Independence Grove Wedding | Laura & Jacob

weddings

Independence Grove Wedding in Libertyville by Karen Shoufler Photography

Independence Grove Wedding

Libertyville, IL

Laura & Jacob’s Independence Grove wedding was a beautiful, elegant celebration that was full of unique touches that were special to them as a couple. It was the perfect way to celebrate the joining of two individuals from two beautiful families into one, and they had the most gorgeous fall day to do it.

I first met Laura and Jacob for their engagement session in Chicago last November. We had a great time laughing and getting to know each other as we walked around the museum campus photographing that special time in their lives. I learned all about Laura and her mother’s special (Lorelai and Rory-esque) relationship, and how to properly pronounce Jacob’s last name. I was thrilled when they booked me for their wedding day at the beautiful Independence Grove. It’s such a hidden gem of a wedding venue that I discovered last year, and I wish more couples knew about it.

On the wedding day, I met up with Laura and her girls at the hotel where they were getting ready. I finally got to meet Laura’s mom, and witness their relationship. As a Gilmore Girls fan, I can attest to the fact that they do in fact remind me of the lead mother-daughter duo from that hit show. I also got to meet Laura’s friends and Jacob’s twin sister, all of whom made me feel right at home. Laura had all of her details laid out for me in a bag (swoon), and I loved styling them for some photos so that years from now she will remember all of those tiny details that she had selected for her day.

Once Laura was in her dress, we headed to the venue for a first look with Jacob, and a lot of photos before the ceremony. Independence Grove has plenty of perfect locations for photos, which makes it such a stress-free place to get married. You can really do all of your photos, the ceremony, and the reception at one location. One of my favorite moments of this part of the day was the first look that Laura shared with her day. They both got so emotional that I’m pretty sure all of the photo and video team were tearing up behind our cameras. You all know I’m a sucker for a sweet father-daughter moment on wedding days.

The ceremony was held in the intimate Native Garden at the venue. I loved the acrylic vows that Laura & Jacob had ordered and read from as a unique way to have a keepsake of their vows to display for years to come.

Following the ceremony, we were racing to get a few more photos of the newlyweds in before sunset. As we walked out toward the water and noticed the fence and gate leading to the docks, we decided it might be worth scaling the fence to get some photos on the docks with the venue in the background. After getting the “okay” from a nearby employee, Jacob lifted Laura over the fence in her dress, and I not-so-gracefully followed. You’ll see that documented below. I will do just about anything for my couples to get the photos they want on their wedding day. 🙂

The day ended with the reception in Audubon Hall. Laura and Jacob chose a non-traditional song, Be Legendary, by one of their favorite bands Pop Evil for their first dance. They even had some song lyrics scattered throughout the room that had been signed with well wishes by the band. Surprising her mom with a special dance, Laura had the DJ play the Gilmore Girls theme song for another special touch to their day.

Laura and Jacob, thank you for trusting me with capturing your wedding day. I wish you all the best in your marriage, and hope to see you again someday to document your lives in the future.

 

Vendor Team:

Venue: Independence Grove

Cake: Oak Mill Bakery

DJ: DJ Mike Gerth

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

HMUA: Opal Brides, Kathy Lesnicki

Dress Boutique: Crystal Bride Official

Dress Designer: Martina Liana Bridal

Groom’s Tux: GF Tuxedo

Invitations: Invitations Etc

Officiant: Rico Ludington, friend of the couple

 

To see more weddings like this Independence Grove wedding, click here.

If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.

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