Danielle and Mike first met in the summer of 2014 in Chicago, where they both live. One of the first places they actually saw each other was at a Green Bay Packers bar in downtown Chicago! From their first conversations, they knew there was a deep connection between them. As Danielle says, “our relationship was so easy and natural right from the start. Being with Mike just felt comfortable – like I had known him all my life. I knew early on that he was ‘the one’!”

After just a few months of dating and falling head-over-heels in love with each other, Mike proposed. On a beautiful evening in Chicago, Mike took Danielle out for a wonderful dinner then drinks on top of the John Hancock building in the Signature Room. Once they finished, a horse-drawn carriage picked them up and took them to Millennium Park, where they walked around, hand-in-hand. At just the right moment, Mike found the perfect bench away from all the people. He sat with Danielle and professed his love to her and asked her to be his wife. Tears in her eyes, she said, “YES!” They both smiled and cried and after awhile called their families to tell them the good news!!

A year later, they were married on a chilly October day at the beautiful Green Bay Botanical Gardens. Danielle has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen so it only makes sense that so many wonderful people traveled from all over to be at their wedding. The wedding party was not only full of their friends and family members, but they also had ten kids in the wedding party too!! After seeing how cute and sweet all the kids were, I couldn’t say no to them either! I want them in MY wedding party! The big day was the perfect mix of classic, timeless colors (grays and purples) and fun Fall-inspired decor (pumpkins and caramel apples.) My favorite detail of the day were all the wooden pieces found on the tables at the reception. They were cut by Mike himself and he even took the time to carve in cute details like “D+M” or “10-3-15.”

I had the most wonderful time celebrating with Mike and Danielle and I just know their marriage is going to be full of happiness, love, laughter, and fun times. Congratulations to these lovely newlyweds!

Make-up artist, Patricia Dufek, doing what she does best at Mint Salon!

Awww, look at all that love and support. Danielle is such a sweet person that she wanted everyone who was important to her to play a special part in her big day! She deserves all the happiness in the world!!

Mike had the cutest note waiting for Danielle to read the morning of their wedding!

First looks are my favorite!!

I always prefer photographing bride and groom portraits before the ceremony actually starts. We always have more time and it’s a great chance for the bride and groom to have some alone time on their wedding day to just BE with each other.

Danielle and Mike wrote their own vows, in their own adorable little vow booklets!

For the unity part of the ceremony, Danielle and Mike chose to water a tree together and when they return home to Illinois, they will plant it and watch it grow over time.

Danielle and Mike’s vows to each other had everyone crying, including me!

There’s always time for a few sunset photos before we get the reception party started!!

The most emotional father/daughter dance ever!!

This dance even had Danielle’s sister in tears!

Oh my goodness, this little guy stole my heart for the night!!

Huge thank you to my second shooter and right-hand gal that was with me through the whole day, Nicole Jolly!

Thanks to all the amazing Wedding Vendors that made Danielle & Mike’s big day wonderful!
Ceremony: Green Bay Botanical Garden // Reception: Olde 41 – The Duck Blind // Catering: The Marq // Wedding Planner: Ronda Klocko // Officiant: Pastor Brian Hogwood // Hair & Make-up: Mint Salon // Flowers: Ebb & Flow Flowers // Wedding Dress: Elaine’s Bridal // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Elaine’s Bridal // Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson // Bride’s Jewelry: Elaine’s Bridal // Groom’s Tuxedo: Banana Republic // Men’s Tuxedos: DuBois Formalwear // Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas // Rings: Fey and Company, Chicago // Cake & Desserts: Cake Guru // DJ: Celebrations DJ Service // Photo Booth: The Music Caterer // Transportation: Lamers Bus Rentals