Barrington Hills Intimate Backyard Wedding | Alex & Hannah

weddings

Alex and Hannah‘s Barrington Hills intimate backyard wedding was definitely a highlight of the year for me. Granted, Hannah is my oldest niece, so she’s pretty special to me. They were married in the backyard of the home of Alex’s parents on a hot, summer day surrounded by their immediate families. While this wasn’t quite the wedding day they had planned, it was a beautiful celebration.

Barrington Hills Intimate Backyard Wedding

Pre-Ceremony

Hannah started her wedding day by getting ready at the house with her mom and younger sister. It was a relaxed morning filled with laughter and nervous, but excited, anticipation of the day to come. She wore her hair down in soft, gentle curls and her makeup was flawless. She slipped into her elegant satin and lace White One designer gown with the help of her mom, and wore her grandmother’s engagement ring as her “something old”.

Alex also got ready at the house along with his dad and twin brother, who helped him get looking his best before picture time. Alex’s mom was full of emotion while helping pin on his boutonniere.

Just before the ceremony, Hannah and Alex did a “no-look” prayer together around a doorway. I love when couples decide to do this before the ceremony time. It’s such a sweet way to connect before the groom sees his bride walking down the aisle.

Ceremony

The ceremony took place under a beautiful white wooden pergola adorned with greenery, with a glistening pond and spraying fountain behind it. Hannah walked out onto a white second story deck and was escorted by her dad down the white staircase with her cathedral length lace veil trailing behind.

The ceremony was officiated by Hannah’s mom (my big sister). During the ceremony, the couple braided a cord of three strands, symbolizing what Ecclesiastes 4:12, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The couple wrote their own vows and Alex struggled through tears as he read his to Hannah.

The ceremony was attended by the bride and groom’s immediate families and their grandparents. Not to be left out of the ceremony, and yet wanting to protect the health of those in attendance and honor social distancing, close friends of the couple watched the ceremony off in the distance.  Cheers could be heard from this special “peanut gallery” once the couple was pronounced husband and wife.

Post Ceremony

Hannah and Alex danced outside to “Dressed up in White” as the families look on. If you know Hannah and Alex, you’ll have to ask them what happened during the first dance that had everyone laughing.

Hannah then danced with her dad to the tearjerker, I Loved Her First. And there absolutely were tears. The groom and his mom danced to her favorite by Josh Groban, You Raised Me Up.

The newlyweds and their guests moved indoors to an intimate dinner in the groom’s parents home. The grand stone fireplace, guest table, and head tables were decorated in eucalyptus and other greenery. It looked and smelled heavenly. A welcome toast was given by the father of the groom. Toasts were given through tears by the maid of honor, Hannah’s sister, and the father of the bride. Laughter filled the room when the best man shared a toast and video that was shot in the groom’s bedroom with all his friends “toasting” him while eating toast in his bed. Closing out the toasts was a beautiful a capella version of Sunrise, Sunset by the groom’s grandfather.  This was the song he sang at the groom’s parents’ wedding almost 30 years ago.

Following dinner was a stunning fireworks display in the front yard. Closing out the night, the grandparents left and the “peanut gallery” returned to celebrate with loud music and dancing.

Hannah and Alex, your wedding day might not have been what you’d always imagined, but it was a perfect day. I hope these photos will forever remind you of the love you have for each other and how loved you are by your family and friends. I love you both very much. Alex, welcome to our crazy family.

 

VENDOR TEAM:

Videographer: Patryk from Popen Media

Florist: Aysel Cristian Floral Atelier

Bridal Gown: Vanessa’s Modern Bride

Hair & Makeup Artist: Sarah Lange with Beloved Beauty

Groom’s Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse

 

To see more wedding day blog posts, click here.

If you are a bride or groom planning your wedding, you can find all kinds of helpful planning blog posts here.

Looking for a photographer to perfectly capture your upcoming wedding day? I’d love to chat with you! Simply head to the contact page and fill out the form or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.

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