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Chicago Wedding Photography at the Arboretum Club – Nicole and Dan


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We adore love stories about high school sweethearts, and we absolutely love working with friends of friends, so we were very excited to photograph Nicole and Dan’s wedding in Chicago’s north suburbs this summer.  With a relationship of nearly seven years, they’ve had a chance to grow into adults together and their wedding was sure to be filled with things that have been special to them over the years (and potentially some embarrassing high school stories during the toasts).    A bond that started over an awful Calculus teacher bloomed over the years and we were so happy to be there for their delightful ‘Classic but Unique’ wedding celebration!

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Nicole and Dan picked a perfect August day for their wedding, and the sun was peeking through puffy clouds as we arrived at Nicole’s house.  All of her girls were there and the ladies were excitedly chatting while Rachel and Kelli from R&K Chicago applied little touches of wedding-day glamour.  The light smoky eye and pink gloss gave Nicole’s flawless skin a perfect, romantic glow.

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

While the ladies finished their preparations, we took Nicole’s accessories outside for a mini photo shoot.  Nicole and Dan chose to coordinate their wedding décor with hues of grape and mauve, accented with pops of lime green – the perfect complement for their wine-inspired theme.  We loved all of the extra little details that Nicole incorporated into the wedding, especially this gorgeous wooden piece crafted by Nicole’s sister that listed some of the important dates to them, including their birthdates, engagement and wedding dates.  A perfect memento to hang in their home after the wedding!

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Dan is an engineer, and in our first few meetings with them, Nicole described her fiancé as a calm, reserved and rational kind of guy.  We couldn’t think of a more appropriate profession for him, especially after watching his meticulous and unflappable wedding-day preparations.  He finished buttoning up his tuxedo vest, tied his tie, and was ready to see his bride.

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Nicole’s stunning Maggie Sottero gown featured a one-shoulder strap with ruffled floral detail and beautiful structured paneling in the train – a refreshing departure from the traditional strapless gown.  Her ladies surrounded her, lacing her in and telling jokes to make her laugh and keep any nerves at bay.   Ashland Addison provided the lush calla-lily and spider-mum bouquets that the girls grabbed before hopping into the limo to leave for the church.

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Friends and family filled the sanctuary of the Church of the Holy Ghost, smiling warmly as Nicole and her father made their way down the aisle.  Warm sunlight spilled over the couple, who kept stealing glances at each other throughout the ceremony.  As they were pronounced husband and wife, Dan swept Nicole up for a passionate first kiss, melting every heart in the room.

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

During the break between the ceremony and reception, we gathered up the wedding party for portraits at the Skokie Lagoons.  The friends they had chosen for attendants were a lively bunch and we had fun with some silly poses.  The lagoons also made for some dreamy photos with just Nicole and Dan, who incorporated a little bit more of their histories with their parents’ wedding photos.  We love seeing the difference in styles between the generations!

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Guests started to arrive at the Arboretum Club, where they vibrant greens and purples accented the winery-inspired décor.  The square carnation arrangements were unique and absolutely stunning, and corks had been integrated into much of the design scheme – our favorite being the guests’ entrée cards.  The ribbon accents on the 4-tier cake from Central Continental Bakery had a very modern feel that was softened by the softened by the green orchids cascading down the sides.  And if the cake wasn’t enough for the sweet-tooths at the reception, there were the guest favors decorating the tables – a tasty stack of chocolate-chip cookies for the partiers to enjoy after the festivities were over.

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal (lemon sorbet!!!), taking breaks between each course for dancing.  Nicole and Dan’s dances with their parents were both heartwarming and humorous, eliciting laughs and tears from the crowd.  DJ Limit kept the dance floor packed the whole evening, spinning some great tunes that kept toes tapping and hips popping.

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

The final – and most awesome – touch of the evening was a late-night snack of Dominos Pizza and Dairy Queen blizzards.  Nicole loves the Dairy Queen cotton-candy blizzard so much that Dan sought out the rare and coveted flavor and used it in his marriage proposal to Nicole – a thoughtful way to sway her decision.  😉  The blizzards were definitely the hit of the night!

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

Nicole and Dan, thank you so much for inviting us to photograph and document this part of your love story together.  We ended the night with smiles on our faces and an incredible sugar buzz, and we had an absolute blast!  We can’t wait to see you both again soon!

Chicago Wedding Photography at Arboretum Club by Joshua Albanese

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.

+ - 69 comments

  • Dan Goray - September 27, 2012 - 9:25 am

    These pictures turned out amazing!! It was well worth the wait! What an amazing day!ReplyCancel

  • Anthony Graham - September 27, 2012 - 9:38 am

    Loved the Tebow shot! Fun photos.ReplyCancel

  • Valerie Mabie - September 27, 2012 - 9:53 am

    AWESOME Pictures! Dan your such a stud! Nicole How Beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Diana Moll - September 27, 2012 - 10:08 am

    You both look so happy and beautiful. Pictures are awesome. Great memories for you.ReplyCancel

  • Katie O'Connor - September 27, 2012 - 10:26 am

    Absolutely love the pictures! You two look adorable. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.ReplyCancel

  • Jim Claeyssen - September 27, 2012 - 10:39 am

    Dan the pictures are wonderful. You can tell that you guys are happily in love. I wish you and Nicole all the best!ReplyCancel

  • Deborah Beadnell - September 27, 2012 - 11:31 am

    Congratulations to both of you. Beautiful bride and Dan cleans up nice. Love the pics. Pizza and Blizzards…interesting.ReplyCancel

  • Craig Bederka - September 27, 2012 - 11:48 am

    Wow! A wedding to never forget. I loved the photography skills.
    Jan and I wish you a happy and healthy life.ReplyCancel

  • Carla Duncan - September 27, 2012 - 1:33 pm

    Helene, thank you so much for sharing the wedding pictures. Dianna said it was such a beautiful wedding. The pictures are amazing!!! Give them our best!!!ReplyCancel

  • Joseph Winkowski - September 27, 2012 - 1:42 pm

    Pictures capture the true spirit of your wedding,a great love of each other,family, and friends. Too bad I missed the Blizzards!ReplyCancel

  • Crystal Prosser - September 27, 2012 - 2:09 pm

    The pictures are stunning! Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!I wish you all the best!!ReplyCancel

  • Diane Hecht - September 27, 2012 - 2:12 pm

    Thanks for sharing, Helene. Looks like it was a perfect day. Beautiful pictures and memories to last a lifetime!ReplyCancel

  • Dianne Goray - September 27, 2012 - 2:40 pm

    These pictures sure captured all the moments of this joyous day. So happy for my brother and new sister-in-law!ReplyCancel

  • Cathy Antos - September 27, 2012 - 2:53 pm

    Helene, thank you for sharing. While photographs rarely do the day justice, these capture the essence of what a happy and joyful day it must have been.ReplyCancel

  • Brooke Adamek - September 27, 2012 - 3:00 pm

    Simply beautiful! What wonderful memories u will have.ReplyCancel

  • Christine Frole - September 27, 2012 - 3:23 pm

    Terrific shots and I see you put those wine corks to good use Helene! Your daughter is as lovely and poised as you are and her dress is a knockout. Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Jeanine pasquesi - September 27, 2012 - 3:31 pm

    SImply perfectReplyCancel

  • Mike McGovern - September 27, 2012 - 3:37 pm

    The pictures bring back the day. Nicole, these remind me of how beautiful a bride you made!ReplyCancel

  • Vinnie & Helene Dederich - September 27, 2012 - 4:07 pm

    What beautiful photo scene selections. Everyone looked so festive and happy.
    Weren’t we ALL !!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Linda McGovern - September 27, 2012 - 4:15 pm

    Oh these are incredible pictures! I was there and it’s even more beautiful than I remembered. I love all the getting ready shots. Beautiful family. The love just flows from photos. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Chelli Petersen - September 27, 2012 - 4:25 pm

    Love the photo of you and your daddy. The shot with your parents wedding pictures are a nice touch too!ReplyCancel

  • lindsey Petersen - September 27, 2012 - 4:27 pm

    Love all the pictures you looked beautiful! The daddy daughter pictures are pricless(:ReplyCancel

  • Joshua Zolecki - September 27, 2012 - 4:46 pm

    This day will always be remembered by these amazing photos. Dan and I are in them what’s not to love!!!! <3 Danny & NikkiReplyCancel

  • Dianna Bartoszewski - September 27, 2012 - 4:58 pm

    The pictures are awesome! Nicole you are so beautiful! you both are an amazing couple and I couldnt be more happier for you two!ReplyCancel

  • Tony Truong - September 27, 2012 - 7:54 pm

    LOVE THE PHOTOS. Of course!

    Nicole–loved the dress, you looked gorgeous.

    Dan–you looked gorgeous too.

    Josh–nice work, as always.ReplyCancel

  • Pam Pickle - September 27, 2012 - 8:19 pm

    Beautiful pictures! May God richly
    bless Dan and Nicole as they begin their lives together.ReplyCancel

  • Terri - September 27, 2012 - 8:39 pm

    Nicole, what an absolutely gorgeous gown! Touching photos of you and your dad dancing!ReplyCancel

  • Helene Dvorak - September 27, 2012 - 8:50 pm

    The pictures are beautiful and the stories/captions that accompany them are wonderful and meaningful. Yes, the wedding was “Classic, yet Unique”. The photographer actually captured how much Nicole and Dan love each other! And the ones in the church with the light shining down upon them, amazing. I see something new each time I go through them. Nicole, you are a beautiful young woman, and you made a stunning bride. (So skinny too!) Dan and Nicole will have a lifetime of happiness together.ReplyCancel

  • Barb Kolasinski - September 27, 2012 - 8:50 pm

    The pictures are gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • Sherry Koerner - September 27, 2012 - 8:58 pm

    Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. A day you will always treasure.ReplyCancel

  • dana - September 27, 2012 - 9:23 pm

    these are such beautiful pictures and they really capture the moments!! <3ReplyCancel

  • Clarence and Judy Rupert - September 27, 2012 - 9:25 pm

    Congratulations to the Lovely couple, the pictures are beautiful. We pray that you all have a wonderful life together as One!

    God’s blessings,

    Clarence and JudyReplyCancel

  • Clarence and Judy Rupert - September 27, 2012 - 9:26 pm

    Congratulations to the Lovely couple, the pictures are beautiful. We pray that you all have a wonderful life together as One!

    God’s blessings,ReplyCancel

  • Clarence and Judy Rupert - September 27, 2012 - 9:26 pm

    Congratulations to the Lovely couple, the pictures are beautiful. We pray that you all have a wonderful life together as One!
    May God bless your union.ReplyCancel

  • Rose T. - September 27, 2012 - 9:28 pm

    As expected, the photos turned out beautifully!! I can’t wait to see more! ;DReplyCancel

  • Bev Erickson - September 27, 2012 - 10:04 pm

    Helene – Thanks for sharing these great pictures. What beautiful photos!ReplyCancel

  • Nancy Barrett - September 28, 2012 - 5:25 am

    What a great day and amazing pictures!ReplyCancel

  • Terry Stahl - September 28, 2012 - 5:53 am

    Great Pics Dan !!!! Thank you for sharing them with us.ReplyCancel

  • Christina Bruce - September 28, 2012 - 6:42 am

    You and Dan are glowing and happy in every picture! Joshua captured every precious moment of the big day beautifully!ReplyCancel

  • joyce brandis - September 28, 2012 - 7:54 am

    You are a beautiful couple, and the photographers captured every moment of that special day. Loved every photo and the captions fit every scene. It was an awesome wedding that we will always remember and cherish..Love you bothReplyCancel

  • Charles Dviorak - September 28, 2012 - 8:17 am

    The pictures look fabulous and the poses are great. Especially catching the tear in our eyes.

    Love DadReplyCancel

  • MEGHAN M ORBE - September 28, 2012 - 8:59 am

    amazing photos! amazing day!ReplyCancel

  • Rinn Knoepfle - September 28, 2012 - 9:07 am

    Helene – Thanks for sharing the wonderful event. Nicole and Dan are truly blessed in so many ways.ReplyCancel

  • Krithika - September 28, 2012 - 9:12 am

    Nicole – you looked gorgeous! Love the dress.
    Also, the centerpieces and cake are stunning.ReplyCancel

  • Nicole Dvorak - September 28, 2012 - 9:55 am

    Joshua– thank you so much for capturing so many memories from our special day! We love them so much and cannot wait to see more!ReplyCancel

  • Christine Rosenberg - September 28, 2012 - 11:09 am

    Beautiful! So fun to see the moments captured from your big day. Congratulations again! Hope you’re enjoying married life.ReplyCancel

  • michael garcia - September 28, 2012 - 11:29 am

    so glad someone documented the pizza and ice cream!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Esteban Gamboa - September 28, 2012 - 2:31 pm

    Beautiful photos! Thanks for letting me share this wonderful day with you two!!ReplyCancel

  • Jawwad Akhtar - September 28, 2012 - 5:33 pm

    Awesome pictures! Especially the DOminos 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Sade Balogun - September 28, 2012 - 7:26 pm

    You guys, these pictures are amazing. Reliving the memories from the wonderful day! Thanks for sharing =)ReplyCancel

  • Saly - September 28, 2012 - 7:37 pm

    These pictures are magical!!! You guys are the best! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Koo - September 28, 2012 - 7:43 pm

    Hey Nicole, this is Saly’s roomie Jen 🙂 Congrats on your wedding and these pictures are amazing! You look gorgeous 😀ReplyCancel

  • janet hartnett - September 29, 2012 - 7:00 am

    All I can say is wow!!! Just beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Lynda Dvorak - September 29, 2012 - 2:47 pm

    What a spectacular celebration! The colors, the dresses, the decor, were magnificent! What a perfect day to cherish forever.ReplyCancel

  • Denise Jansen - October 1, 2012 - 7:16 am

    Congratulations for putting together such a fabulous wedding. The pics are stunning!!ReplyCancel

  • Jim Carlisle - October 1, 2012 - 10:59 am

    Dan & Nicole – nice to re-live the event through these wonderful photos…ReplyCancel

  • erin - October 1, 2012 - 1:52 pm

    LOVE the photos – you guys look great! and I had so much fun celebrating with you!ReplyCancel

  • Miranda - October 2, 2012 - 2:23 am

    Photos look wonderful!!! The time and thought you put into every detail really shows. You look absolutely beautiful in your dress!ReplyCancel

  • Carole Walther - October 2, 2012 - 10:38 am

    Beautiful! Congratulations Nicole and Dan!ReplyCancel

  • Marilyn Laine - October 2, 2012 - 1:34 pm

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Stan & Nancy Dederich - October 2, 2012 - 9:26 pm

    Perfect photos to remember what was a glorious day for all. A day to remember forever with fond memories. You both looked great! All your detailed planning and hard work resulted in an incredibly smooth day. Not hard to understand knowing how you team together perfectly!
    Wishing you both many, many happy years for your future together.ReplyCancel

  • Amy Goray - October 2, 2012 - 10:06 pm

    Beautiful pictures from a beautiful day!! LOVE the shot of Dan & Nicole holding their parents wedding photo!ReplyCancel

  • Deb Fitzgerald - October 4, 2012 - 12:17 am

    What a unique and beautiful wedding. You two are meant for each other from the 1st day you met. Thanks for sharing your awesome and lovely photos.ReplyCancel

  • Alex Stepien - October 4, 2012 - 1:39 pm

    Awesome photos – congrats to you both!ReplyCancel

  • Joe and Bonnie Bindl - October 4, 2012 - 9:55 pm

    What wonderful and special memories that you both will remember the rest of your lives! Thank you for letting us share your day with you, it was a truly beautiful day. Denise, thank you for sharing this link with us.ReplyCancel

  • Karen Coffinbargar - October 8, 2012 - 11:54 am

    Nicole you are a beautiful bride! Perfect day for a wonderful family. Dan you are a very lucky guy!ReplyCancel

  • Sharon Delawder - October 9, 2012 - 11:43 am

    Beautiful pictures. Memories of a wonderful day.ReplyCancel

  • Sharon Delawder - October 9, 2012 - 11:48 am

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures. They will be memories of a wonderful day.ReplyCancel

  • Finn - October 12, 2012 - 6:28 pm

    a beautiful day for the young ones. God Bless.ReplyCancel