The Monte Bello Estate Wedding | Brittany & Steve

weddings

Monte Bello Estate wedding in Lemont, Illinois by Karen Shoufler Photography

The Monte Bello Estate Wedding

Lemont, Illinois

Brittany and Steve’s Monte Bello Estate wedding was nothing short of fairytale status. From the storybook venue to the elegant ballroom, and everything in between, it was a photographer’s dream. Add in the sweet couple and all of their amazing friends and family, and it will certainly be one of those days I will wish I could relive for years to come.

I had the pleasure of meeting Brittany and Steve, and their beloved pup Pinot, twice before their wedding day for engagement sessions. I also go to meet Brittany’s mom, as she came along to both of those sessions to help with Pino, as well as some of Brittany’s family when I photographed Monica and Jake’s wedding earlier in the year. So, when I arrived to The Monte Bello on the wedding day, it was like I was already walking into a familiar place with people I had grown to really care about.

Brittany and Steve got ready on site at the venue, which has accommodations that are beautiful and comfortable for bridesmaids to get hair and make up done and for the guys to have fun hanging out before getting fully dressed. (See photos of what the guys were up to below.) Having your entire wedding day in one location is not only convenient, but it also reduces stress of transportation and driving the day of the wedding. It also helps your wedding photos to all look cohesive.

Brittany got ready with her bridesmaids, flower girl, and some of her family members in the bridal suite, and then we moved to the ballroom for her first look with her dad and her brother. After that, she was ready to see Steve. Having a first look does a lot to calm your nerves for the rest of day, and Brittany was excited to see Steve and be able to be with him the rest of the day. We took them out to the front of the venue where there is the prettiest little pond, brides and garden area. I won’t tell you exactly what happened in order to get the photos of them crossing the bridge hand in hand, but I will tell you that my foot was wet and cold the rest of the night. One hundred percent worth it for the shot!

Since Brittany and Steve love Pinot with all their hearts, she of course had to be a part of their special day. We got some very sweet photos with the three of them prior to the ceremony, and then Pinot was the best girl during the ceremony. She even had her own floral collar that matches the wedding florals.

The ceremony was held at the top of the hill right about golden hour with the sun casting the most beautiful light onto the entire ceremony space. I can’t even tell you how excited I was at the light as they walked down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. We immediately headed out to the field behind the venue for a few “just married” photos before the sun dipped below the horizon, for some of my favorite photos of the day. During cocktail hour, the couple had set up a Pinot tasting for their guests in honor of their sweet Pinot.

Following cocktail hour, it was time to celebrate inside the ballroom! Brittany and Steve got a private sneak peek of their reception space, which was stunning with a hanging floral installation over the dance floor. After speeches and dinner, the couple and their guests danced the night away.

Brittany and Steve, I wish you all the best! It was such a joy to photograph your special day, and I hope to capture many more memories for you as the years go by . . . especially if those are at Disney. 😉 Best wishes!

The Monte Bello Estate Wedding Photography

The Monte Bello Estate Wedding Photography

Vendor Team:

Venue: The Monte Bello Estate

Videographer: Jani Marie Productions

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

Planner/Florals: Christine Janda Design & Events

DJ: Fig Media

HMUA: White Lotus Weddings

Groom & Wedding Party Attire: Jasmine Galleria

Ceremony Music: Heavenly Harps

Invitations: Emily Mayne Studio

Dress Designer: Essense of Australia

 

To see more weddings like this Monte Bello Estate 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't miss out!

Weekly fun in your inbox, helpful planning advice, promotions and more!

JOIN THE FUN

On Instagram

Follow along with my latest work, adventures and more!

Instagram-color Created with Sketch.
Facebook Copy-color Created with Sketch.

THE LATEST & GREATEST