, and friends and family dancing the night away under strings of lights… it was an amazing day from start to finish. Congratulations to Lila and Jeremy, two of the nicest people I have ever met!
Lila was so excited!
A lot of tears when her dad saw her in her dress…
Jeremy was getting ready in the room next door.
Guys like being goofy…
Jamie got this awesome shot from below as they toasted.
It was time for the first look…
Her mom remembered a necklace for “something borrowed.”
I’m so in love with this shot!
Gorgeous!
Then Jeremy signed his initials and a heart by her ankle with a blue pen for her “something blue.”
Love!
And then some wonderful shots of the wedding party…
For some reason I think these have a terrific 1960’s gypsy feel to them, awesome!
Time for the wedding…
Thank you Ingrid for this beautiful wide shot of Lila and her dad about to walk down the aisle.
Not only was their officiant a close friend, but Nora is also a very talented singer/songwriter (playing with amazing people like Andrew Bird and Neko Case). She played “to make you feel my love” during the ceremony, it was mesmerizing!
This little guy was not warming up to the camera.
The Byron Colby Barn…
Good things (and good people) come from Vermont.
There are no words…
Liana and Andrew always know how to let loose! (I photographed their wedding 2 years ago)
Congrats Lila and Jeremy, what a wonderful wedding!
Second photographers: Jamie Hartley and Ingrid Bonne-Goggins
Hair and makeup: Chicago Bridal Hair & Makeup (Holly Kasprisin and her assistant); MAC Cosmetics (Karin Stone and her assistant)
Florist: Gregg Florist, Peoria IL; Eventfully Entwined, Grayslake, IL
Ceremony location: Gazebo @ Byron Colby Barn, Grayslake, IL
Reception location: Byron Colby Barn, Grayslake, IL
Event Planner: Yours truly
Officiant: Nora O’Connor
Cake: We did pies instead – by FIG Catering
Caterer: FIG Catering
Dress: Allure Bridal
Accessories: Due Sorelle boutique
DJ/Band: Toast & Jam DJ’s (Rachel Hinsdale)
First Dance: Otis Redding, “These Arms of Mine”
Father/daughter: Utopia, “Love is the Answer”
Mother/son: “Stand By Me”
Q&A with the bride and groom:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Lila: Hearing Jeremy’s vows, Nora O’Connor performing “To Make you Feel My Love,” surprising my Dad with a song from his own wedding for our dad/daughter dance, the speeches, my Dad’s toast, dancing on the balcony with my girlfriends….and of course all of the fun wedding party photos! Jeremy: Love that we got to use the wagon out front as an impromptu prop!
What was your favorite detail?
Lila: I loved the lights inside the barn and silo, and the overall ambience that we created with our “DIY” approach. It just felt so romantic and rustic and intimate…exactly what I wanted.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Lila: Seeing people out on the dance floor who NEVER dance….and my friend Natalja’s little daughter following me around everywhere….even all the way outside for our sunset photos! I didn’t even realize she was behind me until I turned around and saw her Dad chasing us.
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Lila and Jeremy: When the actual day comes, just let go and have a good time. What will be, will be…and everyone around you will help make your day perfect, so you can stop worrying about it!!!
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Lila: Honestly – no. In the end, my wedding came together exactly as I had imagined it, and even better. Thanks to all of my amazing friends, family and vendors! 😉
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Jeremy: Key West, FL – and we’re going to Italy in the Fall