First United Methodist Church Wedding

Some weddings feel like the next chapter of a love story already in motion, and in a way, that’s exactly what this was. I photographed Elizabeth’s sister Kathryn’s wedding a few years ago, so returning to document this day felt a little like catching up with an old book, picking up where the story last left off.

On May 3, 2025, Richard and Elizabeth tied the knot surrounded by family, faith, and plenty of wind, though not all day (more on that later). Their wedding was classic, heartfelt, and grounded in the kind of joy that comes from knowing you’ve truly found your person.

Getting Ready at First United Methodist Church

The day started at the First United Methodist Church in Elmhurst, where my assistant Ania joined Elizabeth and her ladies in the Aldersgate Room while I spent time with Richard and the guys in the Oxford Room. Between laughs, buttoning jackets, and a few quiet moments of reflection, there was also an impromptu ping pong match between Richard and Alec—his soon-to-be brother-in-law. I’d met Alec before at Kathryn’s wedding, so this little reunion felt like a bonus round of storytelling.

A Windy First Look (and a Pivot Indoors)

Richard and Elizabeth shared their first look just outside, on the south side of the church grounds. It was quiet and sweet, one of those pauses in the middle of a busy day where everything else just seems to fade out. The wind, however, had other plans. With gusts dancing somewhere between “dramatic” and “aggressive,” we had to pivot our wedding party portraits inside to the Aldersgate Room.

Even without the outdoor setting we’d hoped for, those portraits turned out full of warmth and personality. The sanctuary made a timeless backdrop for family photos, and the Aldersgate Room was filled with genuine laughter, teasing siblings, and stories that have shaped Richard and Elizabeth’s world. It turns out, wind can’t disrupt real connection.

Ceremony in the Sanctuary

By the time guests took their seats in the church sanctuary, the atmosphere had shifted. There was a quiet reverence in the air, the kind that only shows up when something deeply meaningful is about to unfold.

The ceremony itself was classic and sincere, grounded in the couple’s shared faith and years of growing together. Having met in college on their university’s cross-country team, Richard and Elizabeth already had a strong foundation, and you could see that in every glance, every vow, and every supportive smile from the pews.

Wilder Park Portraits (And a Wind That Finally Calmed)

Right after the ceremony, while guests headed over to Pinstripes in Oak Brook for the reception, the three of us took a short walk to Wilder Park, just a couple blocks east of the church. And, as if it were waiting for its cue, the wind finally settled down.

In the quiet calm of the park, we captured some of my favorite portraits of the day. Richard and Elizabeth were relaxed, a little silly, and fully present with one another. The energy shifted again, no timelines, no distractions, just two people who genuinely love being together. Whether they were laughing or just standing still in each other’s arms, you could tell they’ve spent a lot of time hiking, running, and simply doing life side by side.

Reception at Pinstripes in Oak Brook

The celebration continued just a short drive away at Pinstripes in Oak Brook, where Richard and Elizabeth made a joyful entrance and went right into two heartfelt speeches—one of them delivered by Kathryn, Elizabeth’s sister and maid of honor. If there’s something special about watching a couple get married, there’s something extra special about watching a family grow across multiple weddings. Kathryn’s words were filled with sisterly love, shared history, and gentle pride in the woman Elizabeth has become.

There was no first dance. No big formalities. Just people gathering in honor of a couple they love, eating good food, laughing hard, and making new memories. Partway through the evening, there was also a mini celebration for Elizabeth’s grandfather’s birthday—complete with a cupcake and the entire room singing “Happy Birthday” in unison. A sweet, unexpected moment that added another layer of meaning to the night.

We stole away for a final portrait of the two of them out on the balcony, a quiet moment to take it all in before rejoining the celebration.

Steady Hearts, Windy Laughs, and the Joy of Doing Life Together

When I asked Richard and Elizabeth what drew them to one another, their answers made perfect sense. She loved his kindness and patience. He loved her humor and how easy she was to talk to. They’re the kind of couple that’s just as comfortable hiking in a forest preserve as they are holding hands on a church lawn, just minutes before saying “I do.”

Their wedding day was full of beautiful contradictions—reverent and joyful, spontaneous and grounded, windy and calm.And through it all, Richard and Elizabeth were steady. Together. Exactly where they were meant to be.