Xander & Lindsey’s Chicago Wedding

Xander and Lindsey’s story fills me with awe, their love for each other shining through every moment. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Xander since his high school days, witnessing his growth into a remarkable individual who pursued higher education and eventually found love with a wonderful woman. When they approached me in early 2023 to capture their wedding in Chicago, I was overjoyed. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I couldn’t wait to seize the opportunity to document their special day in the bustling city of Chicago. I also happened to be in the Chicago area earlier in the year, so we had the chance to work together during their engagement photos, check them out here!

Preparation and Anticipation

In Lindsey’s beautiful suite at The Carleton of Oak Park, Lindsey and her bridesmaids shared laughter, memories and excitement as they prepared for the day ahead. Meanwhile, Xander and his groomsmen readied themselves at the ceremony location, Bethany UCC – a cherished haven that has been a constant for Xander during his time in Chicago.

A Moment Alone Before I Dos

Wanting to uphold tradition and savor the moment of seeing each other for the first time as Lindsey walked down the aisle, I suggested a rising trend: a first touch. Xander and Lindsey embraced the idea, eager to share a moment together before their ceremony while still preserving the anticipation of the first look. They chose to rendezvous in their pastor’s office, a serene sanctuary where they had spent countless hours preparing for their ceremony and discussing their marriage with their beloved pastor. As a silent observer of their love story, I accompanied them, capturing the tender exchange as they held hands, shared thoughts about their day, and expressed excitement for the journey ahead. It was a moment of pure intimacy and anticipation, a treasured memory that would resonate throughout the remainder of the day.

The Heartfelt Ceremony

The church overflowed with friends and family, gathering from near and far to celebrate Xander and Lindsey’s union. Adorning the sacred space were church-wide projects that Xander and Lindsey had contributed to over the years, a testament to their shared dedication and involvement in the community. Lindsey, accompanied by her mother, gracefully made her way down the aisle, with Xander awaiting her with a beaming smile at the altar. Guiding the ceremony was their beloved Pastor Vince, who infused it with personal touches born from the privilege of witnessing their love blossom. Vince shares a close bond with Xander, especially as Xander trains to become a Chaplain for the Army, allowing Vince to reminisce about their initial conversations regarding Lindsey and everything that followed.

Following their heartfelt vows, the lighting of candles, and their joyous first kiss, Xander and Lindsey walked hand in hand down the aisle, greeted by a magnificent sword arch, comprised of Xander’s Army friends, awaiting them at the end.

Portraits That Tell a Story

Graced with radiant sunshine, we took full advantage of the church’s front steps to immortalize precious moments of the newlyweds and their beloved guests. Spending nearly an hour, we meticulously captured portraits of friends and family, ensuring each memory was beautifully preserved. Following this, Lindsey and Xander’s bridal party lingered for group and individual portraits, each one a testament to the bonds of friendship and love. We concluded the session with intimate portraits of Lindsey and Xander, utilizing the church’s picturesque surroundings and its storied brick building, which held countless cherished memories for the couple.

A Reception to Remember

Upon their arrival at the reception, Xander and Lindsey were greeted with a sight that surpassed their expectations. Every detail they had meticulously planned was flawlessly executed, a testament to their creativity and dedication, with assistance from their cherished family and friends. Among the myriad of unique elements they incorporated, two stood out prominently. Firstly, they ingeniously utilized antique clocks as table “numbers,” each one thrifted by Lindsey and her mother. With each clock set to a distinct time, guests were guided to their designated tables with whimsical charm. Secondly, Xander and Lindsey curated a collection of books for each family member and friend, carefully selected to resonate with their unique relationship. Nestled within the pages of each book were personalized notes, a heartfelt gesture that left guests touched and delighted. These thoughtful touches elevated each table’s centerpiece, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present.

Moments to Remember

During the reception, heartfelt speeches were shared by members of both families, each offering a unique perspective and a flood of cherished memories. Xander’s twin brother, his best man, along with his parents, and Lindsey’s sister/maid of honor and her parents, took turns expressing their love and admiration for the newlyweds. However, it was Lindsey’s mother who delivered a speech that left an indelible mark on everyone present, including myself. She tenderly requested her other daughter to adjust the head table clock to 2:33, the exact minute when Xander and Lindsey became husband and wife. Encouraging the couple to pause and reflect on their love whenever they see the clock strike 2:33, her words beautifully complemented the significance of Xander and Lindsey’s clock centerpieces, adding an extra layer of warmth and meaning to the celebration.

Sword-Slashing Sweetness

As the moment arrived to cut the cake, Xander and Lindsey chose a unique twist that reflected Xander’s Army background. With a ceremonial sword in hand, they didn’t just cut the cake; they triumphantly ‘armed’ themselves with tradition and valor. This not only symbolized their unity but also honored Xander’s service in the army, leaving guests in awe of their courage and love.

A New Twist to First Dances

Xander and Lindsey’s first dance lineup was as unique as it was heartwarming, meticulously crafted to honor their parents. The dance commenced with a tender moment as Lindsey and her mother swayed together, laughter bubbling forth as they embraced the joy of the occasion. Following suit, Xander took the floor with his mother, their dance radiating with warmth and pride. In a touching exchange, Xander and Lindsey then traded partners, sharing a dance with each other’s moms, symbolizing the blending of their families. The dance reached its emotional peak as Xander’s father and Lindsey’s stepfather joined the circle, enveloping everyone in a heartfelt group hug before gracefully swapping out with the newlyweds. As the song drew to a close, Xander led Lindsey to the center of the floor, their hearts full of love as they embarked on their first dance as husband and wife.

As a wedding photographer, I have seen a variety of dance lineups, but this one broke the mold. They didn’t feel restricted to tradition. They asked themselves what would be most meaningful to them, and designed it to create meaningful moments.

Dancing into Forever

As the evening unfolded, the dance floor came alive with laughter and joy. From young to old, guests joined in the celebration, creating memories that would last a lifetime. The dance floor became a stage for spontaneity, from a lively dance train to the appearance of a giant cut-out head of their beloved cat Paco, adding an element of whimsy to the festivities.

Xander and Lindsey’s Chicago wedding was a celebration of love, friendship, and personalization. As a wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture the magic of their day, from heartfelt moments to joyous celebrations. Whether in Chicago or beyond, I am committed to following my couples wherever their love story takes them, ensuring that every moment is beautifully captured and cherished forever.