St Mary of the Angels & Victoria in the Park Wedding

Mount Prospect, Illinois

Marcella and Mark’s Victoria in the Park wedding was on the windiest wedding day I’ve ever experienced, even for Chicago. But what a beautiful day it turned out to be. Full of gorgeous details, the most fun wedding party, and a stunning church and venue, this wedding will forever be a memorable one.

I first met Marcella and Mark at Cantigny Park for their engagement session where we walked around the park getting to know each other and taking the cutest pictures. I loved their outfits so much, but their personalities and pure love for each other is what made it so enjoyable. It made me so excited for their wedding day.

When I arrived at the bridal suite on the wedding day, everyone was getting ready and I got to work on Marcella’s stunning details. A couple of her bridesmaids sat by and watched in fascination as I laid everything out to style them, and it was so fun to chat with them and get to know them a bit before we really got into photos.

Once she was ready, Marcella opened up a gift from Mark that included a Tiffany bracelet and a very fun surprise purse. I think Marcella fell in love all over again. Then she got into her gown with the help of her mom and maid of honor, before coming down the winding staircase in the suite to her bridesmaids. I love when the bride’s closest friends see her for the first time as a bride. So sweet!

Because the entire wedding party was riding the bus to the church together, Marcella and Mark did their first look at the hotel before heading to the city for the ceremony. I mentioned earlier that it was a windy day, but let me explain. There were wind advisors, numerous flights canceled, and 60+ mph wind gusts that day. Let me tell you how thankful I was that the church had a beautiful space out front with columns that provided a good wind block for bride and groom photos. We did brave the front steps for a couple of wedding party photos, but after a huge wind gust about knocked a few bridesmaids over, we got everyone on the bus and headed to the venue.

Our original plan to head to Busse Woods for photos would have not only been unwise but very unsafe, so we headed to the venue and found one side of the building with a nice wind block for photos. I really love how these turned out with the lights inside the reception space provided some neat backlighting.

As the reception started, the newlyweds and wedding party entered down the beautiful staircase at the venue to the awaiting guests. One of my favorites was a when one of the bridesmaids and groomsmen entered throwing t-shirts into the crowd. I later found out that they read: “I went to Markcella’s wedding . . . and all I got was this t-shirt.” So cute!

After some heartfelt speeches, a few tears, a delicious dinner, and sweet first dances, the dance floor opened to the crowd.

Marcella and Mark, congrats again! I wish you all the best in your marriage and hope your honeymoon was the BEST!

Vendors:

Getting Ready: Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Church: St Mary of the Angels

Venue: Victoria in the Park

Videography: Trust in Light Studios

Florist: Belmonte Florist

DJ & Photo Booth: Elevated Events

MUA: Makeup by Rosie

Hair: Angie Morrone, Jill Garcia

Bridal Boutique: Veiled by Cha Cha

Men’s Attire: Indochino

Rentals: Satin Chair

 

To see more weddings like this Victoria in the Park 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.