Melissa and Ben’s Lake Ellyn Boathouse wedding was absolutely perfect for them. These two care so much about one another as well as their people, so throughout their wedding day they made sure to have a balance between personal time between the two of them and time surrounded by their people which I loved. Between a private first dance to a sparkler exit, their day was so cool, and I have been SO excited to share this blog!

Getting Ready

Melissa and Ben spent their mornings separately getting ready with their wedding parties before meeting up at Lake Ellyn Boathouse in Glen Ellyn Illinois. 

Melissa and her bridesmaids sipped champagne and brought so much energy to the day. After their hair and makeup was done, Melissa’s Bridesmaids stepped into the next room while Melissa put on her dress. Then, once her dress was on and she was ready for the rest of her day, we had a big reveal with her bridesmaids in the next room.

First looks with your wedding party bring on SO much hype. I love the big reveal of a bride walking in and showing off her dress and look before the rest of her day.

The First Look

These two opted for a first look which I LOVE for my couples.  Melissa and Ben’s first look allowed them to have so much more time together on their wedding day which is so nice for couples.  Because they had their first look before their ceremony, they were also able to relax after their ceremony and spend some time alone together before heading into the reception.

First looks offer SO much flexibility for a wedding day, and allow couples to prioritize time together on their wedding day.

Lake Ellyn Boathouse is such a cool venue.  Between the lake and the greenery, everything about Melissa and Ben’s whimsical and nature inspired wedding day was just elevated and beautiful.  Melissa’s bouquet and flower crown by Evergreen Bride looked so good surrounded by the forest with little streaks of light falling all over the two of them.

Melissa met Ben in the woods for their private first look. Ben lost his mind on how beautiful Melissa looked, he almost fell backwards. Their reactions to seeing each other were so sweet and it was such a special moment in their day. After their first look they were able to spend some time alone together taking couples portraits before their wedding party joined them for photos.

Their Ceremony at Lake Ellyn Boathouse

For Melissa and Ben’s Ceremony, they incorporated a number of traditions into their day.  With nature and their connection to it being a huge part of their wedding day, they incorporated a tree planting into their ceremony.  They added soil and water to the planter to nourish the plant symbolizing how they care for each other in their own relationship.

Private First Dance

After their ceremony and some family photos, Melissa and Ben snuck away for a bit to have some time alone and share a private first dance.  To say I’m obsessed with this idea for my couples is an understatement.  These two shared some wine and snuck off to the pier at Lake Ellyn Boathouse to soak in their day so far and spend some time together.  I brought my Bluetooth speaker and they danced to Amber by 311 and Just a Kiss by Lady A

The Reception

Throughout dinner, their friends and family gave toasts to the newlyweds.  Everyone was just glowing, they were so happy for Melissa and Ben.  After dinner was over, everyone snuck outside for a quick sparkler intermission to take some photos and get hyped before heading back in to celebrate the couple.

Along with my photography services, Melissa and Ben also booked my photobooth for their reception, which was SO MUCH FUN! Everyone was going nuts dancing in front of it and having the best time. The booth offers digital copies of the photos sent to the couple after their wedding day, along with multiple templates and GIF options for your day.

Vendors

Wedding Planner: Weddings by Danica

Day of Coordinator: Brianna Crosser

Bride’s bouquet/crown, boutonnieres and corsages: Evergreen Bride

Cake: Whisk Bakery

DJ: Boombox Entertainment

Hair: @hairbykaysie

Makeup: @joeysoluvly

Food: @billybricksonwheels2

Sugar Rush Gelato: @sugarrushgelatochicago

Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal

Wedding Bands: Leonard’s Jewelry in Wauconda, IL

Groom’s Suit: Men’s Warehouse

Kriztelle your Chicagoland Elopement and Wedding Photographer

What is up!  It’s your Chicago based Filipina photographer Kriztelle.  Whenever you’re ready, fill out my inquiry form and we can start planning the wedding day of your dreams and get your date on the books!  

For now though check out some of my favorite wedding day resources.

Guide to Eloping in Chicago  3 Alternatives to First Looks for Your Wedding Day