Chicago Fall Wedding: Ashley + Andrew

chicago wedding

Growing up in the Midwest, Ashley always had a love for the fall and assumed two things. One, that she would get married in October and two, that the ceremony would be outdoors on a crisp, clear autumn afternoon. When the day finally came though, it turned out that Mother Nature had a different agenda. Due to a less than desirable forecast (40 degrees and 100% chance of rain), Ashley + Andrew made the decision two days before the wedding to relocate the ceremony. While they had a plan B location, they did not legitimately have it planned – so you can imagine the chaos only 48 hours prior to their vows! If I didn’t mention this though, you would never now since their ceremony was gorgeous! It ended up taking place in a family friend’s barn on a cold, soggy fall day. The new location in combination with the weather created this intimate setting for them and their guests that was just gorgeous!

Thank you so much to The Carrs Photography for the photos and congrats to Ashley + Andrew!

bride

wedding note


My sister-in-law sparked the idea of these “love letters” that turned out to be one of my favorite things. First I made a sign saying “I can’t wait to see you”. While I was holding it, a bridesmaid took a photo of the note and texted it to Andrew an hour prior to the ceremony.

wedding letters

first touch


Andrew and I then met in the farmhouse where I was waiting to read personal vows. We remained divided by a door since it was very important to us that we did not see one another before the ceremony. I think the traditional vows are so romantic, we didn’t want to omit that from the ceremony but wanted to personally tell each other how we felt.

bunting altar

wedding program

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Salvation Song – Avett Brothers

Recessional: She Said Yes – the Wedding Band

First Dance: Crazy Love – Michael Buble

ceremony

barn ceremony

barn ceremony

barn ceremony

barn ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

During the wedding planning process, I realized how awesome that every wedding is different and can be a true reflection of the bride and groom. There’s no need to be monotonous. Go outside the box and take the extra time to make it your own, it will be worth it!

Listen to that person who says, "It will be perfect no matter what." It really will be!

bridesmaids in purple skirts

bridesmaids in purple skirts

groomsmen

wedding party

bride

bride and groom

white bouquet

rainy wedding


Following our ceremony was the reception at Salvage One, an antique warehouse in Chicago which I have to give Andrew credit for. We visited the venue during store hours (prior to our engagement) and it was love at first site. Everything about it was exactly what I imagined but would be impossible to recreate. Andrew immediately started to do research, which I found out later. It turned out that availability was limited so he actually booked the venue prior to proposing. Two of the main tasks were taken care of, the date and the venue, immediately upon “Yes”! Needless to say, he gained major points for this surprise!!

cards

reception

first dance


Our Advice To Those Planning Now

We met with our photographer the next morning for our day-after session. Um, awesome! It was so fun to put my dress on one last time and savor the moment just a little longer.

photography: The Carrs Photography // venue name: Salvage One // florals: Flowers and Stones // wedding dress: Anais Collezioni from Nancy's Bridal // hair stylist: Reflecting Image in Grant Park, IL // catering: Occasions Chicago Catering // music: XKrush // assistant photographer: Josh Ohms // ice cream: Annie's Café // limo rental: Southside Limousine // make up artist: Katie Swibes

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