Lauren + Jaden’s wedding was one that I had been looking forward to for a while now. After our super fun engagement session along the Chicago Riverwalk, I knew this was going to be a memorable day. Let’s start with the sweet, sweet couple. Lauren + Jaden are one of those couples that just go with the flow… take pictures for as long as I want… pose wherever I put them – and this includes having them walk down the middle of a busy street in Chicago with cars coming at them and having them stand on a 2ft. wide rock just steps away from a gushing waterfall. They’re the type of people that when it comes to dinner time at the reception, say something like, “Please, sit down and eat and relax.” They’re the type of people that invite me to put my camera down at 10pm and stay and dance with them. But most of all, they’re the type of people who steal sweet glances at each other and little kisses when no one’s looking.

I’ll tell you what they’re not. They aren’t the type of people to let a little rain ruin their wedding day. After a dreary (but perfectly lit for photos) morning, the skies descended upon us and pushed the ceremony time back a little bit with heavy rains. Luckily, the ceremony was covered under a pavilion, and even luckier – the rain suddenly stopped  as soon as the ceremony ended. It was one of those perfect moments, where my prayers had been answered (because you better believe I was praying that entire time for it to stop raining – just downright shamefully begging). And we got to shoot around the beautiful, and I mean BEAUTIFUL, Anderson Japanese Gardens. I won’t say much else because these photos can speak for themselves… but I do want to say – Lauren + Jaden, thank you for being so wonderful. Throughout the entire process, you were fun, easy-going and put your full trust in me. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work with you guys, and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

VENDOR CREDITS // Wedding Dress Designer: Augusta Jones, Macy’s | Bridesmaid Dress Designer: WToo Maids | Tuxedo Designer: Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse | Hair Stylist: Erica, The Experience Salon | Make-up Artist: Laurie, The Experience Salon | Wedding Coordinator: Lori Poticha | Videographer: RJO Photo | Florist: Event Floral | Cake Artist: Rachel Barr | DJ: Luxe Productions | Paper Goods Designer: Jen Pramenko, withGrace | Ceremony Venue: Anderson Japanese Gardens | Reception Venue: Giovanni’s Restaurant | Engagement Ring/Wedding Bands: Dimend Scassi