Wheaton, Illinois

Jen and Chris are talented stage actors in New York, who charmed me from the moment I met them, and I was delighted when they asked me to fly to Jen's hometown outside of Chicago to photograph their wedding.

The wedding had a classic theatre theme - with old theatrical promo's designating the table assignments, and sleek black and white invitations. Honoring the tradition of the historic acting team (and husband and wife) Alred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, who created a retreat for actors in their Wisconsin country home, Jen and Chris paid a visit to Ten Chimneys, where they made a donation in honor of their guests the week before their wedding. Ten Chimneys also provided the collectible playing cards that were take-aways at the wedding.

The summer prior, Jen and her family had taken a trip to Poland, to explore their family heritage. While there, Jen found a perfectly unique wedding dress, which she managed to purchase and have altered while abroad!

Danada House and its grounds set the landscape for the outdoor wedding, portrait session, and reception. Jen and Chris selected a spot underneath two giant trees - standing apart from the forest, in the middle of a field - as the place they wanted to make their vows, signifying unity. Every detail of the day was imbued with meaning for Jen and Chris, and the delight they took in their celebration of each other was clear to everyone present.