Welcome to Melissa and Matt’s gorgeous wedding at the Morton Arboretum! You may remember them from our epic engagement session last year (you can see that here).  I have been anxiously awaiting this day for a long time  because I knew that it would an emotion filled, detail rich gorgeous day …. and it didn’t disspoint!

Their first look was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Melissa wrote him a card and at the end it said “Turn around” which I absolutely loved. I cried, they cried, Robyn cried. These photos are a prime example of why I wish all my couples would do a first look. We try to give you a private moment together and let’s face it, the rest of the day can be crazy (exciting and fun), but crazy so I love these quiet moments together.

We only explored a fraction of the Arboretum for photos, but everywhere I looked was picture perfect. We hit up the hedge maze first with stops at the lake and the willow trees before returning to Thornhill for the cermeony. I love an outdoor ceremony! And luckily the weather cooporated with us. I love that instead of the traditional unity candle or sand that many outdoor wedding have they chose to make it their own and mix together two chemicals that form a reaction that turns light pink since Melissa is a chemist!

Back inside the reception space was being transformed into a detail wonderland by Melissa’s mom Sheila. She seriously outdid herself! From the gorgeous centerpieces to the seating table and advice table to the vintage typewriter and family photos the attention to detail was amazing. The floral from Wild Orchid were stunning as well. And I have to give her props not only for making the majority of it herself, but for driving it all the way from Texas!! Brace yourself for a lot of gorgeous details in the photos ahead.

Thank you so much to Melissa and Matt for allowing us to capture your wedding day and to your friends and families for being so welcoming! Here are some of my favorites …. okay here are  A LOT of my favorites haha! Enjoy!

Ceremony and Reception Venue : Morton Arboretum – Thornhill

Florist : Wild Orchid Custom Floral Design

Hair & Makeup : Montage Salon and Spa

Invitations : The Wood Chick

Cake : The Cakery

Bridal Gown : The Crystal Bride

Bridesmaids Gowns : Nordstrom Wedding Suite

Tuxes : Black Tie Formalwear

DJ : Spin

I believe this was the point in the speech were Melissa’s dad said something along the lines of  ” I’m not just gaining a son, I’m gaining 24 hour IT support!”

Melissa’s sister takes the award for best Maid of Honor speech of the year by singing her own version with custom lyrics to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”. It was amazing!!! I hope someone has a video of it because these photos can’t even begin to do it justice!

Can you find the groom in this photo?!