Kristin + Pavel || Newberry Library Chicago, IL Wedding

Kristin and Pavel met over 6 years ago while in grad school.. they both were obtaining their PhDs! Since their schooling played a huge role in their relationship, celebrating their love in a library seemed like the perfect fit for them. Kristin and Pavel exchanged their vows in Washington Square Park and then walked across the street to dance the night away with their close family and friends at Newberry Library. 

This day was packed to the brim with so many gorgeous details. Abby of Heirloom Event Co providing thee most gorgeous blooms that had subtle nods to Beauty & the Beast. Glamour Closet provided such a stunning gown for Kristin, and Knot Standard made such a unique and sharp blue suit for Pavel… This is just to name a few of the amazing details - just wait until you scroll through this day and see allllll the goodness. 

And, of course, this day wouldn’t have been so smooth and flawless without the incredible planning done by Katherine of Clover Events; she is a true gem. 

Now, sit back and see the giddy-adorable love of Kristin and Pavel on their wonderful wedding day! 

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VENDORS: 

Wedding Planner - Clover Events

Hair & Make-Up - Bianca Sansosti Artistry

Bridal Gown - Glamour Closet

Groom’s Attire - Knot Standard

Florals - Heirloom Event Co. 

Invites - Shutterfly

Caterer & Bakery - D’Absolute

DJ - Yazz Jazz

Nina + Michael || Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, IL Wedding

Nina and Michael have been together for 10 years. So, when it came time for these two to tie the knot last August, you can imagine all the excitement that was shared between the couple and all their friends and family. This day was such a highly anticipated day for all and it was such a joy to witness Nina and Michael dedicate their lives to one another.

Nina and Michael have a great love for the outdoors and they wanted to bring nature aspects as much as possible into their day. Nina described her vision as a “romantic starlight in the garden feel.” With all their lushes blooms, gorgeous bridal headpiece, twinkling lights, and infectious love for one another, I believe their day was just that.

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Vendors:

Hair & Make-Up - Diem Angie Co

Bridal Gown - BHLDN

Groom’s Attire - Generation Tuxedo

Florals - Table arrangements Ceciel’s Flowers, Bouquets The Bouqs Co.

Officiant - Father Richard Simon

Caterer - FIG Catering 

Band - One Night Band

Cake - The Baking Institute

Sarah + Mike || A New Leaf Chicago, IL Wedding

Sarah and Mike’s wedding day was a dream to capture. With Sarah’s love of flowers and plants and their combined love for industrial aesthetics, A New Leaf was the perfect venue for them. A New Leaf also provided thee most gorgeous flowers (just wait until you see these!). 

Gosh. Truly everything about their day was so good. To name a few - Pin Me Up Chicago did such an amazing job with Sarah and her bridesmaid’s hair/makeup. Sarah’s gown from Lovely Bride was AHHmazing. FIG Catering provided easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had at a wedding (and I’ve been to many weddings). AND AND AND they had a gelato cart from Black Dog Chicago. 

Lastly, this day wouldn’t have come together so seamlessly if not for Cecil of Prickly Pear Events. 

Sarah + Mike - If you could not tell already, I loved capturing your wedding day. You two were so sweet and your love for each other was such a joy to witness. Thank you so much for having me, and happy one month anniversary! 

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VENDORS: 

Wedding Planner - Prickly Pear Events

Hair & Make-Up - Pin Me Up Chicago

Bridal Gown - Lovely Bride

Bridal Tailor - Ette Tailor

Groom’s Attire - The Black Tux

Florals - A New Leaf Chicago 

Officiant - Pastor Kris Hewitt

Caterer - FIG Catering 

DJ - Cage + Aquarium 

Gelato Cart - Black Dog Chicago

Kelsie + Chris || Notre Dame South Bend, IN Wedding

Kelsie and Chris’s wedding was one for the books. It was filled with so much love, laughter, happy tears, and celebration.

A few months ago, Kelsie also asked me to also capture her bachelorette party and bridal shower. This was the first time I have covered these wedding events for one of my brides, and it was honestly such a gift to do so. I got to know her friends and family a bit more and to witness how much love they had for her and Chris. So when it came time to capture their wedding day, I already knew it would be such a joyous, emotional and love-filled day. 

Kelsie + Chris - You have such an amazing group of friends and family that love and support you. It was truly an honor to be included in one of the most important days in your relationship. It will surely be one I will never forget. 

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Vendors: 

Coordinator - Monica Newland, Merry Me Events

Hair - Carli Conlon

Make-Up - Sarah Arriggo

Bride's Dress - Vera Wang

Videographer - Imagination Designers

Florist - Cher, Merry Me Events

Band - Standing Room Only

Caterer - Cafe Navarre

Bakery - Macri's Bakery

Jen + Patrick || Chicago, IL Block Party Wedding

Late last year, Jen and Patrick decided to elope in Yosemite National Park. Only a handful of friends and family were able to make their elopement, so they planned to have a larger celebration back in Chicago for all to enjoy.

Jen and Patrick have been together for 13 years. When it came time to plan this larger celebration, they wanted to create something unique yet personal. So they decided to host a block party on the same Chicago street that Patrick grew up on.

Between all the games, personalized Jen + Patrick tattoos, potluck style dinner, gorgeous florals, and joy-filled moments seen throughout the day, this wedding celebration was for sure one to remember. I'll even admit, as I was editing these images a thought crossed my mind that if Brandon and I were to get married again I would definitely consider having a block party wedding. Seriously THE coolest day. Now see for yourself - I'm sure you all will agree!

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Vendors: 

Hair & Make-Up - Diem Angie 

Invitations - Minted

Florals - Anemone Creative LLC

Caterer - Potluck Style Dinner

DJ - DJ AD Entertainment

Bakery - Magnolia Bakery

Gina + Greg || Cafe Brauer Chicago, IL Wedding

Back in December of 2016, I met Gina and Greg for coffee and they shared their story of how they met in undergrad and how Greg proposed at Glacier National Park (how AHH-mazing is that?!). Fast forward 10 months later and I had the honor of capturing their wedding day at Cafe Brauer. 

Gina and Greg had so many gorgeous elements to their day and I have to give a shoutout to Samantha Helmig of Shannon Gail Weddings and Events for coordinating it all; she did such an incredible job! One of Gina and Greg's loves is all things tiki. So we decided to do photos at the gorgeous Lincoln Park Conservatory and, to tie this look into Cafe Brauer, Kloeckner's Events provided stunning arrangements of banana and palm leaves throughout the venue. 

While all their wedding day details were so beautifully done, Gina and Greg's day was also overflowing with so much love and happiness. Some of my favorites moments included: Gina's dad seeing her for the first time; Gina and Greg's first look on the rooftop of Hotel Lincoln; their bridal party was so hilarious and such a blast to work with; the look from Greg's mom as her son said "I do" to the love of his life; and, the dance party - I'm such a sucker for a good dance party  and there are many photos to prove how good this one was. All these moments and more can be viewed below! Hope you enjoy looking back on this day as I did!!  

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Venue - Cafe Brauer

Wedding Planner - Shannon Gail Weddings and Events

Florist & Tablescape Rentals - Kloeckner's Events

DJ - Okyne Media Labs

Hair - Jimmy Narducci

Makeup - Deco Adamo

Invitations - Minted

Bridal Dress - Simone Carvalli

Officiant - Jarrod Gaither

Caterer - Tiger Lily

Cake - Chicago Pastry

Mary + Sean || Thalia Hall Chicago Wedding

This wedding is definitely one of those days I will never forget. On Mary and Sean's wedding day it rained. Not just a light drizzle; I mean downpour all. day. long. But despite the crazy weather, we were able to find some pockets of natural light inside Thalia Hall Chicago and the results are stunning! They are easily some of my favorite portraits to date. You know that saying that having rain on your wedding day is good luck? I think that saying surely rang true for Mary and Sean's day. This wedding was so unique and so sweet to have been a part of. 

Mary and Sean live in California so I hadn't officially met with them until their wedding day. From the moment I met them, they treated me with such grace and kindness. After seeing them together at their first look, I could so easily see the love they had for one another. It was so sweet to witness. Not only did they so clearly love one another, but their family and friends had such a clear love for them as well. Just so you know what I mean... when Mary and Sean walked on stage for their ceremony they received a standing ovation from all those in the audience! That was a first for me. From there, love and joy were just radiating throughout the whole day. 

This day could not have been complete without the help of an outstanding vendor team. Elizabeth of Anticipation Events did an incredible job organizing this event. Just wait until you see the floral arrangement for the huppah; La Rue Floral work was insanely gorgeous. The Chicago Players seriously know how to put on a show and get people on the dance floor - SO many hilarious dancing moments in this post. Full vendor list below! 

Enjoy!!

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Venue - Thalia Hall Chicago

Wedding Planner - Anticipation Events

Florist & Tablescape Rentals - La Rue Floral

Band - The Chicago Players

Hair + Makeup - Charles Ifergan

Photo Booth - Magic Moment Photo Booth

Caterer - Dusek's

Megan + Joe || Glen Flora Country Club Wedding, Waukegan, IL

Megan and Joe tied the knot in late September. Their day was filled with so many sweet and meaningful moments — I had such a hard time narrowing down the photos I would share for this blog post! 

Some of my favorite moments from their wedding day included: their bridal party photo session was hilarious - they seriously have such a fun group of friends; Megan and Joe’s portrait session was gorgeous and sun-filled; the entrances of the bridal party were too funny - they each walked into a unique theme song from a TV show (love this idea!); and, let me tell ya, Megan and Joe’s friends and family sure know how to throw a dance party. See all this and more below! 

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Reception Venue - Glen Flora Country Club

Coordinator - Charlotte Winters

Officiant - Henry Hurt

Florist - Larsen Florist

Bride's Attire - Mackenzie Michaels

Hair - Dapper Classic Barbershop

Make-Up - Sierra's Makeup Artistry

Robin + Taylor || Lake Ellyn Park Boathouse Wedding || Glen Ellyn, IL

Mid-September Robin and Taylor tied the knot on what turned out to be a beautiful summery day that also had some gorgeous Fall colors - the weather these days has been so unpredictable but I wasn't complaining! Love those Fall colored trees! 

On their wedding day they met each other under a shady tree in Cantigny Park for their first look. Robin and Taylor decided to keep things more intimate and only invited their closest friends and family to their ceremony and reception at the Lake Ellyn Park Boathouse in Glen Ellyn, IL. The details seen throughout the day were simply gorgeous. Fun fact - Robin made ALL the wedding florals and they were stunning! Also, those cupcakes from The Sugar Path were incredible... I definitely went back for a second. 

Now, I'll stop my rambling about this amazing day... See more of their sweet details and watch their wedding day unfold below! 

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Coordinator - Sofie and Olive Event Planning Services

Officinet - Janet Volk

Invitation Designer - Minted 

Caterer - Chef By Request

Bakery - The Sugar Path

Bridal Attire - BHLDN 

Groom's Attire Designer - JOE Joseph Abboud

Ashton + Dan || Valparaiso, IN Backyard Wedding

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Caterer - Grindhouse food truck 

Bridal Attire - Cathy Telle

Geneva + Tyler || Houston, TX Backyard Wedding

Earlier this year I had the privilege of capturing Tyler and Geneva's sweet proposal on a small beach in Rosewood Park. And now, just a few months later, they are married!!

These two decided to tie the knot in their friend's backyard in their hometown of Houston, TX. This small and intimate wedding was filled with such sweet and meaningful moments. Some of my personal favorite moments from their day include: their emotional first look... and well their whole bride & groom session (I went kind of overboard in sharing these photos! Too many good ones to choose from.); when Geneva was walking down the aisle and seeing the looks on Tyler and Geneva's faces; the pure joy they had after their first kiss; the happy tears during speeches; dancing galore; and so much more... now go see for yourself!

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Vendors: 

• Photographer - Erika Mattingly Photography
• Coordinator - Patrice McKenna
• Officiant - Joel Bratcher
• Florist - The Farmer & I Flower Co.
• Caterer - George's Pastaria
• DJ - Bruce Simmons

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! 

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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. 

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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! 

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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!

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Katie + Allen || Syracuse, IN Wedding

Katie and Allen tied the knot this past April at the Blue Barn Berry Farm in Syracuse, IN... try saying that venue 3x fast! Their day was packed full of sweet moments and gorgeous details - from their intimate first look to her stunningly whimsical bouquet.

Towards the end of the night, Katie danced with her father and then Katie and Allen shared their first dance as husband and wife,  and the sun was just beaming in. Made for the perfect ending to an amazing day. 

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Vendors: 

• Photographer - Erika Mattingly Photography
• Venue - Blue Barn Berry Farm 
• Officiant - Emily McGinley
• Stationary - e.m.Papers
• Florist - Garden Annie's
• DJ/Band - Robert McCloy and the Stringtown Trio
• Caterer - rua
• Bakery - Nordmann's Nook
• Bride's Attire - Weddings 826/Sincerity Bridal
• Groom's Attire - Men's Wearhouse
• Hair/make-up - J3 Salon

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. 

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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!

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Video by Brandon Mattingly (aka my husband)

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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

Christine + Tom || Macon, GA Elopement

Earlier this year I flew out to Georgia to meet with Christine and Tom to capture their elopement. I had never met them before but after we went out to dinner for my first night in town, I felt I had known them for years. I caught on to Tom's sense of humor rather quickly, and Christine and I bonded instantly over our love of Grey's Anatomy and mystery podcasts. They are both into creative writing so they even bought me some good reads as a thank you! They are truly some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I've gotten to know through my photography business.

The next morning they went to the courthouse to legally tie the knot and then that afternoon they decided to have a more intimate ceremony with just the two of them, their good friend and their sweet pup, Molly. Molly also served as their ring bearer and she was the most adorable ring bearer I've seen.  Christine and Tom eloped in Amerson River Park in Macon, Georgia. They exchanged their vows just as the sun was setting and all the Fall colors created such a gorgeous backdrop. Christine wore a dress from ASOS and flower crown from Mulberry Weddings & Events, and Tom wore a suit from Hagger with an awesome handmade tie from QP Collections. With these gorgeous details, the beauty of Amerson River Park, their personal vows, their adorable pup, and the clear love and passion these two have for one another, their day was beautifully simple, meaningful and love-filled. So thankful to have been apart of it all. 

UPDATE: This elopement has been featured on Borrowed & Blue! 

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