The moment I saw Amanda, my heart became instantly full of love for her. I don’t know what it was about her, but you could just see the friendliness in her eyes. When Matt and Amanda saw each other for the first time, the look on his face was priceless. They embraced in the wintery cold air, and my eyes teared as I watched. It was such a simple, beautiful thing to see. As I write this, I am reminded of this quote from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Walter and Sean waited for a rare sighting of a snow leopard, and when one finally appeared, Sean waited to take a photo. When some time passed, Walter asked Sean when he would take it. And Sean responded with, “Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it.” This couple’s first look, for me, was one of those moments. The only difference was that I pushed the shutter. Because it’s my job. And I am grateful that this is my job.
Amanda and Matt met at Model UN in college, and moved to DC with a few of their friends to start a new chapter in their life together. According to Amanda, Matt proposed at the Lincoln Memorial and was so nervous, he dropped the engagement ring down the steps. Just adorable. Now that they’ve celebrated their New Years Eve wedding here in Chicago, they hope to see a new country every year for the rest of their lives together.
A HUGE thank you to Angela from The Willinghams who flew all the way from Denver and braved the horrible Chicago winter to shoot this wedding alongside me. She could not have been a more perfect fit for this.
Venue: Cafe Brauer
Event Coordinator: Bambi Caicedo Rogers
Hair: Joseph Michaels Salon & Spa
Cake & Dessert: Deerfield Bakery
Catering: Tiger Lily
Wedding Flowers: Kloeckner’s
Officiant: Judge Kathy Kennedy
Musicians: Greenlight
Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal
Jewelry: Grandmother’s
Shoes: J. Crew
Bridesmaids Dresses: each chose their own
Groom’s Suit: J. Crew
Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds
Groomsmen Suits: each chose their own
Stationery: Serendipity Beyond Design
Transportation: Metropolitan Limousine
Table Letters: gLEaNingS