Maureen + Scott || Chicago, IL Wedding

Maureen and Scott's wedding was simple, modern and timeless. Their love of Chicago came through with every detail of their wedding day... I mean they had Lou Malnati's for dinner - doesn't get more Chicago than that! 

One of my favorite aspects of their day is their clear love for not only each other but also all those they've surrounded themselves with. Throughout the day there was so much joy and constant laughter. There were also some pretty epic toasts that had the whole room cracking up. At one point, Maureen's brother was also DJ'ing the wedding! It was quite the show. Much more sweet and memorable moments from their wedding - see for yourself! 

---

Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Coordinator - That Special Event

Videographer - With Love Productions 

Invitations - Paper Culture

Florist - Whole Foods

DJ - Style Matters

Caterer - Lou Malnati's

Cookies - Insomnia Cookies

Wedding Dress Designer - White Tree Designs 

Groom's Attire - Men's Warehouse 

Hair/Make-Up - XO Studio

Laura + Chad || Chicago, IL Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory & Trigger

Laura and Chad grew up in the same neighborhood. When they were 15 years old they met each other in a park... they were interested in each other for many years but waited to start dating until the timing was just right. Fast forward to present day and these two have been married for exactly one month!

From their gorgeous details to their love rainbow ice cream cones, this wedding day was truly unique. Their first look at Garfield Park Conservatory was so sweet to witness. The Big Star taco bar at Trigger Chicago was certainly a hit. And, even though their sweet pup could not come to their actual wedding, they found fun and unique ways to incorporate his presence throughout the reception (you'll see what I mean). 

This intimate affair is one I will surely not forget. 

---

Vendors: 

• Photographer - Erika Mattingly Photography
• Photo Session Location - Garfield Park Conservatory
• Ceremony & Reception Venue - Trigger Chicago
• Stationary - Laura Rupp
• Florist - HMR Designs - Hello Darling
• Caterer - Big Star
• Bakery - Desert - Rainbow Cone
• Bride's Attire - Mignonette Bridal
• Groom's Attire - Bonobos
• Hair - Sparrow
• Make-Up - Barbra Anne Butchk

Wedding Inspiration || Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Lemont, IL

Each time I do a styled shoot I am always amazed by the beauty that creatives can create. Anna Deblecourt reached out to me a few weeks ago looking to do a styled shoot at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lemont, IL. With the help of some crazy talented vendors, we were able to create something truly amazing. 

 Sarah Viktoria and Amelia C & Co did Anna's hair and makeup - Anna lip color even matched Gromeza Designs gorgeous florals! Mignonette Bridal contributed a stunning gown that flowed wildly throughout the shoot, and CharmCat  provided an invitation suite that brought the whole shoot together. And then of course, Anna Deblecourt made this rather hot day look like a total breeze - let me tell ya, she makes a stunning bride. Enjoy!

UPDATE: This shoot has been featured on Planning for Paradise! 

---

Vendors: 

Photo - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Model - Anna Deblecourt  

Makeup - Amelia C & Co  

Hair - Sarah Viktoria 

Gown - Mignonette Bridal 

Calligraphy - CharmCat

Florist - Gromeza Designs 

Andrew + Claire || Bethel Presbyterian Church Wheaton, IL Wedding

Andrew and Claire met at Bethel Presbyterian Church. Claire grew an interest in Andrew, but it wasn't until their first waltz class together that Andrew shared the interest. They both had signed up for the same waltz class, and Claire asked Andrew if he'd like to be her dance partner... that is when "the spark was lit" for Andrew.

Fast forward a year and a half later, these two exchanged marriage vows in the same church that they met and waltzed together for their first dance.

Stories like this remind me of how special it is to be a part of a couple's wedding day. So much thought and planning went into each wedding, and each one is so unique. So thankful to have had the honor of capturing Andrew and Claire's wedding day - here are some favorites from their beautiful day!

---

Rachel + Keith || Rockton, IL Wedding

Rachel and Keith tied the knot back in September on a beautiful apple orchard in Rockton, IL. The excitement these two shared to marry one another was so clear - their first look got me real good. And, all their details were simply gorgeous. Her dress looked like it came straight from a fairytale. Their grandmothers were their flower girls (I love this idea!). AND, they even had a COTTON CANDY bar for guests when they took a break from the incredible dance party. 

Rachel and Keith's wedding was just so good and I'm so thankful that Erika of Mayden Photography brought me along to second shoot this incredible day. 

---

Urban Elegance Inspiration at Indiana Cathedral Ruins || Chicago, IL Wedding Photographer

Wedding Inspiration comes in many forms, and often in the unlikeliest of places. When I met with Abby of Heirloom Event Co. to dream up a new form of inspiration, we knew they wanted a location that was unexpected and captivating. City Methodist Church of Gary, IN was the perfect setting for this unique shoot. These cathedral building ruins, echoing with the love stories of the many couples who had passed through its altar, now stand in crumbling decay covering the beauty just beneath the surface. 

Planning in unusual locations can be a challenge and this inspiration was not short on challenges. Abby did an incredible job of finding the balance between the soft and delicate details of a wedding day with an urban location, all while creating the intimate feeling of a wedding. Couples looking for unique settings for portraits or elopement ceremonies can look beyond the traditional venues and reimagine even the most unlikely of spaces.

This inspirational wedding shoot is was filled with so many incredible and breathtaking details. Be sure to see below for the full list of this creative team that made this shoot possible. 

UPDATE: This shoot was recently published in Green Wedding Shoes & WeddingDay Magazine!

---

---

Video by Brandon Mattingly (aka my husband)

---

Creative Team: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography
Event Planning & Design - Heirloom Event Co.
Invitations - Four Hats Press
Florals - Fleur, Inc. 
Furniture Rentals - Strangelovely
Dress - Alyssa Kristin
Menswear - Richards Fabulous Finds
Hair/Makeup - Bianca Sansosti Artistry
Cake/Sweets - Sweet Melissa Desserts
Jewelry - Katie Carder Fine Jewelry
Videography - Brandon Mattingly
Venue - City Methodist Church, Gary IN

Gina + Paul || Arlington Heights, IL Wedding

Gina and Paul's wedding was filled with SO much laughter. Despite Paul going on crutches one month before their wedding, their spirits were always up and it was such a pleasure to capture their day. Hope you enjoy this glimpse of this joy-filled day! 

---

Vendors: 

Dress - Brides by Demetrios

Groom Attire - Black Tie Formalwear 

Hair - Pins & Lashes

Flowers - The Petal 

On Purpose Workshop || Wright City, MO Styled Elopement

Earlier this month I went to the On Purpose Workshop lead by Courtney of Courtney Smith Photography, and Jessica of Jessica Lauren Photography (pictured below)! This was such a great opportunity to hear from two amazing photographers who are seriously the sweetest gals ever! We also had a styled shoot with two beautiful humans, Alaina + Matthew, at Long Row Lavender (the most precious lavender farm around). 

---

Vendors: 

Cake - Laulie’s Cakes
Dress - White Traditions Bridal
Tux - The Black Tux
Flowers - Accents Floral Design
Hair & Make-Up - Sarah Young at Serenity Studio
Calligraphy - Courtney Smith Photography & Design
Venue - Long Row Lavender

Thanks again Courtney + Jessica! 

Briana + Trevor || Frankfort, IL Wedding

The ceremony alone made this wedding great. Trevor mentioned to me that he was so much of an emotional guy until it came to his wedding. There were so many happy, joyful tears had between Trevor, Briana and their friends and family. Wishing these two a lifetime of happiness together. 

---

Vendors

Venue - Southern Charm Venues

Dress - Bella Sposa Bridal

Florals - Flowers For Dreams

Caterer - Grapevine

Bakery - Tay's Cake

Sandra + Andre || Wilmette, IL Wedding

Sandra and Andre are married! These two have known each other for quite some time. When I first met them I knew that they were deeply in love with one another. Being goofy, watching anime, and fearlessly loving each other is their norm. Sandra and Andre, thank you so much for letting me be a witness to your love and wedding day. It is truly one that I will not soon forget.

---

Vendors

Bridal Hair - Pin Me Up Chicago

Florals - Nilee Event Decor

Wedding Cake - Oak Mill Bakery

DJ - The Beat Guru

---

To see their engagement session click here! 

---

Jackie + Matt || St. Charles, IL Wedding

Jackie + Matt's Spring wedding was gorgeous. Their ceremony was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church and their reception was at Two Brother's Roundhouse. These two had so much excitement for marriage! So glad I was able to capture this day and second shoot for the lovely Aysha Nicole Photography. 

---

Boho Chic Wedding Inspiration || Chicago, IL Wedding Photographer

This styled shoot at Garfield Park Conservatory was a dream to capture. 

THAT dress - enough said. The groom looked handsome from head to toe. The florals got me daydreaming about Spring. Anyone with a flower crown has got me swooning. Handmade wedding bands uniquely designed. Macrame designs throughout to add a touch of boho flare. Watercolor paper goods that are simply gorgeous. So much more boho-chic details here. Be sure to check out the crazy talented vendors listed below!

Oh AND - the video is a must see! Enjoy :) 

Update: This shoot has been featured in Junebug Weddings!

---

---

Behind the Scenes Video

---

Vendors

• Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography
• Wedding Gown - Mignonette Bridal
• Male Clothing - BOGA
• Flower Crown - Emily Rose Flower Crowns
• Makeup Artist - Carly Pribich, Makeup Artist
• Hairstylist - Unwana Rose
• Macrame Designer - Amy Zwikel Studio
• Florist - Veil Event Design
• Jeweler - Moira K. Lime Jewelry
• Graphic Designer - Emily Rose Ink
• Event Designer - Lil Epic Event Design
• Video - Brandon Mattingly
• Venue - Garfield Park Conservatory