Anne & James are low key people who tend not to put themselves in the center of attention. They have great smiles and tons of friends, but they have a very unassuming air about them that kind of says ” no, no, let’s talk about you, not me.” Because of that and maybe because I knew that Anne comes from a very traditional Catholic family I’ve been honored to photograph more than once, I expected their wedding to be elegant and smart without a lot of Pinterest-y fluff. But when I walked in the Brewhouse Inn on a June Saturday and saw a most gorgeous Jenny Packham gown I was turned on my heels and instantly knew that Anne & James’ version of Traditional was going to equal Perfection. The super classic (and sweetly refreshing) black & white invites echoed James’ elegant tuxedo and petite sparkles caught the eye on Anne’s Manolo’s, her vintage clutch and BHLDN accessories, plus the aforementioned beaded head-to-toe Jenny Packham. At the old world church of St Anthony’s pink peonies edged with art-deco-era inspired feathers joined the palette and neatly accented the bridesmaids in flowing blush chiffon. And then there were all little children dressed in suites and sashes – nieces and nephews all – evidence of the large and ever growing family James is so happily marrying into. I loved the classic Jaguar that greeted them as the left the church and their decision essentially to take all their favorite people out for a really, really nice dinner with late night dancing to follow. I suppose I thought Traditional was going to mean plain but instead, through the eyes of Anne & James it meant simple, romantic, authentic and utterly beautiful from start to finish.
The Details ~
Bride’s dress: Jenny Packham
Bridal store: Ultimate Bride – Chicago
Groom’s tuxedo: Jos A. Banks
Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Hairband: BHLDN
Bridesmaids dresses: BHLDN
Bridesmaids earrings: Jcrew
Bride’s bracelet: BHLDN
Florals: Impressions by Esther
Cake: The Cake Lady
Placecards: Impressions by Esther
Invites: Paperwork
Veil: Ultimate Bride – Chicago
Children’s dresses and suits: Goo Goo Gaa Gaa
MOB dress: Liancarlo
Band: Cityscape
Bride’s clutch: Vintage
Engagement ring: Paul’s Jewelers
Wedding bands: Paul’s Jewelers