“I’ll lift you when you’re feeling low, I’ll hold you when the night gets cold” — Gryffin & SLANDER (Ft. Calle Lehman), “All You Need to Know”
Labor Day Weekend, 2023. More specifically, September 3rd, 2023. While many were taking some much-needed down time during the extended weekend, Amanda and Matt were getting married in a perfect blend of elegance, charm, and shenanigans aplenty on the grounds of the Oak Brook Tennis & Bath Club on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.
Charming. Fun. Engrossing. Delightful. Enthralling. Boisterous. These are only a few of the many words that could begin to describe Amanda, Matt, and their exceedingly-supportive family and friends, who helped them celebrate an exceptional day.
The excitement was already building as pictures of Amanda and her bridesmaids started at Le Méridien in Oakbrook. While Matt and his groomsmen got some chill shots two floors up, the ladies were getting candid moments of giggles, toasts, hugs, and first looks. Their getting ready time was a “How To” for starting a wedding day, as the bridesmaids made sure Amanda had everything she needed. They also deserve a special shout out for helping ensure some great getting ready shots. You know who you are! 😁
After an emotional First Look with the bridesmaids, it was off to Mayslake Forest Preserve to get pictures with Amanda and her bridesmaids, and to give Matt and Amanda some time for a private First Look. Pictures with bridesmaids alternated between serious and silly. Once those were done, it was time to give Matt and Amanda time to see each other in their wedding best. They also took some time to step away and read personal vows/promises to each other. Tears and hands across the cheek told the story of two people deeply committed to each other both now, and forever. Even catching images from far away, it was one of the most emotional moments ever seen on a wedding day.
Once Amanda and Matt had spacious time to soak in the moment, and eager to get to the wedding to celebrate, it was off to the Tennis & Bath Club for the ceremony. But before that, it was time to take advantage of the gorgeous grounds at the Club to get some killer bridal party shots, and some spectacular photos of Amanda and Matt. The entire wedding party was devious, silly, a blast, and supportive, with in-jokes, life stories, and playfulness punctuating the atmosphere.
As the day continued to bless the magical couple with a cloud-free sky, it was time for the ceremony. It was short. It was smooth. It was beautiful. It caused more than a few tearful eyes. It was everything Amanda and Matt wanted as they exchanged vows next to the Club’s pond.
During cocktail hour, Amanda and Matt took some beautiful images with their families. In a similar vein to the bridal party pictures earlier, there were combinations of silly/serious images. As it should be, new memories were made, love was plentiful, and smiles were everywhere. The images merely captured the moments, allowing Amanda and Matt the chance to look back affectionately on them (the images).
Family images were complete, giving Amanda and Matt time to send with their wedding guests before dinner. It was a joy to watch the various interactions between everyone. The vibe was extraordinary as people reminisced, hugged, toasted, razzed, and so much more. It was a perfect transitional moment from the wedding to the reception.
Those good-time wedding party vibes kicked off the reception energetically. Forgoing the tradition of individual introductions, each side’s respect party (groomsmen first, then the bridemaids) blasted into the room cheering and encouraging the crowd to get amped up for the entrance of the Amanda and Matt. Every couple should be as fortunate to have hype crews like Amanda and Matt did!
The guests of honor entered the room, carrying he same energy their wedding party had done moments earlier. Fists pumped, shouts of joy, and more than a few yells of encouragement and applause from everyone in attendance ensured the vibe started by the wedding party, carried on as the reception started.
After their cake cutting, Matt and Amanda sat down, and listened intently, as speeches from family and wedding party members brought the house down more than once. Whether stories of Amanda and Matt’s first time meeting, or their first meeting with each other’s families, the speeches brought more tears—a combination of happy tears from the moments shared, and tears provoked by laughs at some of the more entertaining parts of stories.
While wedding guests enjoyed dinner, Amanda and Matt snuck out to get a few late-evening photos. Starting by the pond where they were married earlier (and where Matt got to practice his now-spot-on dip technique during these late evening photos), and ending up at the front of the venue, the sweethearts were beaming smiles bright enough to see for miles around. The magic they share is evident in the art captured that evening.
As much fun as they were having, Amanda and Matt had to dash back inside to prepare for their First Dance. The lights went low and with nothing but a spotlight on them, Matt and Amanda cruised around the floor, never taking their eyes off each other. And yes, more tears of joy and smiles as their guests watched the charm and love of these two fill the room.
And after Daddy/Daughter and Mother/Son dances, it was time to blow the roof off of the Club. No one disappointed. Immeasurable energy. Lots of sing-alongs. Camaraderie everywhere you turned. It was a reception that will be the stuff of legend for decades to come! At one point, Matt and Amanda even took turns getting be DJ for a few minutes. (Someone should hashtag that.)
Amanda and Matt had the superb blend of elegance and rambunctiousness! From beginning to end, theirs was, as an old-school rock put it, a “Perfect Day”. It was a day that won’t be forgotten anytime soon thanks to a supporting cast/wedding party, and strong bonds of family love all combined to celebrate Amanda and Matt’s love. And that, as their First Dance song put it, is all you need to know! 😁
“You’ll never have to be alone, And that’s all you need to know” — Gryffin & SLANDER (Ft. Calle Lehman), “All You Need to Know”
