Libertyville Wedding

Given the less-than-normal amount of rain Chicago received in the summer of 2021, it was inevitable that when it would rain, it would make sure to leave its’ presence known. That was especially the case on June 26, when Brian and Danielle got married during what could pretty accurately be described as a mini-monsoon—at least during the ceremony.

The couple’s wedding started with a gorgeous ceremony held at St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago. Brian and Danielle exchanged vows as part of a full church service. The service itself was beautiful, heartwarming, and loving. And it also included a tornado siren. ?

Approximately halfway through the ceremony—with some people’s cell phone still on, we heard one alarm go off. Then another, and another. Apparently, the previously-described monsoon-like conditions had escalated to the point where the city of Chicago was under a tornado warning for a brief period.

That didn’t stop the ceremony one bit. The professionals they were, the church staff calmly and smoothly proceeded to continue through the service, joining Brian and Danielle in Holy Matrimony. And Brian and Danielle now had/have a story they can share with family and friends about getting married during a tornado warning. ?

After we wrapped up family pictures at the church, we were debating if we should take pictures of Brian and Danielle at a later date, as when we were set to leave the church, the rain was still coming down torrentially. We agreed to head towards our location at Independence Grove in Libertyville, and make a decision on the way.

And wouldn’t you know it! After we all navigated our way out of the water-filled (and many-flooded) streets of Chicago, and got up to Independence Grove, the sky had cleared, the rain moved away, and we were given a golden opportunity to capture Brian and Danielle’s love (and playfulness) among the colorful grounds of that beautiful park.

Kudos to God for sending the storm away in time for those pictures. That was one of the best wedding gifts I’ve ever been privileged to see.

After grabbing our pictures there, we made a second stop at National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown. The significance of this location was/is strong as it is the place where Brian and Danielle had their first date. The grounds are like a mini-fairy tale come to life. With some additionally-gorgeous shots taken there, we then headed to Danielle’s parents house for the reception.

A daddy-daughter dance, pie cutting, speech from dad, and a few toasts later, and the party was in full swing as the newlyweds were continually congratulated by family and friends on their new journey together.

A day that started with horrible weather, downright miserable really, morphed into a day of love that gave Brian and Danielle a dazzling wedding, and grand start to the next chapters in their lives.