Elegant Monee Backyard Wedding

Monee, Illinois

Jennalyn and Evan’s gorgeous Monee backyard wedding was full of stunning florals, thoughtful details, cute kiddos, great music, good food (they had me at “tacos”), and best of all, the most amazing people. The weather was perfect for their late summer wedding with sunny skies and a light breeze perfect for flying her veil for those dreamy portraits.

I first met this sweet bride and her family at the dance studio where she and my oldest daughters danced for many, many years. When her older sister got married a few years ago and reached out to me, I was already booked for her date. So when Jennalyn contacted me last year for a date that I had open, I was so excited to get to photograph their amazing day.

The stunning bride got ready at her family home surrounded by her parents, sisters, and best of friends . . . and several fluffy dog nieces and nephews. Jennalyn’s family has owned the greenhouse in town for generations, so I knew that the florals were going to be amazing. I had no idea just HOW amazing. The bouquets were colorful, the ceremony arch and florals lining the aisle were so romantic, and all of the arrangements in the clear reception tent made it look like a fairytale.

Once Jenna was into her dress, we headed to a family friend’s home for photos. Beneath the willow tree where Evan proposed, they had their first look. Jenna then had a touching, tear-filled moment with her dad and a silly, fun first look with her brother (not pictured due to restricted content, haha). Wedding party and family portraits followed before we headed off to the ceremony site.

Nestled behind a family member’s home and business was the perfect place for their ceremony and reception. The ceremony started with Jenna and her dad walking down the aisle with tears and ended with the newly married bride whacking a guest in the face with her bouquet as Evan dipped her down the aisle. All of the tears, joy, and laughter made this day so special and I hope these photos help them remember every moment for years to come.

The night ended with a reception under a clear top, beautifully lit tent and rentals from Blue Peak Tents and the most delicious tacos from El Mason. The ladies from Special Occasion Services kept everything flowing, organized, and were just all around all stars all night. The special dances with the golden setting sun in the background are my new favorite thing. Perfect timing if you ask me. 🙂 The tears during the dance between the bride and her father, and the groom with his mother had my tears welling up behind my camera. The dance floor opened and Tim with Ready, Set, Dance kept the music flowing and the dance floor hopping all night before a sparkler send off to finish up the night.

Incredible Vendor Team:

Florals: Johnson’s Greenhouse

DJ: Tim with Ready, Set, Dance Ent

Photo: Karen Shoufler Photography

MUA: Makeup by Caroline O

Hair: Grace Battiato

Gown: Grace Loves Lace, Nashville

Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Tent & Rentals: Blue Peak Tents

Event Services: Chris & her amazing team with Special Occasion Services

Catering: El Mason

Jeweler: Distinctive Gold

Men’s Ties: The Belle and the Bow

Officiant: Josh Fraser, brother-in-law of the bride

 

To see more recent weddings, head here!

We photograph weddings in Chicago, Central Illinois, SW Florida, and around the country, as well as internationally!

If you would like to know more about wedding photography with me, head here.

If you would like to contact me about photographing your wedding, you can fill out the contact form or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com