Never shy away from your dreams and what you want. Through Rachel and Blake’s wedding journey that is one of the many things that I have learned. Over the course of our lifetime, we are given so many obstacles and opportunities to learn and grow. Through said obstacles, we choose which path we want to take, how it affects us and what we do about it moving forward. Rachel and Blake are the type of couple that doesn’t let anything get in the way of what’s theirs. They wanted something and did everything in their power to get it… even if it meant having “2 different weddings”. This is the story of their Fall Wedding Reception at Danada House.
Rachel & Blake’s Love Story
After their initial meeting at a Friendsgiving, these two were immediately drawn to each other. Time flew by as they continued to have a conversation and before they knew it… it was time to depart. Without even exchanging numbers, the two said their goodbyes and there was no saying if they would ever be in contact again. A few days later, Rachel received a message from Blake, and following that was their first date just two weeks later.
Their proposal story was just as beautiful as you could imagine. One of the many things that Rachel and Blake enjoy doing together is cooking. Blake has been learning his cooking skills from Rachel over the years but felt bold enough to take on the task of cooking scallops on one very special night. Although this raised alarms with Rachel, she was soothed by Blake’s reasoning of wanting to impress her with his improved cooking skills. After an exchange of words, Blake eventually got down on one knee and asked Rachel to marry him. Coincidentally Rachel was wearing the dress that she wore on their very first date… to me, that sounds like the universe is trying to tell us a sign here! Her response “yes, please” was all Blake needed to hear. The two were officially engaged – yayy!!!!
Danada House
Now Rachel and Blake actually had their ceremony at St. John Lutheran Church a few months prior. Due to the conditions of the world of the time, they decided to have their ceremony at the church that Rachel used to grow up in. Months later they would be rejoined with friends & family for their reception.
They had their reception at Danada House, a well-kept mansion that is surrounded by 780 acres of land. It holds so much character, elegance, and beauty that it was only fitting for their reception. Despite the fact that they had their ceremony 10 months before their reception, Danada House was always a destination location for Rachel and Blake. Danada House brought together all of the gorgeous fall tones while still being cozy since it is located on a forest preserve. It was the best of both worlds and really made their wedding dreams come true.
Fall Wedding Reception at Danada House
Once I arrived, we spent our time taking a few wedding portraits of the two love birds. The location and beauty surrounding Danada House speaks for itself so we really didn’t have to do much! The weather was also amazing so we really lucked out on this day. We then went inside to enjoy our time with their wedding guests as we ate cake & danced the night away. Since dancing wasn’t allowed during their January ceremony, one of the many things that they were looking forward to was their first dance. Despite being a little bit nervous about all of the attention on them, they danced as if no one was watching. Oh and let me tell you… everyone was incredibly impressed. I would guess that DWTS has their new contestants… but maybe that’s just me?
Food was a major component when picking this venue for the reception and let me say, it did not disappoint. Good food and amazing company were just the cherries on top of a fantastic day. I am beyond honored to have been there to capture such beauty.
If you loved this Fall Wedding Reception at Danada House, then you’re going to love this Chicago Boat Wedding Reception!
Scroll to the bottom for a vendor list!
Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.Vendors:
Photography: Iron + Honey Photography
Gown: Here Comes the Bride Bridal Boutique
Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Flower Moxie
Videographer: ValCinema Weddings
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