As I walked into the bridal suite of the JW Marriott hotel, the ladies were laughing and singing. Kim was getting her hair done and I hugged her tight. She looked so beautiful! As I gathered her details to photograph, I opened the shoe box to find Keds Kate Spade sparkly tennis shoes. I’d been hoping that one of my brides this year would wear a pair of these, so to say I was excited was an understatement!! Sean and Kim decided to wait to see one another until the ceremony, but Kim still wanted to surprise her dad and her bridesmaids, so she did a first look with them. I love doing these – they’re always so emotional!! In the guys room, I found Sean and a few of his friends. Sean was dressed in a dapper black tuxedo complete with a bow tie. He was so calm and sweet! I could tell just how excited he was to see Kim walk down the aisle in just a few hours!
We made our way to the Providence of God Church for the ceremony and it was stunning inside! SO ornate. I just love Catholic churches for that reason. They’re all just so beautiful. Throughout the ceremony as the priest was giving the homily, you could see them glance at each other ever so sweetly and it just warmed my heart. I just LOVE love! After the ceremony was portrait time and I could not think of a better place to take them than next to the Adler Planetarium. It has a gorgeous Chicago skyline and is right on the water. Kim and Sean were totally themselves – cuddly, sweet, and funny. I could not take a bad picture of these two… Seriously! We even left a few minutes early from that location so that we would have plenty of time to take pictures at the library in between all the books. Totally worth it!
The reception was held at the Harold Washington Library in the Winter Garden room. This place is jaw dropping, y’all. It has a tall, windowed ceiling and is incredibly spacious. Their room was decorated with gold chivalry chairs, lanterns, and whimsical eucalyptus centerpieces. The entire reception was heartfelt, especially the dances and speeches, but the one thing that stood out to me as unique from their evening was the father-daughter dance. Kim and her dad have a very special bond, and it was evident just how much they care for one another. Kim’s sister, Kelly, explained the meaning behind the song that Kim chose for her father-daughter dance as it began to play and it goes a little something like this. Kim was supposed to be in bed one night, but she got up and went downstairs to find her dad strumming on the guitar and recording a song. She joined him singing and they recorded a song together. The song began with the original score but then transitioned into the version that they had recorded together all those years ago. Hearing little Kim’s voice was so cute and had everyone giggling! Lastly, they had the BEST guests for a dance party. There are so many fun dancing photos from their day!
I’m so happy for you two and could not imagine a sweeter couple to spend the day with! Thank you for allowing me to be the one to capture your amazing wedding celebrations! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ruane!
I am the luckiest. Love my couples!
Vendor Spotlight:
Wedding Planner: Naturally Yours Events
Ceremony Venue: Providence of God Church
Reception Venue: Harold Washington Library
Videographer: Old North Film Company
Florist: Fab Flora
Bridal Attire: Elizabeth Johns
Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddington Way
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Formally Modern
Hair/MUA: Elana Darrus Hair & Makeup
Brand: Bluewater Kings Band
Caterer: Big Delicious Planet
Bakery: Warm Belly Bakery
Lighting: AEG Production
Transportation: M&M Limousine and Bus Services
Second Photographer: Maria Harte