I recently had the pleasure of returning to the beautiful Armour House in Lake Forest for Jess and Alex’s wedding. The day was filled with on-and-off rain, and the wet, slippery grounds meant their ceremony had to be moved indoors. But despite the weather, Jess and Alex remained unfazed. They embraced every moment, making the day feel even more special.

Jess’s smile was infectious—she was laughing and enjoying herself all day long. It’s always a joy to work with couples who are so present in the moment, regardless of any challenges that pop up.

There were a couple of unique traditions that I had never seen before, even after 17 years of photographing weddings. Instead of the usual bouquet toss, Jess did a bouquet ribbon cutting. The single ladies held onto ribbons tied to the bouquet, and Jess cut each ribbon one by one. The last remaining ribbon determined who took home the bouquet. Another first was the groom throwing a squishy stuffed animal instead of a garter. I’ve never been a big fan of the traditional garter toss, so this was a refreshing and fun twist!

Beyond the playful moments, there were also many touching ones. One that stands out is when Jess reads a letter from Alex. She was so overwhelmed with emotion, that it was clear how much those words meant to her.

We ended the night with a sparkler exit, with all their guests lining up outside to send Jess and Alex off in style. It was the perfect conclusion to a day full of joy, love, and unforgettable memories.

Here are a few highlights from their wedding day at the Armour House.

Planner: Aisle AI Weddings Chicago

Venue: Armour House

Video: New Pixel Films

DJ: Virtuoso DJ

Photographed by: Jiho & Maggie

Hair & Makeup: Antonette White Makeup & Hair Artistry