COLLEEN & NIKE: Meson Sabika

Where do I even begin with these two?! I can't stop smiling as I look back at pictures from their big day. Colleen and Nike are #goals. Watching them interact will show you in a heartbeat what true love looks like. From the way they are constantly complimenting one another, to their smiles that light up the room when they look at each other. Their happiness is contagious and I couldn't be more grateful that they chose me as their wedding planner. 

Let's flash back to how I originally met Colleen. We happened to go to both jr. high and high school together. She seemed to have it all. I mean, come on, she's gorgeous, smart, kind, hilarious (and the list goes on and on). EVERYONE loves her. We kept in touch here and there throughout the next several years after graduating. When I got a call regarding her engagement and need for a wedding planner, I could not be more excited about the opportunity. It wasn't until we got together for an initial meeting that I realized I had been wrong about thing. For all of the years I'd known her, she was missing something. That missing piece was Nike. Together, these two are unstoppable. The ultimate duo. Their love for one another is truly inspiring. I mean just LOOK at that picture of Nike's face as he sees Colleen walking down the aisle. Again, I can't stop smiling. 

Their wedding day started off with a storm. Literally. Downpour rain, whipping wind, the whole shebang. I sat in the bridal sweet with Colleen and her mother a few minutes before her grand entrance and she said, "it's okay, at the end of the day I just want to marry Nike. Nothing else matters." 

As they said "I Do" the sun peaked it's way through the clouds. Some might say it was good luck. I personally think it's a sign that they are going to have the most beautiful, bright life ahead of them. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be apart of this special day. I love you both endlessly. 

xx,

kell

Photography: Rebecca Haley Photography

THE MAGIC OF WINTER WEDDINGS

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Living in the Chicago-land area, most of us dread the winter season. It alludes to darkness, clouds, arctic-like temperatures, snow, slush, and indoor hibernation. HOWEVER, what most may not realize, is that the winter season can be one of the most magical times for a wedding (if you plan accordingly). 

Let’s talk about photography. Natural light photography when there is snow on the ground gives the perfect light reflection. From a planners stand point it’s important to plan the wedding photos/formals early enough in the day (a few hours before sunset). This then can mean that an early ceremony time is IDEAL if you can adjust it that way. It also means you can likely start the reception a bit earlier as well since the sun typically sets by 4:30 or 5:00. Why not have the cocktail hour begin then with the formal reception at 6:00? Working with these times will result in some beyond beautiful natural light photos. If you can brave the cold for a bit, I HIGHLY suggest getting a few outside. 

Now let’s address booking vendors. As a wedding planner I can tell you that I book up (along with basically every other vendor in this industry) about a year in advance for summer/fall weddings. When I hear a client is particularly interested in having a winter wedding/Christmas wedding I get excited because I know that’s “slow season” and therefore most of the vendors I enjoy working with are likely available as well. I’ve mentioned before that it’s important to have an “A”, “B”, and “C” wishlist when booking both the venues you look at as well as your wedding vendors. Having a winter wedding puts you in a good position to book a lot of your first choice options. OOOOLALA!

Last but not least, having a winter wedding can sometimes mean you'll have a higher turn out of guest attendance. Summer and fall weddings are so popular in the Chicago-land area that guests often have to choose which wedding they'll be attending if two happen to fall on the same date. Having a winter wedding (as long as it's not Christmas weekend) often results in more of your loved ones there to share your magical night with you.

If you're newly engaged and dabbling around the idea of booking your big day over the winter months feel free to reach out to me and I'd be happy to go over what that could entail with an initial consultation. 

xx,

kell