As Carina and her father entered the church, I heard Matt take a big breathe and a smile spread across his face.  His eyes were glazed though he kept tears from falling.  I felt like I could hear his thoughts by just looking at him… “I get to marry her today”…”She is so beautiful”…”This is really happening!”….

This day was one for Matt and Carina that had been anticipated for many years.  This adorable couple began dating in high school and have been together since!  After meeting by the lockers and passing notes between classes during their high school years, Matt and Carina moved onto college at the University of Illinois together.  At the U of I, they had an absolute blast and their relationship advanced from a boyfriend/girlfriend high school thing to something much more. 

It was only fitting that Matt proposed in their hometown.  It was an area surrounded by trees in the country where Matt and Carina would go on walks, star gaze and spend alone time together. They were on their way to Matt’s parents house for dinner when he stopped by their wooded area and proposed. I love how personal and intimiate his proposal was. It was just the two of them, in a place that means so much. After Matt’s proposal, they experienced a long distance relationship due to both of them deciding to pursue their personal dreams.  Matt enrolled in the military and Carina attended graduate school in Chicago.

Around eight years after they began their love story as high school students, Matt and Carina’s special day arrived. They were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the church that Matt attended throughout his youth.    Carina’s mother beamed throughout the day as her youngest daughter was getting married!  Decklyn, the little ring bearer, giggled like crazy every time any of the bridesmaids let him play with their flowers.  Their wedding sermon was heartfelt and personal as the minister had watched Matt grow up and had stories of him attending youth group. Carina’s bridesmaids were so excited that they asked to take a “YAY!” photo with the intended caption being, “it’s finally here!”.

Wedding celebrations continued at the Middle Fork Forest Preserve.  It was a wooden building, paired with a beautiful pond and surrounded by fall trees.  As with most of my weddings, my favorite time of the day was with Matt and Carina alone.  We explored the area and ventured down to a willow tree and an open wildflower field. I love the quiet moments when a couple gets a break away from the wedding chaos.  I especially loved the sweet moments I witnessed between these two, Matt kissing Carina’s forehead throughout their portraits. After we returned to the reception,  the warmth between Matt and Carina continued.  Their wedding day was wonderful and I am so grateful to have seen such a joyous day.

]To see more of Matt & Carina, check out their engagement photos.

VENDORS —

Floral – Blossom Basket

Bridal Gown & Tuxes – Lindsay Lane

Bridesmaids Dresses – David’s Bridal

Dessert – Cakes by Lori

Hair & Makeup- No. 7 Salon & Spa

Music – Complete Weddings & Events