Heritage Prairie Farm charmed us yet again with its first winter wedding, offering unique opportunities in its rustic barn and cozy greenhouse for a creative wedding photographer.  While I had expected a blanket of snow, characteristic of most December weddings in Chicago, the weather felt more like a rainy, foggy day in March.

Early in the morning, busy worker bees had begun preparation on the farm for Zac and Joy’s celebration:  artful flower arrangements in the farm house kitchen, ceremony set-up in the back of the barn, table setting in the greenhouse (complete with miniature honey gifts), and dinner preparation in Chef Jeremy’s kitchen.

The couple was such a pleasure to work with, very friendly and free-spirited.   Zac and Joy had traveled from Alaska to share their wedding day with close family and friends.  When I learned that their plan for a honeymoon was to begin at the southernmost tip of the continent, drive up the coast, and eventually make their home in a favorite location, I wanted to meet them.

By the way, Chef Jeremy out-did himself again.  I even heard one guest murmur to himself in delight, “I want to bathe in this sauce!”  And, the unthinkable, someone asking for more Brussels sprouts.  To check out pictures of his organic natural foods, visit our behind-the-scenes blog post.  Warning: this is guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Picture perfect Galena, IL set the scene for an unforgettable wedding, and this justifies my excitement days before the wedding. Hannah and Gator’s love was felt in the air, and so was the affection of their families and friends who had crossed the country for the event. As a matter of fact, the morning was cold and the rain seemed unstoppable. But by some miracle,  everything changed by the time the celebration started at the Oak Hill Farm. The cooperation of the weather was just Divine and they all knew it. Congratulations Hannah & Gator; it was truly an honor to celebrate with you.

Vendors:

Location: Oak Hill Farm

Flowers: Stockton Floral & Gifts

Hair: Special Touch Salon

Kirk and Lisa’s Geneva wedding was filled with laughter, family, and fond remembrance.  Their two families became one in a thoughtful blended family wedding ceremony, little children presented perfect opportunities for candid wedding photography, and guests had fun on the dance floor.  I enjoyed being at two of the most well-known wedding locations in Geneva, IL, the Herrington Inn with its sweeping staircase perfect for a “first look” and Riverside Receptions with its cozy ambiance and panoramic window views.  The bride stopped traffic several times during the day, but the best moment for me was when the family crossed together before the ceremony, a symbolic beginning to their new life together which I hope will be truly blessed. Congratulations to you Kirk and Lisa, It was truly an honor to celebrate these moments with you.

Although, as I said in my last post, big churches have been good to me lately, I was ready for a chance to mix-it-up with an outdoor venue.  Ken and Sara’s wedding at the Del Webb community in Huntley, IL.  was a breath of fresh air, literally.  Sara had contacted me a few months ago inquiring specifically about outdoor weddings.  She mentioned that she had seen my work as she searched for a Chicagoland wedding photographer and admired the various weddings featured on my site.  I’m always flattered when my work makes such a good introduction for me.

Outdoor weddings are fabulous, especially when the weather allows for it.  They allow me to capture nature, beautiful landscapes, and incorporate those settings into the ceremony and reception, using them to highlight the celebration.  Truly, every couple looks stunning against nature’s backdrop.

I love the vibrancy of this wedding.  The strong, vivid tones of the flowers, the lush foliage, the variety of expressions worn on the bride’s face, the emotions displayed by the groom after the ceremony, the small and intimate reception where all guests were interconnected.  There was so much for me to explore.  I enjoyed playing spy through the trees during the ceremony, something I try to do when the venue allows for it.

As I was working on these images, I couldn’t help but keep a smile on my face because of the good vibes and emotions coming out of every single image.  This was not just my own perception, but it is actually how these two individuals are in real life.  As I met with them, I was able to experience firsthand their genuineness toward each other and their down-to-earth temperaments.  I challenge you to go through these images without having a smile on your face, as well.

Best to you, Ken and Sara, as you begin this journey together.

The marriage ceremony of the Orthodox Church is steeped in symbolic ritual, each of the acts revealing a deeper meaning and significance.  After my friend Ray, of Emotia, asked me to be the second photographer for one of his weddings earlier this summer, I realized that I had quite a few things to learn about a Greek wedding. I loved the experience, and below is a synopsis of what I saw through my lenses.

The Koumbari: In Greek Orthodox tradition, the couple must have religious sponsor(s) called Koumbaro (male) and/or Koumbara (female).  They serve as an important witness to the union and are different than the best man and maid of honor.  The Koumbari serve as an integral part of the ceremony and in the couple’s life as they provide guidance.

The Rings: The rings are blessed by the Priest, who takes them in his hand and making the sign of the cross over their heads, repeating a betrothal prayer.  The Koumbaro then exchanges the rings three times, taking the bride’s ring and placing it on the Groom’s finger and vice-versa.  The rings are the symbol of betrothal which signifies that, in married life, personal strengths and weaknesses of one partner are complimented by the weaknesses and strengths of the other partner.  Only together is the couple made perfect; each partner will be enriched by the union.

The Candles: The wedding service begins immediately following the betrothal service.  The couple are handed candles by the Koumbari, which they hold throughout the service.  The candles are like the lamps of the five wise maidens of the Bible who, because they had enough oil in them, were able to receive the Bridegroom, Christ, when he came into the darkness of the night.  The candles symbolize the spiritual willingness of the couple to receive Christ who will bless them through this sacrament.

The Joining of the Right Hands: The right hands of the Bride and Groom are joined by a white cloth when the Priest reads the prayer that asks God to unite the couple as one flesh.  The couple continues to hold hands throughout the service as a symbolic representation that the two have become one.

The Crowning: The crowning, which follows, is the climax of the wedding service.   When the crowning takes place, the Priest, taking the crowns and holding them above the couple, honoring them as King and Queen of their new home and family.  Another association that comes with the crowns is that of martyrdom as each must sacrifice his/her self for the other.

The Common Cup: The rite of the crowning is followed by the reading of the Epistle (Ephesians 5:20-22) and the Gospel (John 2:1-12).  These scriptures remind the couple that they should love each other as Christ loves the Church.  Their relationship should be holy and pure, “without spot, blemish or wrinkle.”  The drinking of wine from the Common Cup, in memory of the first miracle performed by Christ at Cana of Galilee, signifies that the couple must share everything in life – the joys and the sorrows – and that their joys will be doubled and their sorrows halved because they will be shared.

The Ceremonial Walk: The Priest then leads the Bride and Groom in a circle around the table bearing a candle, the cross, and the Gospel.  The Priest represents the church as he leads the couple around the table in a circle which represents eternity. Because the Gospel and cross are in the center, this shows that the couple’s life must revolve around Christ.

During this ceremonial walk around the table, a hymn is sung to the Holy Martyrs reminding the newly married couple of the sacrificial love they are to have for each other in marriage – a love that seeks not its own, but is willing to sacrifice its all for the one loved.  Some interpreters consider this to be the couple’s first dance.

The Final Blessing: When the Bride and Groom return to their place, the Priest blesses the couple, admonishing them to walk in peace and to observe in righteousness the Commandments of God.  He also blesses the bride, encouraging her to rejoice in her husband.  At this point, the crowns and the white cloth around the hands are removed as the Priest asks God to bless their life and to keep their crowns for when they enter his Kingdom.

The Koufeta: These sugar-coated almonds are placed on the tray with the crowns and candles. Over time, these have symbolized fertility and the sweetness of life itself.  An odd number of almonds are presented, symbolizing the indivisibility of the newlyweds.  At the reception, these almonds are offered to the guests wrapped in tulle as favors (boutonnieres) for good luck.

Well, I hope this was as interesting to you as it was for me. Anna & Bryan surely did enjoy it all that day, and I wish them lots of happiness as they start their new life.

Cheers!