Ana and Malcolm have known one another since they were 14, so for us, it was a privilege to be able to document their special day. We were watching the forecast throughout the day because we were under a threat of rain, but luckily that rain never materialized! It was a hot, humid July day but no one was worried about that—everyone was excited to share in Ana and Malcolm’s wedding day!
Ana dressed at her hotel room surrounded by her lovely ladies. They wore burgundy and cream satin robes and laughed together as they finished hair and make-up. When it was time for Ana to step into her beautiful lace-trimmed gown, and her mother gave Ana her blessing, it was an emotional moment that even had me tearing up behind the camera.
The ceremony location took place on a ranch that belonged to a family friend of Ana’s in Elwood, Illinois. Ana’s father walked her down the aisle and as soon as she arrived at Malcolm’s side, he moved to lift her veil and kiss her but everyone called out “Not yet!” which was followed by laughter from the guests. They exchanged vows in the open field under a wisteria trimmed arbor, and after they were pronounced man and wife, Malcolm finally got to lift her veil and kiss his new wife!
Portraits were so much fun…the girls were dressed in beautiful, burgundy gowns and Malcom’s groomsmen looked handsome in navy suits. Ana’s bouquet was so unique—it really stood out! It was created with one large lavender dahlia and surrounded by beige colored roses and greenery.
At the reception, Ana became emotional during her father-daughter dance, and Malcolm sang sweetly into his mom’s ear while they danced. After the first dances, the guests played a game where they had to “pay” to dance with the bride and groom to wish them good fortune, and the money paid went toward their honeymoon.
Later, during the garter toss, Malcolm was blindfolded and had the guests shrieking with laughter as he danced seductively and buried his head under Ana’s skirts to retrieve the garter. During the bouquet toss, a few of the bridesmaids ended up jumping into the air to catch it!
Because of the heat, Ana didn’t want the cake outside, so when it came time for cake cutting, we made our way inside. Their cake was beautiful and one of the tallest ones I’ve ever photographed! It had alternating navy and gold layers with burgundy and purple flowers.
The guests had a wonderful time dancing to the live band, and it was a true celebration and great blending of two cultures coming together! We are so honored to have had the privilege and opportunity to capture their beautiful summer wedding! Malcolm and Ana, we wish you the very best as you begin this amazing journey of marriage
Dress: Evas Bridal of Orland Park
DJ: Explocion
Cake: Delicious Wishes
Catering: NaNa's Jerk Paradise Catering
Bridemaids: Windsor
Gromsmen and Groom attire: Jim's Formal Wear
Invitations: Penelopes Paper Pantry
