Lauren+Ryan's Timeless University Club of Chicago Wedding

Lauren & Ryan from Gerber + Scarpelli Photography on Vimeo.

The Proposal: Lauren and Ryan met in Chicago July of 2008 just before both moving to Kansas City for school; Ryan for Law School and Lauren was going for her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. 

The couple bonded over their similar upbringings, supportive families, and dedication to studying.  He became her home away from home. 

Fast forward to June of 2013, and Lauren was moving into the house she bought in Kansas City, MO.  It was very early in the am when Ryan  and Lauren walked into the house, and Lauren was shocked to see a display of flowers and champagne on the kitchen counter. Family is the center of  their world and that was the moment Ryan asked her to start a new family with him. She said yes!

After the proposal, Lauren already knew her mom and sister were flying in from Chicago to help with the move, but Ryan went the extra mile and asked Lauren's Dad to fly in for the special occasion. Allowing the newly engaged couple to celebrate with MOST of their immediate families. 

The Wedding: Lauren and Ryan got ready at The University Club of Chicago surrounded by friends and family. The classic event was planned by Mike Koenig of Amor Events. Lauren's makeup was by Lauren Nicole and her hair was by Maritza from Bride Style Beauty. The bride's gown was by Watters, shoes by Ann Taylor Bridal, diamond stud earrings borrowed from her mother, and a necklace gifted by her father. The Bridesmaid's wore Jenny Yoo from Nordstrom Bridal Boutique, with earrings by J.Crew while the Groom and Groomsmen wore suits from Men's Warehouse. The floral arrangements were by Phillips Flowers. Invitations were made by Clark Stationary, programs & place cards by With Grace. After Lauren and Ryan got ready, they got to see each other for the first time and have a sweet little moment. Then we headed outside for photos with the whole bridal party. After all the photos were taken we arrived at Old St. Pat's Church for the ceremony. Following the ceremony we returned to The University Club of Chicago for the reception. The Club catered dinner and made the wedding cake as well. Dinner music provided by ARTSTRINGS, and dancing music by    the Chris Sarlas Orchestra. 

Congrats Lauren and Ryan!

Mandy+Ken's Romantic Farm Wedding

The Proposal: Ken proposed to Mandy at her favorite place in the world, her family's cottage in Michigan. During this visit each night around sunset the couple would have some wine and cheese while circling around the lake in their Pontoon boat. This particular night Ken decided to drop anchor and pop the question and gave her a ring from Burdeen's Jewelry.

The Wedding: The entire wedding took place at Oak Hill Farm near Galena, IL.  Mandy planned her own wedding and designed the invitations, programs, and made almost all of her own details!  The Bride's father Thomas was in charge of videography, with hair and makeup done by Stone Drift Spa.

Mandy's gown was a lovely Maggie Sottero, with jewelry by Silver Chic, and sandals from DSW. The Bridesmaids wore dresses from Express, belts from Anthropologie, and jewelry made by Mandy. Ken and his Groomsmen wore suits from Men's Warehouse. 

The couple were wed at the base of an amazing hill at the edge of the forest. After the ceremony we took family portraits then we traveled around the grounds with just the bridal party for more photos. 

All the lovely rustic florals were by Stockton Floral. For the reception Ken's mother provided a delicious traditional korean dish to accompany the catering by Cindy's Catering, and cake by Sweetheart Bakery of Galena.

The receptions entertainment was by Lake Shore Vibe, and the guests were gifted favors of beer, that you guessed it, the couple brewed themselves! For the end of the night portraits, we utilized the natural elements already at the farm. Love the twinkle lights!

Congrats Mandy and Ken!