The wedding day was picture perfect! The flowers, the guests, the Reverends, the reception hall, the food, the weather... I would say it was Hollywood perfect, but that would cheapen it. What happened that day can only come from love, not over-production and money. Sounds a bit sappy, I know, but when I tear up reviewing pictures, well...
Larsen's Greenhouse Florist of Waukegan did an excellent job on the flowers. "Serving Lake County since 1874" I guess they have it figured out by now! 
Corey and Melissa decided to see each other before the service. I would highly recommend this as it allows for formal photographs to be taken prior to the wedding; no missing an hour of the reception due to photography. They made it very intimate and special. Kurt (my second shooter) and I captured it with long lenses to give them some room, and then left the chapel so they could spend some time alone. 
Corey showed Melissa his new prescription sunglasses and she exclaimed "You look like Jason Bourne!" So I told him to give me his tough guy pose. I didn't see Melissa reflected in his glasses until later. Happy accident.
The reception was held at the Glen Rowan House, a beautiful old Lake Forest mansion now part of the Lake Forest campus that is walking distance from the church. People played croquet, football, bean toss... on the huge front lawn. Speeches were presented outside around the fountain. For info on the Glen Rowan House you may contact Faye Kelly at fkelly@lakeforest.edu 
"Ok everyone, I'm going to walk on water" I was really hopeing he would give it a go.
I promised a woman at the reception that her purse would be featured on my blog. I thought it made a really cool surface to shoot the rings on. While the outdoor lighting is great to shoot in, the ring reflects the surrounding, in this case the green trees. I think it looks nice, but next time I'll try shooting the ring with a white translucent reflector held over head.
This jazz trio played both during the service and at the party. I forgot to get their card, but will link to them once I find out their name. They were great.
edit- My buddy Pete stopped by this morning and informed me that I had a picture on my blog that was all blurry. I sometimes will purposely drag the shutter in order to get a feeling of motion and life in an image. I think the motion blur works great here. Pete's response with a raised eyebrow- "Looks blurry to me..." 
Here's to a happy life together Corey and Melissa! View the slideshow- click here
