When Gabi reached out to me and told me about her and Jon’s plans for their summer wedding at they Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago I was thrilled to photograph them. Gabi and Jon wanted a sweet romantic vibe with lots of candids…well that just happens to be my favorite style for capturing a wedding love story! I am so excited to share these photos from this sweet couple’s summer wedding at the Hyatt Lodge Oakbrook Chicago!

Wedding Details at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago

Gabi and Jon’s invitations were “stellar” and I loved photographing them with her wedding day details. The couple had a custom art piece for guests to sign that had the constellations at the date of their first date, proposal, and wedding day….these invitations tied in so well with their starry eyed love! I really enjoyed hanging out with Gabriela and Jonathan while they spent time with their closest friends and family in their separate suites. I have to admit the music in the fellas’ room was bumpin loud as they helped each other adjust their ties and pocket squares. Gabi and her bridesmaids definitely had a chill vibe as their hair and makeup were given the final touches. Gabi and Jon were ready for their portraits all while keeping from seeing one another until the ceremony.

A Traditional Wedding Experience

It was so very important for Gabi and Jon to have a traditional experience and keep from seeing one another on their wedding day until the ceremony. Gabi and Jon stole away from the hustle to have a moment with one another. Thankfully Jon’s sweet mom kept all the guys locked in their groomsmen suite so no-one got a sneak peek of Gabi during bridal portraits! It all made this sweet first touch between Gabi and Jon that much more special. Did Jon’s mom really lock the guys away…I am not sure but she made sure they all stayed put so I didn’t ask any questions ha!

Reception Space details at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago

I just adore the gazillion lights on the ceiling of this beautiful reception space! They truly make me think of stars twinkling upon Gabi, Jon and all their guests. The large windows that wrap the dining space let in so much natural light and just really elevated this space. What a gorgeous location! During the reception  we learned that Gabi and her family have spent a lot of time at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago, she even celebrated her 7th birthday there! What an amazing place filled with memories for this family.

Almost time to say “I Do”

Gabi had a few moments to herself before show time and opened a surprise gift from Jon…a gorgeous Pandora charm bracelet with a daisy. Later in the evening Jon commented during sunset portraits on her bracelet…how it looks so lovely on her and said to Gabi,  “you’re my daisy”. Gahhh how sweet are these two!! After a few more bridal portraits it was showtime. Gabriela walked down the aisle with her father to the lovely sounds of the talented harpist. They held each other’s hands and read their own vows. Every single moment was unique to their love story. I only hope I wasn’t too distracting as I leaped over some shrubbery to capture that first kiss from the front of the aisle! Gabriela was the first to request having their first kiss captured from the front with all their loved ones behind them and I was like “heck yeah, let’s do it!” I love that angle, what do you think?

Sunset wedding portraits

After the ceremony we had so much fun grabbing those family group portraits, and then Gabi and Jon had a gorgeous sunset along the lake’s path. It was romantic and dreamy…everything I want to capture!

Party Time

From heartfelt toasts to the first dance, this reception at Gabriela and Jonathan’s summer wedding at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago was so completely fantastic. Gabi’s father spoke about how he remembers driving Gabi’s mom to the hospital when she was in labor, Jon’s mother gave a spectacular toast full of hilarious stories of Jon growing up…and she even referred to him as a “ginger”…oh how you could hear how she adores him so. Jon’s best friend that he has known since they were toddlers told us all about Gabi and Jon meeting through a dating service that shall not be named since it was plugged soooo many times during the speech….to Gabi’s loving sister/maid of honor sharing some fun stories of the two girls growing up together and how truly happy she is for Gabi and Jon. It was an incredible night of love and making memories…and not just for Gabi and Jon. Gabi surprised us all when she invited her parents to the dance floor to also share a “first dance”. You see, her parents eloped to get married and never had that “first dance”. Gabi took to the mic to let us all know that her parents were getting ready to celebrate 32 years of marriage and wanted them to have their moment. One of the sweetest moments was watching the two couples dance on the dancefloor together!

I hope you will join me in raising a glass for Gabriela and Jonathan! I had such a blast capturing their love story at their summer wedding at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago! Thank you to this amazing creative team that made it all happen!

Venue: Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago

Florist: Manny’s Flowers

Videographer: Jolie Images

Dress Designer: Martina Liana

Bridal party gowns: David’s Bridal

Groom and groomsmen suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Cake: Creative Cakes Bakery 

Jewelry: Atlantic Diamond Company

Music/Emcee: Rick Medel Dance Pro DJs 

Harpist: Jennifer Keller

Did you recently get engaged? Let’s chat to see if we are the right fit for your big day!