To feel like I’ve had long enough with you” Train, “Marry Me”
Some love stories unfold quietly, others with a spark that lights up the whole room. For Kenneth and Natalia, it was music and movement that carried them together. They first met on Valentine’s Day at the ROXY Theater in downtown Lockport—a night that set the rhythm for everything that followed. Just over a year later, Kenneth brought Natalia back to that same stage, this time with a question and a ring. She said yes, and on April 5th, 2025, the two of them stepped into forever at the Signature Barn Banquet Hall in Orland Park, surrounded by family, friends, and the community where their story first began: the dance floor.
Getting Ready Surrounded by Love
The day started where every great story does—at home. Kenneth gathered with his groomsmen at the house he and Natalia share in Lockport, a space already filled with the warmth of their shared life. Laughter bounced off the walls as ties were straightened and boutonnieres pinned, the kind of easy moments that remind you weddings aren’t just about the grand gestures but the little pauses in between.
A few miles away in Homer Glen, Natalia got ready at her mother’s home, a place layered with comfort and nostalgia. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, she slipped into her dress, light catching on every delicate detail. Between the hairspray and happy tears, there was this quiet undercurrent—the anticipation of walking toward a new chapter.
A First Look Full of Joy
At Signature Barn, the anticipation finally gave way to the first look. Kenneth turned, and in that instant, the whole world seemed to pause. The way he looked at Natalia—like every dance step, every note of music had led to this moment—said everything words couldn’t. From there, we slipped into portraits around the venue, capturing their joy in the soft, late-afternoon April light.
The wedding party joined soon after, adding their laughter and energy to the mix. Family portraits followed, grounding the day in the love of those who had cheered on Kenneth and Natalia’s story from the very beginning.
A Heartfelt Ceremony at Signature Barn
As guests gathered inside, the air hummed with anticipation. The ceremony began at 5:30, framed by the rustic charm of Signature Barn and lit with the kind of golden light that feels like a blessing. Vows were exchanged, promises spoken, and with a kiss, Kenneth and Natalia became husband and wife.
Reception Kickoff
If their ceremony was heartfelt and timeless, their reception was pure joy. The evening opened with Kenneth and Natalia playing the wedding shoe game, a lighthearted start that had the entire room roaring with laughter. Their answers had guests doubled over and the two of them cracking up right along with everyone else—a perfect reflection of their fun-loving spirit.
To keep the energy flowing, their friends R.J. and Jessica—fellow dancers from the ROXY—taught a swing dance lesson, inviting everyone to join the fun. It wasn’t just a way to break the ice, it was a reflection of where Kenneth and Natalia’s love story began: on a dance floor, with music bringing people together.
During the reception, a live wedding painter worked in real time to create a portrait of Kenneth and Natalia. Brushstroke by brushstroke, the joy of the evening took shape on canvas—a keepsake that now hangs proudly in their home.
A Romantic First Dance Into Live Music
When it came time for their first dance, the room hushed as Train’s “Marry Me” played. The two of them swayed together, holding onto the moment. But in true Kenneth and Natalia fashion, the dance didn’t end there—it flowed seamlessly into live music by Doug Horne & The Rhythm Makers Orchestra, filling the hall with a big band energy that kept the celebration alive all night.
A Dance Floor Alive With Energy
What followed was the kind of reception every couple dreams of: a packed floor, live horns and rhythms echoing through the barn, and a community of friends who danced like they’d never stop. For those of us lucky enough to know Kenneth and Natalia through the East Coast Swing community, it felt like home—like one big family party, only dressed in formal wear.
A Wedding Day to Remember
Every wedding has its own rhythm, its own heartbeat. For Kenneth and Natalia, it was a rhythm rooted in the place they met, the music they love, and the people who surround them. From the ROXY Theater in Lockport to a dance floor in Orland Park, their story has always been set to music—and on this day, it played louder and sweeter than ever.
“Now that the wait is over, Love has finally shown her my way” — Train, “Marry Me”
WEDDING GALLERY
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Hi there, I’m Ken Dillard, the heart and soul behind the lens at AwestrucKen Photography. Capturing the sheer beauty and raw emotions of your unforgettable moments is what I live for. If my portfolio on this blog resonates with you, let’s join forces to immortalize your special day. Let’s make magic together.