Sam and Sarah were together for ten years before they got married. Ten years, that led to one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever photographed. Any of Sarah’s friends could tell you something she does not lack is style, and all the details on the wedding day were spot on. The day started at the Calhoun Beach Club. It’s one of those venues that truly takes your breath away. Sarah and her bridesmaids were getting hair and makeup done, as well as tying ribbons on programs, eating parfaits, listening to great tunes of Taylor Swift and Spice Girls… Yes, I loved them all right at hello.

Sarah might take the trophy of the most chill bride I have EVER worked with. And I do my homework when I take a wedding, to make sure I’m only working with the sweetest of couples, but my goodness, she definitely took it to the next level.

Her wedding dress made me want to get married all over again so I could wear it and walk around the Calhoun Beach Club looking like a princess on my wedding day.

The couple hired local designer Sarah, from A Milestone Paper Co, to create the most beautiful invitation suite. I love that the Save the Date cards had a drawing of Lake Calhoun, with the Calhoun Beach Club as the star!

One of my favorite moments… The first look! Sam’s favorite part of Sarah’s wedding dress was her train, which I thought was so cute!

This has been, by far, the rainiest year ever in my opinion. With so many of my weddings having to go to plan B because of the weather. Imagine my happiness when Sam + Sarah’s wedding turned out be an absolutely perfect day!

Can we just stop and agree these ladies look AMAZING!!???? Their beautiful dresses are Wayf from Nordstrom.

The gorgeous flowers by Serendipity Flowers were such a perfect color in contract with the navy blue dresses and suits!

It was definitely a bit windy, but I love what happened to Sarah’s veil during family photos. It covered her and her siblings, but turned out to be one of my favorite images of them together. So sweet!

Two pictures I’ve never missed in 12 years shooting weddings: The bride walking down the aisle, and the groom looking at her walking down. You guys, it gives me goosebumps every time!

I asked Sam what his favorite moment was during the ceremony, and he said exchanging the rings. Wearing a ring is such a symbol of the commitment you make to each other when you say “I do.” I love that he felt the importance of that moment. This picture was right after the ceremony, when they walked down the steps, with the entire wedding party cheering them on!

And then we made our way back to the Calhoun Beach Club, and thankfully I had another 10 minutes Sam and Sarah! They were both radiating joy, and so ready to join the party!

One of the reasons S+S booked the Calhoun Beach Club for their wedding was the food by D’amico. At the wedding, the couple shared the 3 meal options, so they could taste everything (I think all couples should do this, by the way!). D’amico is definitely one of my favorite caterers as well!

My favorite part about receptions is the speeches, and all the cool stories I get to hear about the bride and groom! And how absolutely gorgeous is that greenery wall behind the couple? Something Borrowed nailed it!

This wedding was also my first time working with the super talented Joanne Messerly of Best Day Events Events. She blew me away by her kindness, and calming nature. She was on top of everything and the day went without a hitch because of her. I’m definitely adding her to my list of preferred vendors!

And the wonderful vendors who made this day possible:

Photography: Poly Mendes Photography

Planner/Coordinator: Joanne Messerly of Best Day Events Events

Reception Venue: Calhoun Beach Club

Ceremony: Church of the Assumption

Catering: D’amico

Flowers: Serendipity Flowers

Hair & Makeup: Luminous Beauty

Invitation Suite: A Milestone Paper Co

Greenery Wall: Something Borrowed

Wedding Dress: M. Elizabeth

Bridesmaids Dresses: Wayf Nordstrom

Groom’s Tux: Samuelsohn Nordstrom