When Samantha reached out to me for her wedding, I felt thrilled. Years ago, I had photographed her brother Nick’s wedding at the W Center in Chicago. Capturing a wedding for a family member of a past client is always an honor, reminding me that these connections are as meaningful as the photos themselves.
Samantha and I clicked immediately—especially when we discovered we both have French Bulldogs named Winston! With this shared love for our pups, I knew we were going to have a blast working together. Samantha and Zach’s wedding day unfolded in Naperville, close to home, making it even more special. Although I live just five minutes away, this was my first time photographing Elements in Hotel Indigo, which turned out to be a fantastic venue.
The day began with an elegant ceremony at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Surrounded by family and friends, Samantha and Zach exchanged vows in a stunning setting. Afterward, we traveled to the Naperville Riverwalk, where the wedding party joined us for photos. And, of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete without a cameo from Winston himself, who added an extra spark to the portraits.
From there, we headed to the reception at Elements. I loved seeing so many familiar faces, and the room buzzed with laughter, joy, and truly heartfelt speeches. Moments like these always remind me how much weddings celebrate love and family. There were tears, there was laughter, and every moment felt genuine.
It was a memorable day filled with beautiful memories. Here are some highlights from Samantha and Zach’s wonderful Naperville wedding!
Wedding Planner: One Fine Day Events
Photographer: Jiho
Church: Saints Peter and Paul Church
Reception: Elements at Water Street
Music: Spinnin Discs
Floral: Phillips Flowers
Photobooth: Fotio
Wow!