Liz and Andrew’s Romantic Garden Wedding at Hilton Orrington 08.08.15

Liz and Andrew are an incredibly sweet couple who could not be more loving or more gracious in every aspect of their lives. When we met, they were both living in separate cities on the east coast – they asked Five Grain Events to help them pull together their wedding details so they could be sure they and their families would enjoy their wedding day, worry free. We had such a wonderful time working together with the couple, and Liz’s mother, to help solidify the logistics to ensure Liz and Andrew had a picturesque day!

From the moment the day got started, it was clear that Liz and her family would be generously taking care of their attendants. The ladies enjoyed a full spread of breakfast and lunch while the talented artists from Kate Johnson Artistry perfected their hair and makeup. Meanwhile, Andrew and his groomsmen took a short trip to Giordano’s for some Chicago-style pizza before gathering back at the hotel to don their tuxes.

Rebecca Marie Photography documented all the precious moments – from the intimate laughter between friends while the bride and groom and their attendants separately prepared for the day, to the smile-filled shots of Liz and Andrew and their friends and family throughout their gorgeous August wedding day. Rebecca’s playful and encouraging personality helped everyone feel right at home behind the camera, and the resulting photos give a perfect recap to the love and laughter that filled the day.

Davis Transportation helped make sure the wedding party got from place to place and Rebecca chose the perfect setting for Liz and Andrew’s first look and wedding party photos. The lush greenery of the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern was a gorgeous backdrop – and as luck would have it, an acoustic guitarist happened to be strumming some classical tunes for another wedding ceremony happening nearby – a delightfully romantic coincidence.

Four Finches beautifully decorated the church with such incredible detail – even a statue of a little girl in the front of the church was adorned with a floral wreath. Sarah used ivory, salmon and blush tones throughout the floral design, which looked beautiful amidst the architecture of the church.

The non-denominational ceremony at Kenilworth Union Church was elegant and touching, filled with beautiful music from an organist and string trio led by Steven Houser.

After the ceremony, guests returned to the Hilton Orrington for cocktail hour, while Liz and Andrew finished up their photos at the church. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Hilton Orrington’s Heritage Room before making their way to the Grand Ballroom for dinner and dancing.

Liz and Andrew are obviously surrounded by loving family and friends as evidenced by the touching speeches from their parents, maid of honor, and best man.

After dinner, a joyful thank you toast from the bride and groom, and some delicious cake from Bittersweet Bakery, it was time for dancing!

Liz and Andrew started things off with their first dance, followed by a sweet dance between brother and sister, then Andrew and his mother. The dance floor was packed from the first song to the last, thanks to the band for the night, Déjà vu. Guests were given sunglasses to add an element of “cool” to the dance floor, and enjoyed late night pizza from Lou Malnati’s.

Liz and Andrew, it was such a pleasure working with you and your families to make your wedding day come to life. I know you two will live a love-filled life together, and I hope you enjoy looking back on these moments as much as I do!