Jewel-Toned Summer Wedding with Chinese Tea Ceremony at Warrenwood Manor

It's been a couple years since I had the chance to photograph a wedding at Warrenwood Manor, so I was thrilled when Janice (she/her) & Quentin (he/him) told me that's where they were getting married! It's not often a venue has a gorgeous space to get ready, multiple location options for the ceremony, as well as an ideal reception space. As a photographer, I can't tell you how much stress is alleviated from a wedding day when you don't have to drive from location to location. It makes it so everyone can have some downtime and really be present, plus it gives us the ability to take couple's photos casually throughout the day instead of in one bigger block of time. Before this turns into an advertisement for Warrenwood, let's talk about this amazing couple.

Janice & Quentin are full of joy & laughter. They are remarkably kind to each other and everyone around them, so it didn't surprise me when they made every member of their vendor team feel like family. It was humbling to get to photograph their wedding and I am so happy to now call them friends! 

I could go on and on, but I really should just let the images speak for themselves. I’ve shared a few more details throughout the post that I couldn’t resist including.

During the Chinese tea ceremony, Quentin & Janice served tea to their parents and grandparents as a way to show respect and say thank you for helping them become the people they are now. Each of those family members said a little something after they had been served tea. I LOVE this tradition— it brought a new layer of intention, thoughtfulness, and intimacy to the day that really stuck with me and set the tone for the remainder of the day. 

In their words, "having dinner family style is not only a great tie into Chinese culture, but also helps us make the evening more intimate and bring together people from all different parts of our lives." I couldn't agree more— getting to sit and chat with guests during dinner was wonderful and I enjoyed watching so many important people from their lives all talking and getting to know one another. 

If you're crushing on their florals, State & Arrow Design Co. also did the florals for Kate & Rob's woodsy wedding. If you wantto see more intimate weddings in historic homes then this Whitehall wedding won't disappoint. 

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Wedding Coordinator: Kaelyn Query with LexEffect // DJ: Mike Faulkner with BMF Sound Design // Florals: Jamie with State and Arrow // Caterer: Ashley with Minton’s // Wedding Gown: Martina Liana // Rentals: Bryant’s Rent-All // Make-Up: Something Blu // Pie Bar: Missy’s // Venue: Warrenwood Manor

China Trip // Exploring Guangzhou

Traveling to Guangzhou, China to help my sister bring home my new niece was one of the most surreal, amazing experiences I've had. My niece adored exploring and walking around the city, so we were lucky enough to be able to visit several gorgeous parks, climb a mountain, see some temples, and even spent a day at a safari park. If you're looking to see more travel photographs, then my recent Iceland trip or last year's Peru trip would be the way to go. Just as a reminder, I’m always looking for an excuse to travel, so if you are planning a destination wedding or adventurous elopement I would LOVE to be part of it.

Anniversary Couple's Session // Blue Hour Swim in Deam Lake

I've been in the mood to shoot during blue hour lately. There is just something about that time right after sunset that allows for play in so many ways— switching up shutter speeds and accessing a whole different color palette. For this session, we got the most gorgeous golden hour complete with a light rainstorm, a small rainbow, and a stunning sunset— as well as an interesting blue hour as well. 

Abby and Schyler have been together as long as I can remember. I first photographed them dancing at my senior prom. Over the years, I've loved watching their big milestones online— including seven years of marriage and two sweet children. They've had so many amazing big moments together and have supported each other through some really hard times too. Despite all the years, as they played together and goofed off during our session they were giving off some serious newlywed vibes. It's obvious that they are just as in love now as they were ten years ago. 

Abby made me cry, when the morning after the session she wrote me, "Thanks again so much for last night. For us, it was more than just a photo session. It was nice to be a little more carefree and focus on each other. We got to reconnect in a way and play around like we were young again thanks to you. You are so amazing at what you do and you made us feel super comfortable all while having fun. Thank you so much."

I love anniversary sessions so much, in case you do too check out Chris & Cassie's Chicago conservatory session or Alex & Collin's in-home session.