Wedding Date: October 7th 2023

You can always tell when someone marries their best friend because there’s this extra spark and deep connection that fills the space with an intangible energy. That’s exactly what I felt when I first met Natalie and Garrett. They lit up the room and made an hour feel like only minutes have passed. We originally met when she was a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding and we instantly hit it off laughing and joking the entire day. When I got the call from them about their own engagement, I jumped at the chance and couldn’t wait to reconnect. Their genuine love for one another and fun energy is infectious and I was excited to be alongside them for their wedding journey.

They are intentional about everything they do and had mapped out their day connecting different points in their love story all along the way. I met Natalie at her condo which was packed full of excited bridesmaids and family. The energy was palpable and no one wore a bigger smile than Natalie. She looked stunning in an elegant dress and was styled head to toe with each detail perfectly in place. Since this was her neighborhood, she walked me to the location for their first look. Tucked away in an alley behind the Hewing Hotel that was lit with twinkle lights, I found the perfect beam of sun peeking out between the buildings. I met up with Garrett who was at a bar around the corner where he was having a drink with a buddy. He jumped up and was ready to go as soon as he saw me because that meant he would finally get to see Natalie for the big reveal. He walked around the corner to where Natalie was waiting, arms full of flowers and ready to embrace his best friend.

They set aside some time for us to visit some of their favorite places along the way to meet their wedding party and families. They love the North Loop neighborhood so we started there and chased the light from one industrial building to the next. We came across some colorful graffiti that added a pop of color to the stroll. We walked the cobblestone streets and tree lined avenues until we reached one of their favorite places, Boom Island. I rarely get to go here as it’s a hidden oasis in the city that is often overlooked. I was overjoyed to see this on their list and was excited to explore the nooks and crannies. We met their wedding party, families, and their dog near one of the beautiful iron bridges that connected one green space to another. This really was the perfect mix of industrial and nature and I found inspiration around every turn.

The big moment was finally here, so we made our way to Quincy Hall where the ceremony space had been beautifully decorated. Their intentionality and attention to detail could be seen in the stunning cascading flower backdrop that gave a whimsical and bright mood to the space. The entire crowd stood in awe as Natalie walked down the aisle toward a breathless Garrett who was all smiles. They shared thoughtful and sweet vows with each other as everyone smiled along with them, some even dabbing happy tears from the corners of their eyes. A stunning flower installation hung from the ceiling and perfectly framed the happy couple as they shared a kiss and danced down the aisle where they were greeted by their sweet pup who had been waiting patiently for a moment to shine.

Their wedding party happily made their way outside as they were handed signature cocktails so they could share a toast with the newlyweds. As the wedding party chatted and enjoyed their drink outside, inside guests were treated to a gorgeous spread of drinks and bites. Giant paper flowers hung overhead and I was impressed by the handmade german style pretzels that paired perfectly with the drinks. Natalie’s family knows food and it certainly shows! While everyone was enjoying the cocktail hour, Natalie and Garrett snuck away to the bar next door to share a few quiet moments together. This was definitely my favorite moment of the day. I got to be a fly on the wall who got to capture the moment where they took a deep breath and let this amazing day sink in. They laughed and joked and shared stories that happened only hours before. It was once again so intentional and a moment that I think they will never forget.

As the cocktail hour came to an end, we stepped into the hall that had been completely transformed into their reception space. Guests happily took their seats as friends and family toasted the couple. Then they took to the dance floor as their loved ones gathered around. It was like a dance perfectly in the round so wherever they looked they were always surrounded by love. When the last song came to a close, Natalie’s dad went to the front of the room and pulled out his guitar. He’s an incredible musician and had the entire room hanging on every note. Then he started pulling up different people to come up and duet with him. Guest after guest brought the house down and I found myself asking, “who in this room couldn’t sing?!” This was such a fun and unique experience and one I don’t think any of us will ever forget. But that’s how I feel about the entire day. It was fun, and unique, and intentional, and every one of us felt so lucky to be there. I can’t wait to see where these two take life and I hope I get to be there alongside them cheering them on in everything they do.

Vendors: Quincy Hall (venue and catering), Hill Design Co (wedding planner and decor), Richfield Flowers and Events (florist), Crave (catering), The White Room (dress boutique), Lauren Coty (makeup), Paige Palma (hair), Alive Studios (music)