This Warwick Allerton Hotel wedding is one of my favorites – not only because of the dream team involved, but because of the serendipity that let Katie and Shannon together in the first place!

Katie took a sip of her margarita as she chatted with the bartender at El Mariachi. It was one of her favorite spots to unwind after a long day of work and she was meeting a friend. She glanced at her phone to read a text, and when she looked up, she caught the eye of a handsome guy at the end of the bar. He smiled. She smiled back shyly.

Shannon was grabbing a quick bite before meeting some friends in the neighborhood, and he couldn’t help but notice Katie’s gorgeous smile and contagious laugh. When he discovered her friend had canceled, he asked if he could join her.

Tacos and margaritas brought them together, and a week later they had their first official date. Shannon quickly fell in love with her big heart and habit of caring for others, and she always had a way of making him laugh. Katie was drawn to his calming presence, and she just felt so at peace with him. It wasn’t long before they knew they wanted to spend their lives together.

I had met Katie five years ago when photographing her best friend, Alison’s, wedding, and so when she reached out, I was thrilled. I got to know her and Shannon better over cocktails at Soho House, and I learned they were also interviewing my dear friend Jen over at A Fresh Event for their event coordination. Jen had recently gotten married at the very same venue- The Warwick Allerton– and when they decided to work with both of us, we knew it was going to be incredibly special to work together to make their day wonderful. It was such a joy to photograph their day, spend time with their lovely friends and family, and work with such a dream team of wedding pros!

Event Coordination: A Fresh Event

Cinematography: White Quill Creative

Florals: A Stem Above

Hair + Makeup: Milian, Bianca Sansosti Artistry

Church: LaSalle Street Church

Reception + Catering: The Warwick Allerton, Hannah Bunbury

Cake: Vanille Patisserie

DJ: Karin, Toast and Jam

Photobooth: Fotio

Transportation: M&M Limo (one of the best in the city)