Darien Backyard Wedding

“Everyday I wake up next to an angel, More beautiful than words could say” Bruno Mars, “Rest of My Life”

High school sweethearts Zach and Gianna celebrated a ten-year romance with a gorgeous Darien-based wedding, and a reception that included one the top ten moments I’ve ever been privy to. (More on that below. ?)

The day kicked off with getting-ready shots of the bride and groom. If electricity had a taste, it was present during each set of images shot. Tuxedos were put on. Cufflinks and jackets adjusted. Tweaking the minor details on the bridal dress. All contributed to the vibe that would carry the day from start well into the late night.

A hop, skip, and a few jumps later, we would all wind up in Darien for the wedding. The ceremony location backed up to Carriage Greens Country Club, a perfect location given the late Summer/early Fall temperatures that shone over the day.

Under crystal-blues skies punctuated by an occasional cloud, the love birds made their vows—doe-eyed and smiling bright enough to almost drown the sunlight—in front of an intimate group of family and friends.

The ceremony completed, we captured some marvelous family and bridal party pictures on the house grounds. We captured rare moments (as some family had not been in town in a while), got some great giggles, and put Zach and Gianna’s love into beautiful photos, many coming with the Country Club’s golf course in the background.

Cueing Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” we all made our way to River Grove, where the reception was held at River Cafe & Bar, a restaurant whose owner is friends with both families, and graciously turned the restaurant into a wedding reception venue.

Rarely have we been privileged to be part of such an emotionally-charged wedding. There was the sports-stadium-like cheering of family and friends as the bridal party was introduced. There was the passionate connection of Zach and Gianna during their first dance. There were tears of love flowing from Gianna’s family as Zach and his mother danced—his mom sending her son off into his new life with his soulmate.

And yet all of that was overshadowed as Zach had a surprise for Gianna. Fans of “Schitt’s Creek” are familiar with the scene where David serenades Patrick, lip-synching Tina Turner’s “The Best”. Zach re-enacted the scene too a tee! Rarely has a groom so passionately displayed his love for his bride in front of so many in such a unique way.

The energy from that performance carried the entire evening! After all, Zach and Gianna are “The Best”.

“I must’ve done something right, And I promise to love her for the rest of my life” — Bruno Mars, “Rest of My Life”