The tears fell freely as Whitney read Vince’s letter to her the morning of their wedding day. She smiled, and her voice trembled as she read aloud from his precious note.

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Jess C. Scott

She paused as she let the tenderness of these words and the weight of Vincent’s sentiments fill her heart before opening up the most beautiful pearl and diamond cluster earrings with a gorgeous matching necklace and bracelet. Whitney’s wedding dress was expertly redesigned by the incredibly talented Alice Padrul from the bridal gown that had been passed down from her mother and grandmother. It was made in three pieces- the gorgeous lace top, a long skirt that was Whitney’s ceremony gown, and a shorter skirt that she changed into for the reception. Once again, Alice’s artistry was incredible to behold. Meanwhile, Vince was reading Whitney’s adoring letter to him and opening a stunning new watch to mark the day they would exchange vows of love and devotion. When he saw his beautiful bride for the first time before the ceremony, he shed a few tears of his own. I love that a First Look gives couples a chance to soak in those first beautiful moments together. It’s an opportunity to ground yourselves in the present and to have a few sacred moments alone while holding one another close, laughing nervously, and whispering lovingly to one another in preparation for the beauty of the day ahead. Being able to capture these sentiments unfolding between Whitney and Vince stirred my heart with joy as I thought back to the first time I met them and they shared their love story. Vince and Whitney are the kind of people who open their hearts to everyone that comes into their lives, and building a relationship with them is something I have truly cherished. It is a rare and beautiful thing, and I feel so very fortunate to call them friends.
Kristen Janes of Kio Kreations designed these stunning bouquets and the elaborate ceremony and reception decor at Patrick Haley Mansion. The colors and romantic feel were perfect for Vince and Whitney’s wedding.

When the time came for them to speak their vows, they did so ardently, and there wasn’t a dry eye among us, including me. With emotion in her voice, Whitney pledged: “I promise to give you the best of my self, my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tenderest care. I will forever be there to lend you strength to pursue your dreams, support you in times of trouble, and rejoice with you in times of happiness. Through the pressures of the present and uncertainties of the future, through all our adventures in life together, my heart will be your shelter, my arms will be your home. For all our remaining days, I will love you with every breath and I vow that my last breath will be to tell you that I love you.”

The portico of the Patrick Haley Mansion laden with floral filled lanterns was the perfect backdrop for their profession of love. With the humor that first drew Whitney to him and with great passion, Vince professed his own promise. “Whitney, the first pair of shoes showed my faith in my perfect match in fashion. The first text conversation proved you to be my perfect match in humor. The first dinner showed my perfect match in food and drink, and ‘I love you’ proved a perfect match for my heart and soul. Whitney, I will always love you, cherish you, support you, and protect you as long as there is breath in my lungs. You are my perfect match, my everything, my life.”

The tables were graced with Kio Kreations gorgeous florals and a personal touch- a different pair of shoes on each one. A love of shoes brought them together, so what better way to incorporate their story into such a special day? Vincent raises money every year for St. Baldrick’s and shaves his head at the end, and so they decided that instead of kissing when glasses were clanked, guests must donate money to their “Kisses Against Cancer” jar.

Whitney and Vince, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for inviting me into your lives so warmly and for choosing me to capture your love story. I am not only honored; I am touched. Thank you for the hours of conversation and laughter over good wine and food. I am so happy for you both, and I know you will have many adventures together in the years to come!

Joan, I am ever so grateful to you for introducing me to Vince and Whitney! I have truly loved working with you and the two of them. Thank you for your incredible intuition in knowing we would hit it off. Each of your clients are so lucky to have you, and I can’t wait to work with you again. I also want to thank Suzzane Brown who assisted me as the second photographer at this wedding. I so appreciate your talent and warm spirit!

To view more of their wedding day magic, check out this fantastic feature film from DeLack Media Group.

Event Planner: Joan Cinquegrani, Five Grain Events

Dress Designer: Alice Padrul

Hair & Makeup: Blend Beauty

Florals: Kio Kreations

Officiant: Rev. Kitty Benson, Unity in Naperville

Ceremony Music: Great Life Music

Reception Music: The Party Faithful (Great Life Music)

Cake: La La Li Bakery & Patisserie

Cinematography: DeLack Media Group