Annette + Johnny | Chicago Wedding

This month, Josh and I had the great opportunity to photograph a wedding in our home town of Chicago, Illinois. Annette found us through a friend and when she asked us if we would be willing to travel we said “of course!” Better yet, Annette and Johnny were getting married on our favorite day of the year: June 21st! June 21st marks the first day of summer, the longest day of the year. And if that isn’t reason enough to celebrate, it also happens to be our wedding anniversary! Yes, this day three years ago Josh and I said “I do” on the gorgeous pink sands of Bermuda. We have no problem photographing a wedding on our anniversary- we are honored to share this date with such a wonderful couple. We did, however, manage to set aside a day in downtown Chicago to celebrate of course. Go ahead and check out the photos of our big date. (p.s. There may or may not be an epic shot of lightening striking the John Hancock Building).

We met Annette for the first time just a few days before her wedding. As we sat in Starbucks sipping our coffee, Annette told us all about her love story with Johnny. Both of them attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado and Johnny wooed her in the dining hall between classes and training. These two bonded over their love of sports and Disney Movies. Johnny plays soccer and Annette is one of the fastest runners in the nation. Annette may even be in the running for the next Olympics! We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for this beauty on TV!

Annette and Johnny were married at the beautiful Blanchard Road Alliance Church in Wheaton, Illinois. The church is filled with beautiful light and gorgeous wooden beams. The ceremony was full of wonderful personal details and flowers. Annette’s brother played the trumpet and her bridesmaids sang during the service.

After saying their I-do’s, we joined the newlyweds and their bridal party at the Cantigny Gardens before heading over to Saint Andrews Golf and Country Club for the reception. The lighting was perfect, and we got some wonderful couple’s photos of these two love birds. Josh even climbed up a tree for some bird’s eye shots. We finished up and made it to the reception just before the sky opened up and poured down. Annette and Johnny had the room decorated in shades of pink and white. The food was delicious, not to mention the extravagant dessert table and chocolate fountain. Their cake was covered in adorable Minnie Mouse shaped polka dots and of course they had a Disney themed topper. Did I mention that Annette’s ring was shaped like a Minnie Mouse head? Oh and they did their first dance to none other than a Disney love song of course.  These two really love Disney! Have fun on your Disney World honeymoon Annette and Johnny! Thank you so much for asking us to photograph this very special day in your lives! May you live happily ever after! ~Shelley and Josh, Wedding Photographers serving the Raleigh (and the Chicago area)