I’m going to go backwards with this one. I’m going to show you the wedding before the engagement pictures. So be prepared for a two-parter. You’ll understand soon enough! (Update here!)
Amy and Zach were married at Morris Arboretum on a day that brought down sheets upon sheets of rain. Think dark skies and monsoons and you have a bit of an idea.
Zach and his gentlemen were coolly gathered at the hotel, sipping shmancy whiskey.
Amy credits Zach with a lot of the design decisions. He had an eye on the details. I love the story behind his great grandfather’s cufflinks that his tomboy grandmother also wore with a suit to her wedding.
Amy is a no fuss bride. Rain? Whatever. Though there is some girly girl in her. She visited six or so shops to find the perfect wedding dress. After picking one with a friend, she went back with her mom and found this beauty with an eyelash lace sweetheart neckline, delicate buttons up the back, and tiny pearls sewn throughout. As a nod to her late grandmother, Pearl, this one was it.
We played in the hotel and then headed out to the Arboretum.
Amy, Zach, and I zipped around the vibrant and verdant grounds.
Morris Arboretum’s incredible Fernery gave us some shelter from the raindrops outside.
The wedding party were great sports, being willing to brave the overhead clouds for some pictures outside together.
Thankfully, the weather gods smiled on us as afternoon turned to evening and the guests didn’t have to hire an ark to arrive for the nuptials. The ceremony was held under the permanent tent behind the main house.
The evening became pleasantly drier and cooler as the party ramped up. Sweet dances, sweet speeches, and good friends gathered, laughed, and danced into the night.
One thing I must add is the favors. Amy and Zach had tiny bottles of custom m&ms, custom soft pretzels in A, Z, and hearts, and bottles of Zach’s Tales of the Cocktail 2017 Official Cocktail Competition winning martini variation, the “Embrasse de la Terre.”
The misty night sky gave us one more opportunity before the evening came to a close. It was magic!
Good morning, beautiful, how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And when I open my eyes to see your sweet face
It’s a good morning, beautiful day
~ Good Morning Beautiful, Steve Holy
