John Andrews Photography

Jason & Kristin were one of my last weddings of 2011 and it was a great wedding!  The ceremony was held at St. Francis Xavier in La Grange followed by a reception at the Morton Arboretum.  We were able to take a bunch of Relaxed Portraits at the Arboretum prior to the reception and had a lot of fun with the bridal party.

Here is a little history of how Kristin met Jason and a bit about their wedding plans.

Jason and I met 3 1/2 years ago when I was in town from Boston for my sister Laura’s 25th birthday party. I invited my best friend, Robin and her husband, Jeff, who happened to drag his friend, Jason, along for 25 year-olds in sundresses. We were introduced while he and Jeff were grilling cheese dogs on the back porch….every girl’s dream. We hit it off that night and to this day I can’t believe he called three days later knowing I lived 1,000 miles away. Our first official date was six weeks after meeting and then we manged a long distance relationship with many visits between cities.

We got engaged at the same place our wedding reception we be held! We decided to spend an afternoon at the Morton Arborteum to enjoy a perfect fall day, but Jason had other plans in mind. He asked me to meet him there since he had a “work meeting” earlier that morning. We walked the trails, took a few pictures of the fall colors, and came across a box that happened to be a picnic basket he had strategically placed with roses on top. As things started to click with me, Jason got down on one knee and proposed! We enjoyed our picnic lunch and soon after packed up our things for a night in the city and the Ritz to celebrate. Perfect!!

-Andrew

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Vendors

Wedding Planner:  Denise Pape | Weddings by Denise
Hair: Sean Patrick’s Salon
Makeup: Elana Darrus
Gown: Marisa
Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew
Groomsmen: Men’s Warehouse
Flowers: Walden Floral Design
DJ: Music by Design
Cake:  The Cakery

Ryan & Gina were married back in October.  I actually shot Gina’s brother’s wedding a few years ago so it was great to see everyone again.  The ceremony was held at Holy Angels Church in Aurora followed by a reception at Riverside Receptions.

From the couple…

We met at a work conference in San Diego. Gina lived in Chicago, where she’s originally from and Ryan lived in New Jersey, where he’s originally from. We didn’t know it at the time, but we had a mutual friend who had intentions of introducing us at the work conference, but had our eyes on each other earlier in the day.
Ryan proposed in Millenium Park in Chicago, which was the location of our 1st date in Chicago. It brought back amazing memories and created a new memory to cherish. Ryan traveled to Chicago for work and Gina came out 2 days later. Ryan had a surprise picnic planned in the park and proposed on October 22nd, 2010. He also had a dinner planned with Gina’s family. Gina’s dad was the only one in on the plans.

-Andrew

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Vendors

Hair: Kelly Schuster
Gown: Wolsfelt’s Victorian Bridals
Groomsmen: Men’s Warehouse
Flowers: Zuzu’s Petals
Band: Soda
Cake:  The Cakery

Chris & Nancy were married late last year and had a beautiful wedding day.  Their reception was held at St. Hubert Catholic Church followed by a reception at Concorde Banquets.  This was one of the last weddings that I shot in 2011 and it was definitely a lot of fun!

Nancy on the wedding and how she and Chris met.

We met in Jr. High. We sat next to each other in art class! I think he actually made fun of me too! After Jr. High, we did not see each other for over 10 years. A couple years after college, we reunited through mutual friends. We started talking and really hit it off. Now here we are, can’t believe I am marrying my 7th grade art partner!
Wedding planning has been smooth so far. I tried to incorporate our personalities as much as possible. i.e. I love stars, purple and silver so I have incorporated that in the decor. Chris likes motorcycles, so I got the bride and groom motorcycle cake topper. He loves Blues Brothers, so we will do our entrance to a Blues Brothers theme song.

As always here are some of my favorite photos and a slideshow.

-Andrew

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Vendors

Hair:  Kristen | Kolorbox Salons
Makeup:  Jessica Meeker | Mac
Gown:  Oleg Cassini
Bridesmaid Dresses:  David’s Bridal
Groomsmen:  Men’s Warehouse
Flowers:  CR Flowers
DJ:  An Enchanted Evening

Mike & Jacquelyn were married back in October.  They had an emotion filled day and gorgeous downtown ceremony/reception.  The ceremony was held at St. James Episcopal Cathedral followed by a reception at the Empire Room in the Palmer House.  We made some quick stops around the city to grab some amazing photos and I had a lot of fun working with the bridal party.  Jacquelyn provided a little info on how she and Mike met and got engaged.

Jacquelyn and Mike went down to Mizzou for her brother, Michael’s, graduation. Mike told Jacquelyn that he had a surprise for her Saturday morning involving friends passing through Columbia. Unable to completely lie to Jacquelyn, Mike “confessed” that they were going to see her sorority pledge class brick at the Alumni Center, but who they were meeting would remain a secret. Though suspicious, Jacquelyn agreed to go that morning. They drove up to the Alumni Center and wandered toward the bricks. Mike pulled Jacquelyn inside to “wait” for friends. About a minute later, he wanted to go scope out the bricks. As Jacquelyn and Mike, walked past the bricks, he pulled her to a row where the sorority pledge class was to be. When Mike pointed out the brick, Jacquelyn looked down to discover that it said “Jacquelyn will you marry me? Love Mike”. When she turned around, Mike was on his knee!

As always, check out a few of my favorite photos.  Thanks again Mike & Jacquelyn for inviting me to be a part of your wonderful day!

*** Click to watch Web Slideshow ***

-Andrew

Vendors

Pastor: Reverend Kevin Goodman
Gown: Priscilla of Boston
Hair: Mario Tricoci
Makeup: Paula of City Lights Makeup Artistry
Bridesmaids: Priscilla of Boston
Groomsmen: Mens Wearhouse
Invitations: Sincerely Martha
Flowers: Belmonte’s Florist
Band: Gold Coast Orchestra
Cake: Take the Cake
Video: Orange Wedding Films

Jordan & Renee were married back in September.  They had a beautiful wedding day and I was honored to have taken part in their celebration.  The ceremony was held at St. James Church in Arlington Heights followed by a lovely reception at the Renaissance in Schaumburg.  We also made a quick photo stop at the golf course behind Jordan’s parent’s house.

Be sure to check out some of my favorite photos from the day below.

*** Click to watch Web Slideshow ***

-Andrew

Vendors

Pastor: Rev. Charles G. Bolser
Wedding Planner: Kathy Bishop
Gown: Casablanca Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Salon de Vive
Bridesmaids: Dessy Collection
Groomsmen: Mens Wearhouse
Invitations: Magnificent Milestones
Flowers: A Perfect Petal
Band: Chris Sarlas Orchestra