Blog - Lifestyle Photography by Monika Thorpe

Turnberry Country Club | Lakewood, Illinois | Wedding | Alli + Jeff | September 3, 2016

9/7/2016

I had the privilege and honor to photograph the most romantic wedding to date! Alli + Jeff set the stakes high after their gorgeous, old romance inspired wedding. Their special day was full of love, passion, and a lot of happy tears. The happy couple wed and celebrated their nuptials at the Turnberry Country Club in Lakewood, Illinois. The weather was perfection! Beautiful blue skies and comfortably warm temperatures were meant for such a special day. The ceremony took place outdoors adjacent to the ninth hole, and in front of a beautifully decorated arch. As guests entered the venue, they were welcomed by a plethora of photos and mementos which were impeccably set up in the “Piano Room”. This nostalgic room opened up to a beautiful reception area decorated with lanterns, old books, paper flowers, lace and doilies. Touches of gold and burgundy throughout brought out the elegance of that old romance feel. The cake was front and center as the reception began, and I personally couldn’t take my eyes off of it (hence the 4 image of the cake below!). What’s old romance without a 1933 Hudson Pacemaker? This elegant and “U NEEK” vehicle was parked in front of the venue and I’m sure it was the cause of a gaper’s delay as guests were arriving. This wedding defined romance; not only by the material details and decorations, but by the love that this couple expressed for one another throughout the whole day.

When I first met Alli + Jeff in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois for their engagement session, I knew that they had a special kind of love. They were both crazy about each other and they did everything possible to let each other know how much they cared. On their special day, Alli + Jeff went out of their way to surprise each other in several ways to show their love. Exactly one year ago, Alli began writing in a blue leather bound journal, which was delivered to Jeff by members of the bridal party before the ceremony commenced. This sweet and meaningful gift instantly brought tears to the groom’s eyes. Thank goodness I had a camera in front of my face to cover up my watery-eyes! Likewise, Jeff surprised Alli with a gift of his own, a necklace and an emotional note that left the bride smiling through her happy tears. Even as their first dance as husband and wife was coming to an end, another surprise was looming. The music transitioned to a special song for Jeff. The dance continued as the groom embraced his wife and wiped the tears away. From the maid of honor’s emotional speech to the very last dance, happy tears could fill buckets that day. Thank you Alli + Jeff for letting me capture your very special day! Enjoy your honeymoon in Mexico!