Romantic Armour House Wedding

Besides wedding photography, I also photograph bloggers in Chicago. I met Mary in 2015 (can’t believe it’s been that long already!) when she needed photos for her fashion blog, Sportsanista, and I’ve been shooting for her ever since!

A few years before Mary and I ever met, Mary met Brian. They met in 2011 through work – Brian was a client of Mary’s! After a few years, she invited him out for drinks. It was then they realized they had more in common than they thought and started dating!

This past winter I met up with Mary for a shoot shortly after she and Brian returned from a trip to Scotland. She immediately showed me the ROCK on her hand and said Brian proposed on their trip!

They stayed at a beautiful castle in Fort Williams called the Inverlochy Castle. As soon as they arrived, Brian asked if she wanted to go for a hike around the property. They walked a little bit and made their way to the back of the castle overlooking the lake (or loch in Scotland) where he got down on one knee and proposed. Such a beautiful moment!

Right after she told me the story, she asked if I was available to photograph their wedding day that coming summer. It just so happened that was the only weekend in July I had open! It was meant to be!

Brian and Mary’s wedding day was truly beautiful. I started the day with the girls at Base Salon in the West Loop where they got their hair and makeup done in cute matching floral robes. Mary’s parents’ house was the next stop for lunch and the remainder of prep.

Mary received a note from Brian which is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen. He took a screen shot of their text conversation after their first date and had it printed out on their wedding stationery. Mary and all the girls were tearing up, trying not to ruin their fresh makeup because of how sweet it was, and I was trying to hide behind my camera pretending not to cry.

From one emotional moment to the next, Mary had a sweet moment with her parents just after putting on her dress before heading to the Armour House for her first look with Brian.

The stairway at the Armour House was the perfect spot for their first look. I loved the light coming in from the large windows and the way Mary’s blush Kelly Faetanini gown and florals matched the marble flooring. There’s always so much anticipation of finally being able to see each other at the first look. I’m pretty sure Mary ran down the stairs to see Brian!

Their ceremony took place at St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church where Mary’s father is a parish priest. Immediately following the ceremony, there was a small (or rather large) reception/pre-cocktail hour at the church with music and delicious food. It’s Serbian tradition for coins to be thrown by the godparents to symbolize prosperity for the newlyweds.

We then went back to the Armour House for photos near the water fountain and in the gardens of the gorgeous property, and more drinks and music before the reception began.

After heartfelt speeches by Mary’s father, the maid of honor, and best man, everyone enjoyed dinner in the Marble Room provided by the Armour House. The tables were decorated with beautiful greenery and florals by Field & Florist. There was a massive dessert table with cake and cupcakes baked by Deerfields Bakery.

The night continued with a huge dance party and live music provided by Blue Water Kings.

I had such a great time spending the day with Mary, Brian and all their friends and family. I asked Mary about her favorite memory from their wedding day: “Aside from our first look, I think it was finally being able to see all our of friends and family in the same place. It brought so much happiness to the day – it’s a feeling that will be hard to replicate.”

Congratulations Mary + Brian!