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Marathons are not for people who are weak in mind, body, and spirit. Neither are marriages. Both require an incredible amount of commitment, determination, effort, and willingness to (quite literally) go the distance. When we arrived to photograph Jill and Doug’s Oak Brook country club wedding, we discovered that they are people of substance, people who are steady and reliable, and people who are absolutely perfect for each other. Their shared understanding of all of the preparation, training, endurance, and investment required to participate in an IronMan gives them an edge to understanding the requirements of a successful marriage, and we are confident that their team will win the race.
We pulled into Jill’s parents’ neighborhood on a gorgeous Saturday morning – the temperature was just right, with the extreme heat of the summer deciding to take a break and let the cool breezes prevail. The ladies were scattered throughout the house, taking turns in front of mirrors as Maureen pinned up-dos and Face Artist Amy dusted on powder. Jill ordered bagel sandwiches for everyone (very thoughtfully including us for lunch as well), and the merry sounds of girls chatting and giggling filled the home.
While the girls were getting ready, we carefully took Jill’s delicate Anjolique gown and wedding accessories out to the lush backyard for a mini photo-shoot. Jill’s mother had hosted a bridal shower for the couple here, and the iron trellis surrounded by teacup candles provided a perfectly quaint garden courtyard setting.
A few miles away, Doug waited patiently in his room at the Marriott for the day’s festivities to begin. He took the same approach to the impending ceremony the same way we would imagine he faces any major event – deliberately and with purpose. He is a man who understands the importance of pacing, realizing that today’s union was only one transition within the larger journey he and Jill were making together. As he buttoned his vest and fastened his cufflinks he smiled in excited anticipation, more than ready to see his bride.
It was finally time. Jill’s gown was hanging up in her childhood bedroom with the light streaming in and softly illuminating the beadwork. She pulled it off the hangar and slipped in, her friends and family surrounding her to help secure the trail of buttons down the back. After a spritz of perfume and nods of approval from her bridesmaids, Jill and her girls collected their creamy rose and ivy bouquets from Phillips Flowers and departed for the church.
Loved ones filled the sanctuary at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, eager to witness Jill and Doug’s union. With happy tears in her eyes, Jill joined arms with her father and made her way down the aisle as Doug’s heart swelled in harmony with the glorious music from the organ. They were married in a touching ceremony that included guest participation in Jill and Doug’s commitment to each other.
As guests enjoyed the cocktail hour on the back patios of the Butterfield Country Club, we took advantage of the beautiful greenery and rolling hills for some fun bridal party portraits while trying to stay off the golf course (and out of sight of the staff).
Inside, the Butterfield Country Club staff was transforming the ballroom into a gorgeous, golden wedding wonderland. They did a great job interpreting the couples’ vision for the reception décor. The beautiful three-tier cake, from Kirsten’s Danish Bakery, featured an applique design that mimicked the beadwork on Jill’s gown.
The guests were welcomed inside for the reception, kicked off by an exciting entrance by the bridal party and couple of honor, followed by toasts and blessings. After dinner, Jill and Doug opened up the dance floor with their First Dance and parent dances. They chose a live band, Al Sofia, who was absolutely phenomenal. They performed a mix of modern hits and classic wedding tunes that kept the floor packed the entire evening.
This photo has got to be one of our favorite reception photos of the 2012 wedding season – this older gentleman definitely had groove and was not afraid to bust a move in the middle of the dance circle. Love it!
Jill and Doug understood that all that dancing can work up an appetite, which is why they had a late-night snack of Giordano’s Pizza delivered to the reception – proving once again that they are not only very thoughtful hosts, but also people with excellent taste in pizza.
Jill and Doug, we are so honored that you chose us to photograph and share in your beautiful wedding day. We were impressed and inspired by your dedication, passion, kindness, and love for each other. We wish you the best on your journey together and we hope to see you again soon!
If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Chicago to capture the memorable moments at your wedding, and interested in our availability and pricing, please drop us a line using the online inquiry form here.
Doug - Great Work Joshua
Jill - Pictures and words are beautiful! Brought back wonderful memories! Thank you for everything!
Hannah Hettinga - Beautiful photos and beautiful blog. Kinda makes up for not being able to be there in person!
Ryan Gibson - Doug and Jill, these photos are awesome!!! We can’t wait to see the rest! We had such a great time at your wedding!!! It was the highlight of our summer!!! Love you guys!
Amy - These pictures are fantastic! The day was captured beautifully by the photographers. It’s great to see the happiness plastered across your faces!
Brad Bonniwell - Awesome pictures Josh.
Danielle Badon - Beautiful photography! Beautiful bride!
Molly A. Doody - These pictures are stunning! I smiled the whole time I was reading your story about Jill & Doug’s special day. Looking forward to seeing the remaining pictures as well and I will definitely remember your name for family & friends looking for a photographer. Just gorgeous!
Pam Kerry - Fabulous photos! Wonderful memories of a beautiful couple.
Daniel birdseed Dziubski - Fantastic work. My favorite is what appears to be Doug’s reaction to the best man speech.
Freda Gibbon - Would never have been able to have seen all these beautiful shots of Jill, Doug and guests had it not been posted on the internet. The photography is just fabulous with everyone looking so relaxed. Thankyou!
Jimmy - Wow, nicely done!
Joyce and Garron Gibson - What great pictures. The story of the day unfolded with each set of pictures. It was a wonderful day! Thanks for including us as you start your journey together.
George - WOW!!! That first picture with the entire sky in the background is amazing! Great pics!!!
Vince - Sorry I missed the day. Thanks for sharing the photos!
Carrie Gibson - Gorgeous pics. Such a beautiful wedding!
Versa Hebert - Doug & Jill
Great pictures.
Great grandma
Michelle Miller - Such beautiful pictures and dialog. I felt like I was reading a story that ended with, “and they all lived happily ever after!” Great job!
David fix - Beautiful bride, beautiful day, and Doug was there too.
Joel - Wonderful photos and memories of your beautiful wedding!
Caitlin Miller - Amazing pics, particularly the one with Jill and Doug on the hill! Good eye, Joshua.
Ruth Gibson - Doug and Jill
Great pictures, great time, great weather, great wedding, and a great couple. Love you both.
Regards,
Mom
Bruce Gibson - Doug/Jill
I really enjoyed this. I have never seen any thing like this and it is terrific and so are the two of you.
Love you
Dad
Jan Bonniwell - Jill's mom - Joshua – I cried for days after the wedding because it was just
beautiful and full of emotion and I wanted that day back. Guess
what? I’m crying again! YOU brought it all back to me and I thank
you so much. All the little things that meant so much to me are
coming out in all the pictures. They’re just beautiful. Believe
me some of my friends have daughters and sons getting married
in the coming years and I’m recommending you to all of them. Thank you Joshua and thank you to your assistants. Jan – Jill’s mom.
Tom and Patty Gibson - Wonderful wedding; absolutely beautiful pictures!
All our best Doug and Jill!
Tom and Patty Gibson
Brent Kramer - Great photos and CONGRATULATIONS!
Steven Ward - Great weddding!!! Thanks for including Lexi and I. Pics are great. I love the pic with the clounds and the pics of you guys at the table laughing during the speeches. I am very happy for you guys.
Sincerely,
SW
Dean Herman - What an ideal day for two great people beginning on such an important journey together. There is no doubt that Jill & Doug can go the distance together, enjoy and I look forward to many years of friendship with you guys. So many great moments captured in this sneak peak, I’m anxious to see the full album.
Dan Synon - This is like a hostage situation. Here’s my comment… In addition to releasing the negatives, please send Doug and Jill a helicopter, and a direct flight to Mexico — please don’t follow them or call the FBI. XOXO, Dan (j/k of course)
Rebecca Gibson - Hey Doug & Jill-
Pictures are amazing and the wedding was as well. Thanks for including us in this special day.
Garry Gibson - Cuz Doug (and now Cuz Jill) My wife and I just looked at the pictures. I like the fact that refrained to showing too much of your hair line 🙂 WE had a blast and how you scored such a lovely wife is a crime. I would be running 10 miles a day to keep that woman from leaving. YOu have to, so you can catch her!
Dan Gibson - Wow Josh, you even made Doug look good! Just kidding Doug, awesome photos and thank you for having us be a part of your special day!
Patsy Bonniwell - I could not stop grinning looking at all the pictures! They really captured what an incredible day it was and how much fun we all had. Beautiful day, incredible pictures, awesome couple!
Kathy Boe - What a beautiful day for such a perfect couple. Thank you for letting Kim and I share it with you. I look forward to seeing all the photos.
Cheryl B - These photos do justice to their subjects! They truly reflect all the beauty, love, joy and happiness the day held for Jill and Doug and all those who love them. So glad that I could share in the day with you both. Fabulous job Josh.
Jenny - Gorgeous pictures Jill and Doug!!!! What a perfect day! 🙂 Can’t wait to see the rest!
Brian Gray - Very nice pictures done very well.
Norah Prombo - Love the pictures. What a beautiful celebration – you captured so well!
Jim Prombo - Great shots! Doug looks so handsome.
Jessie - The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and they brought back memories of Jill and Doug’s AMAZING day! As a bridesmaid, Josh and his crew were so laid back and fun to work with. I would highly recommend them to anyone, as if the pictures don’t speak for themselves.
jack pawlowski - You guys look so happy! Great pictures
Tiana - These pictures are beautiful! Such a great wedding, gorgeous bride.
Charles Bonniwell - What a wonderful job you did capturing the essence of the occasion. The photos are beautiful and enable us to always remember that special day.
Alicia - You look so pretty Jill! The photos turned out great!
Patti - Jill and Doug made a beautiful couple and the pictures show it.
Colin - Amazing pictures of a beautiful day and couple!
Blaine - Joshua – fatastic pictures from a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing!!
Amy - Great pictures!
Sharon Larson - Beautiful photos from your lovely wedding. Thanks for sharing these once-in-a-lifetime memories!
Todd Byers - Great time, great pics!
Kristen - CONGRATULATIONS!! Amazing photos…looks like such a fun wedding!
Anne Petkus - Stunning pictures, capturing the day’s beauty and perfect wedding!
Anne and Al