Oak Brook IL | Wedding at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus | Amy and Dan

I’ve been saving this blog post for the Christmas season because it’s got red 🙂 Sorry Amy to make you wait…one thing I want to tell you about Amy is that she’s the hardest working Bride I’ve ever met, every suggestion I threw her way was met with enthusiasm and then some. Of course we can’t forget about Dan, who in the end ended up being such a trooper that he even surprised Amy, thank you Dan!

Shoes by Manolo Blahnik

Both Dresses were from Belle Vie Bridal Couture in Chicago.

Before the ceremony, we took the party dress out for a little photo shoot around the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook where both the wedding and the ceremony took place.

Work it Amy!

Gorgeous!

Officiant, Rev. Bruce Otto did a great job with the ceremony.

After the ceremony photos.

How cute is Dan fixing Amy’s veil?

Favorite 1!

Favorite 2!

First dance.

Love the beautiful crystals on her veil, I was kind of obsessed with it actually…

….one last photo before changing into the party dress which was perfect for dancing.

The changing of the bride 😉

Party time!

Yeah, she was kind of shy and reserved 😉

Favorite 3! Thank you Dan and Amy for trusting me, no wedding dresses were harmed in the making of this photo 🙂

From Amy…

Hyatt Lodge Oakbrook….very positive experience, good setting, great photo ops!

Officiant, Rev. Bruce Otto. Funny, charming, professional, one-of-a-kind…made the ceremony very special for us and our parents. http://www.spiritedweddings.com/

Belle Vie Bridal….Jenna/consultant. Reem Acra designer of ball gown, known as “Alice in Wonderland”, veil by Toni Federici, reception dress by Vineyard for Priscilla of Boston shoes by Manolo Blahnik.

Hair by Litsa Tspralis, Owner Anasas Salon. Litsa is a dear family friend who went over and above the call of duty on our Big Day. http://anasasalon.com/staff/litsa-tsapralis/7749/

Makeup by Agnes Buda-Milewski –an absolute perfectionist that got Hilda a tiny bit off schedule but was well worth the wait! Also a VERY lovely person and so fun to be around. 773-931-7771 (she’s cool with you listing her phone number)

Flowers by Chris Sheffield of Ashland Addison Florist, an old family friend who came through for us in a big way. Did you SEE my roses? I’m spending hundreds now after the fact to preserve the bouquet because it is was too beautiful to let go of.http://www.ashaddflorist.com/index.htm

Bridal Jewelry from Tiffany and Co, Oakbrook… thanks to Alicia Capraro.

My Advice for Future Brides:

Make sure you have a couple of unofficial bridesmaids there for you…..my cousin and and close friend who were not in the bridal party ended up saving the day for us in so many little ways.
The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a kid’ can easily be applied to a bride on her big day!! It took a village PLUS for this bride! My bridesmaid’s were wonderful but I needed an army of dedicated gals.

TRUST Hilda with your time line for the day. She knows what she is doing, and knows whatshe needs to get the best shots..LISTEN TO HER, and it’s a bonus if your groom is on board
with this as well. The bridal party loved her and all the innovative ideas that she (and Carol) had for us that day.
I also researched different shots months before that I wanted and Hilda came prepared to make my wishes come true!

As much as you can, let go of your inhibitions and let your inner-model free to get the most amazing shots that you will treasure for the rest of your life.