Dan & Keri’s Wedding – Joliet Union Station

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It is a love story come to life. Keri and Dan have been working together in theater for years, acting on stage together in several plays and performances. They even shared a few stage kisses before discovering that the passion they shared in front of the audience lingered long after the performance had ended. So Dan decided to ask Keri to marry him, and thus become his muse forever.

Dan and Joshua had shared the stage as well, and Dan instantly knew that if anyone was to photograph him and Keri on their most important day, it had to be Joshua Albanese. Their beautiful wedding at Joliet Union Station in Joliet, Il, was the perfect translation of their passion for theater and all things vintage, from her stunning Ines DiSanto gown to the vintage Rolls Royce that carried her to her ceremony in style. Thank you so much, Dan and Keri, for letting us be a part of your perfect day!

When we arrived Keri was just in the beginning stages of an elegant up-do, so pulled out her wedding attire to get some accessory and detail shots.

We unzipped the garment bag and pulled out the most beautiful Ines DiSanto gown, bedecked in feathers. This dress was most certainly the centerpiece that inspired the Broadway/vintage feel of the entire wedding. Her small blusher veil and champagne-colored snakeskin clutch (with brass knuckles!) were the perfect compliments to the gown.

The bride chose Kerre Berry for her make-up artist and Kerre worked her airbrush magic, enhancing the bride’s porcelain skin and making her look like she stepped out of a Roaring Twenties movie set.

We made our way over to the groom’s suite and Dan was all smiles when he answered the door. Dan explained the way he and Keri met, and how their relationship had grown through their theater work together, as he shaved and fixed his hair for the wedding. He also told us about the rehearsal dinner at the casino – the groom only lost $20, so we figured he was in the black once he married Keri. 😉

Ever since a childhood trip to London, Keri dreamed of riding to her ceremony in a vintage Rolls Royce. Her parents ensured that wish would be granted and surprised her with a Rolls Royce! Wow, what a great surprise!

The reception area at the Joliet Union Station was decorated beautifully, with green and purple orchid centerpieces from Flowers by Steen and table markers that highlighted Broadway plays that the bride and groom had performed in or attended together. Keri explained that the drool-worthy cake, by French Cakes Patisserie, was a gift from their cake ‘madra’ and ‘padra.’

Their set-up for the guest place-cards and guestbook were so unique! They used a vintage typewriter with thick, cream cardstock for guests to leave well wishes and the guests used an old-school Rolodex to find their table.

To top it off, guests were treated to a candy bar stocked full of yummy goodies from Albanese Candy.

Keri and her father received several well wishes as she lined up to head down the aisle. This little guy was too cute – I think he was a little stunned to see such a beautiful bride on his way out of the station.

Dan and Keri had a beautiful ceremony on the balcony, surrounded by friends and family.

We discovered some abandoned rail-yards, arches, and viaducts that made very awesome and dramatic backgrounds.

Timeless. That’s the only word that jumps to my mind when I see these images of Keri.

The couple made their entrance as the live trio ended their performance to kick off their reception. The fantastic meal was provided by Bussean Custom Caterers. We quickly devoured our dinner and stole away to the balcony to take advantage of the evening light and capture some more photos of Dan and Keri. Behold, our favorite image of the night.

When the last of the sunlight faded, we headed back inside for toasts, cake, and dancing.

After the bride and groom’s first dance and the father-daughter dance, the bride and groom wowed us all by serenading each other (and all their family and friends) with a jaw-dropping performance of ‘Almost Paradise.’ Seriously. Amazing.

Keri requested one more quick shoot using the murals downstairs at Joliet Union Station and we were more than happy to oblige.

After a fun night of dancing and celebration, the couple departed through an archway of streamers to the limousine and on to their Puerto Rico honeymoon.

Isn’t this final image of Keri’s Dad great? From the way he carried her train before the ceremony to the slideshow that played during their father-daughter dance, the deep relationship between these two could be felt and this photo of her Dad sums it up completely.

Congratulations, Keri and Dan!