I was so excited for Katy and Steve’s Chicago Botanic Garden wedding. I had only been to the venue once before and loved the space and all of the beautiful areas in the gardens. Their love for one another was really palpable and they were such a joy to work with. Almost everything from the wedding was handmade including the arch that they were married under, the reception place settings and Katy’s mom hand painted all of the cookies!

I started at Katy and Steve’s house with the ladies to get some getting ready photographs. The house had gorgeous light and I was able to get a large variety of shots of her and her wedding party.

After everyone had their hair and makeup done, we headed to the Chicago Botanic Garden where Katy put her dress on right before the ceremony.

The ceremony took place in the Rose Terrace, a beautiful area of the gardens set amongst a narrow row of trees. It is such a wonderful space and made for some great photographs. Katy and her wedding party also planned a surprise song for Steve during the ceremony!

After the ceremony, Katy, Steve and I walked around the gardens to take portraits. The light was really stunning as it was nearing sunset and we were able to get some beautiful pictures.

All of the handmade details at the reception really helped transform the space. I love the large, open air tent along the lake in the McGinley Pavilion.

After they were introduced, the reception started with a lovely toast by Katy’s parents. I always try to get some shots of both the people speaking and the couple’s reactions.

Katy and Steve really wanted a photograph of the tent all light up during the reception. When we were taking portraits, we walked over a bridge that had a great view of the reception tent so during dinner I headed over there and was able to capture the sunset and the tent.

The dance party started with the couple’s first dance and didn’t end until the end of the night! TVK Orchestra provided such great music and one of the singers was actually a member of the wedding party at Conor and Ian’s wedding!