Couples commission me to be their personal image maker during their entire wedding experience, not just the wedding day.
There is simply nothing like the warm feeling of owning a full collection of images that remind you of your loved ones. It’s beautiful.

Dave and Hilary married on a sunny, breezy afternoon at her magnificent family home nestled in Lake Forest. The celebration capped off a weekend full of emotional reunions and sweet moments shared with their closest friends and relatives.
It was my honor to photograph their unforgettable wedding and present their romantic story to you.
We begin Friday afternoon, on rehearsal day…

Episcopal minister Jay Sidebotham gives directions to the wedding party

Soaring trees surround the Smiths’ beautiful backyard

Hilary’s sister Lydia agrees to be an official witness

The elegant layout of the rehearsal dinner planned by Dave’s mother Mary Anne

50 of Dave and Hilary’s closest friends and relatives reunite over cocktails

Hilary’s siblings give a surprise toast highlighting samples of her childhood poetry

Dave toasts his bride

Hilary’s extended family relaxes later into the evening at the Smith home

Bridesmaids watch as Hilary gets her wedding day hair styled

Hilary’s mother Kiki checks on the spectacular transformation of her property into a tented ceremony space

Hilary’s dress, designed and created in Paris

Dave and the groomsmen get ready at the nearby Deer Path Inn

The groomsmen’s bowties wrap Dave’s gift to them: sets of bespoke cufflinks

Hilary’s brother Duncan

Hilary surprises Dave with a fox hunting print

Gorgeous floral arrangements welcome guests to the Smith home

Hilary’s mother and aunt

The bridesmaids accompany Hilary to a salon in Lake Forest

Hilary’s sister Beatrice | Hilary’s brother Duncan

The stylist creates a timeless look for the bride

The ladies cinch Hilary’s gown

Isn’t she perfect?

Hilary’s father sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day

An heirloom pin attached to Hilary’s bow

Hilary’s family is caught spying from above

Beatrice is moved by the moment

The Smith family

Hilary surprises her parents with reminders of her treasured relationship with them

A quiet moment between mother and daughter

Hilary makes sure to get out of sight before Dave arrives

Dave strides up the driveway

The Cronheim family

Dave cannot resist tormenting his younger brother Robert

Arriving guests take in a spectacular sight

The fathers await the ceremony

Dave enjoys a quiet moment alone as guests arrive

Bridesmaids open gifts from Hilary: lingerie bags brought from France

Sisters Lydia and Beatrice open sentimental gifts from Hilary

Hilary receives a gift

Bridesmaids view guests arriving downstairs

Dave’s grandmother and brother | Dave’s parents

Mother of the bride

Guests queue up to greet the newlyweds

View of the Onwentsia Club course as seen by guests arriving for the reception

The father of the bride toasts the newlyweds

Toasts by the best man and maid of honor

Hilary and Dave’s first dance together as husband and wife

Hilary embraces her father

Dave dances with his mother

Guests enjoyed a luxurious dessert bar

A groomsman shows off his alma mater cufflinks received as a gift from Dave

Vocalists with the Stu Hirsch Orchestra

The newlyweds with their classmates from Cornell

Hilary tosses her bouquet from the balcony high above the ballroom

The couple departs through an unexpected sea of sparklers

The end of the beginning
These photographs are merely the highlights. View the complete gallery.
It was my great pleasure to meet everyone! I look forward to seeing you all again at future weddings. Thank you Dave and Hilary!