As I stood with Paul waiting for Michael to come around the corner for their first look, I asked Paul how he was feeling. He said he felt incredibly lucky… not only did he find the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with but he was about to celebrate their love and relationship openly and in the company of their loved ones. Their family and friends couldn’t have been happier to witness this fantastic union, everyone felt lucky to have such a gorgeous day for the occasion as well as be a part of such a special wedding. With an equal amount of laughter and tears, their ceremony was one of the best I have ever witnessed. From Paul learning how to tie his bow tie from a youtube tutorial video, to the heartfelt vows and speeches, and then the eruption of a wild dance party while the band let loose, this wedding was truly excellent.
Spooner was watching everyone get ready…
Paul got a little help from youtube…
They collected cuff links from the local thrift stores for all the guys.
Michael was super excited to see Paul.
First look!
Then we headed to Architectural Artifacts for some photos with the wedding party.
There are so many photo possibilities at AA…
One of my favorites!
Their friends left a message with the blocks…
Time to get married!
Their readers did an excellent job in choosing beautiful passages as well as writing an original poem.
Time to start the dance party. Their band “Intrigue” came all the way from Detroit…
Crazy dancing= dirty feet!
Jamaican beer!
By the end of the night the letters had been re-arranged a few times…
Congrats Michael and Paul, may you always be as lucky in life as you are lucky in love!
In case you didn’t see their super sweet engagement session, you can view the photos here: Michael and Paul are getting married
Here is a great video of their wedding day put together by their friend Jeff: Michael and Paul Getting Hitched
Hair and makeup: Art & Science (Evanston)
Florist: Anna Held
Ceremony location: Architectural Artifacts
Reception location: Architectural Artifacts
Event Planner: Mike & Paul, but our friend Jodi took over the day of the wedding (and we could not have done it with out her)
Officiant: Reverend Dr. Kyle Nash
Cake: Cupcakes by Phoebe’s Cupcakes
Caterer: Catered by Design
Accessories: Cufflinks – Ebay ; Bracelets – Etsy
DJ/Band: Intrigue
Q&A with the grooms:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
We both loved being able to see our family and friends DURING the ceremony.
What was your favorite detail?
Being able to use the materials from the venue made it great, the unique centerpieces as well as the deer that “goosed” Kyle during the ceremony.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Our parent’s speeches – who knew our folks were that funny!
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
The cliché of enjoy the day – don’t sweat the small (or even big) stuff – remember what the day is about! Also, make sure you get to see your family and friends DURING the ceremony – it will make the ceremony that much more powerful.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Nope – other then slow down time – it went too fast!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Going to Hawaii in December – can’t wait!